The Traitors is back on BBC One, with 22 new contestants vying to win the game of deception and behavioural scrutiny.
Less than two months after Alan Carr emerged victorious from the inaugural celebrity edition, The Traitors kicked off on New Year’s Day with a 65-minute long premiere.
Among the contestants this year are a bestselling crime writer and a retired police detective.
In the first episode, host Claudia Winkleman selected three contestants – Stephen, Hugo, and Rachel – as Traitors.
In a twist to the established format, she also announced the selection of an unidentified Secret Traitor, leaving the central trio of Traitors feeling bewildered and paranoid.
A further late surprise saw contestant Roxy reveal that she is actually the daughter of Judy, another player.
As the game goes into its second episode, Stephen, Hugo and Rachel will be deploying their best strategies to uncover their secret overlord.
We already know it can’t be James, Netty or Maz, as those are the Faithfuls selected by the Secret Traitor to appear on the murder shortlist.
So who could it be? Stephen’s already got his eye on Judy and former detective Amanda…
The moment we found out two players are related
As well as the Secret Traitor twist, last night’s episode also saw contestant Roxy reveal her mother is fellow player Judy.
Judy, a child liaison officer, has already faced accusations of being a Traitor on the show.
Roxy, who’s been hearing Judy’s name raised by Faithfuls as someone to be suspicious of, is keeping their relationship a secret to avoid the perception of an alliance.
This isn’t the first time a parent-child duo have appeared on the show.
In season two, Diane and Ross were revealed to be mother and son.
Ross then turned out to be a Traitor… could Claudia have a similar plan up her sleeve for Judy and Roxy?
Ellie Harrison2 January 2026 08:00
A recap on last night’s major twist
Claudia Winkleman revealed a new twist that’s not gone down too well with this year’s Traitors.
This time around, rather than having just the three usual Traitors in the game, there is a fourth additional Secret Traitor, whose identity is unknown the main trio and the viewing public.
This person is also working against the Faithfuls, but is pursuing their own victory – and will have influence over the game and the three regular Traitors, who can only select who to “murder” from a shortlist provided to them by the Secret Traitor.
Rachel’s face said it all:
Ellie Harrison2 January 2026 07:26
People already have theories. All just random guesswork at this point of course.
Louis Chilton2 January 2026 07:00
This crossed my mind! Suuuurely not though…
Louis Chilton2 January 2026 06:00
Louis Chilton2 January 2026 05:00
Our review of the series premiere:
Louis Chilton2 January 2026 04:00
What is a Secret Traitor? Well…
Louis Chilton2 January 2026 03:00
Here’s what the players stand to win.
Louis Chilton2 January 2026 02:00
Where is The Traitors filmed? You may be wondering!
Louis Chilton2 January 2026 01:00
What about that bombshell moment?
Louis Chilton2 January 2026 00:00
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