The nation is once again gripped by The Traitors fever, and a potential production slip-up has sent the show's dedicated fanbase into a frenzy. Viewers are convinced they have already identified the mysterious secret fourth Traitor introduced by host Claudia Winkleman this series, thanks to a clue spotted in the spin-off show Uncloaked.
The Secret Twist Revealed
In a bid to refresh the format for the new series, host Claudia Winkleman announced a major twist. Alongside the three Traitors chosen in the Great Hall ceremony – Hugo, Rachel, and Stephen – she secretly appointed a fourth, known only to herself. This player, distinguished by a red cloak, holds the unique advantage of knowing every contestant's true allegiance, a fact even the audience was meant to be kept in the dark about.
However, during the episode of Uncloaked that aired on Thursday, 5 January 2026, sharp-eyed fans noticed something amiss. On the wall behind the cast portraits, the pictures of the three publicly known Traitors were displayed, but they were accompanied by a fourth photo: that of contestant Harriet.
Social Media Erupts with Theories
The discovery quickly ignited theories on social media platform X. One viewer directly questioned the inclusion, posting: "Why are the 3 traitors pictured on the wall…..with Harriet." Another fan stated more definitively: "Spoiler: The portraits of the traitors are in the background of #traitorsuncloaked.... Plus an additional one. Harriet the secret traitor!"
Not all viewers were convinced by the Harriet theory. Some proposed alternative candidates, with one fan pointing out that contestant Sam had nothing next to his name, while another declared they were "convinced Sam is the secret traitor." Others even speculated that one of the original three Traitors might be secretly holding the fourth red cloak, as the moment of the fourth appointment was not shown on camera.
Producers Aim to Keep the Mystery Alive
The show's Creative Director, Mike Cotton, explained the thinking behind the secret Traitor twist. "Each series is like its own murder mystery. We never change the core game, but we always work in twists," he said. "We thought it would be interesting if you didn't know who one of the Traitors was."
He elaborated on the gameplay implications, noting that the secret Traitor's power would persist until the other players could reclaim it. "The Traitors are used to having all of the power, so it will be interesting to see how they navigate that and if they can use it to their advantage," Cotton added.
While the show's return follows the success of Celebrity Traitors in 2025, which saw Alan Carr emerge as a breakout star, this latest series has generated its own intense buzz. For now, the BBC maintains that the red-cloaked betrayer's identity is under wraps, but with fans meticulously dissecting every frame, the secret may be out far sooner than the producers intended.
