{"id":212793,"date":"2026-01-02T07:17:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T07:17:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/212793\/"},"modified":"2026-01-02T07:17:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T07:17:10","slug":"the-traitors-fans-share-verdict-on-excellent-episode-one-twists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/212793\/","title":{"rendered":"The Traitors fans share verdict on “excellent” episode one twists"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Traitors<\/a> spoilers follow.<\/p>\n

The Traitors returned tonight with its fourth season<\/a>, and it certainly pulled no punches in terms of twists<\/a>. After an alteration to the format was unveiled, we also got a reveal that harkened back to the second season.<\/p>\n

The beloved BBC reality series<\/a> was back with its latest instalment following a hugely successful celebrity version, with 22 contestants heading to the Scottish Highlands for a chance at winning a huge cash prize.<\/p>\n

Naturally, host Claudia Winkleman had to select the first three Traitors of the season, with Hugo Lodge, Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby being given that particular honour. There was, however, a twist to come.<\/p>\n

Claudia informed the trio that there was a fourth Traitor, whose identity would remain a secret to both them and the viewing audience. The Secret Traitor would have the ultimate power, as they would prove a shortlist for the trio to murder each night.<\/p>\n

After James Baker, Maz Bana and Netty were selected as the vulnerable contestants, several fans on social media reacted to the Secret Traitor twist, with one viewer on X<\/a> calling it an “excellent” spin on the formula.<\/p>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

Photographer:\/\/BBC<\/p>\n

Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

“I\u2019m all for the audience\/Traitors not knowing who the secret Traitor is, but I\u2019m not sure how I feel about the secret Traitor holding all the power and deciding who to murder. Almost makes the Traitors themselves feel a bit redundant,” wrote a second viewer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“So not only do we not know who the secret traitor is.. not even the traitors know. Oh my god. The producers are cooking,” wrote a third<\/a>, with another quipping<\/a>: “Can’t stop thinking about the secret traitor doing all that work to get n0 screentime.”<\/p>\n

“I love love LOVE that we as viewers finally get to experience what it\u2019s really like trying to catch a Traitor with zero inside knowledge! What a twist!” added another<\/a>, though one remarked<\/a> that it was “unfair” on the three Traitors.<\/p>\n

It wasn’t the only reveal of the episode, with Netty and Ross confirming that they both knew each other – albeit from over a decade ago – after previously meeting through a mutual friend. <\/p>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

Photographer:\/\/BBC<\/p>\n

Related: Claudia Winkleman officially confirms next project for after The Traitors<\/a><\/p>\n

Furthermore, it was announced to the viewing audience that Judy Wilson and Roxy were a mother-daughter duo, though there is a precedent for this following Diane and Ross Carson’s participation in the second season.<\/p>\n

Some perceptive viewers had actually already deduced this after Roxy had referred to Judy as “mum” during the first challenge, with one fan writing on X<\/a>: “I KNEW IT, Roxy accidentally called Judy mum during the challenge.”<\/p>\n

“I thought it was a secret, but Roxy called Judy ‘Mum’ in the challenge?!” added another fan<\/a> – but given Judy and Roxy want to keep this fact a secret in the castle, will they be successful in their mission?<\/p>\n

The Traitors airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.<\/p>\n

Interested in talking about The Traitors? Visit our dedicated sub-forum<\/a><\/p>\n

Read more The Traitors news on our dedicated homepage<\/a><\/p>\n

The new edition of Living Legends, celebrating music icon Dolly Parton, is here! Buy Dolly at 80 in newsagents or online<\/a>, priced at just \u00a38.99. <\/p>\n

\"Lettermark\"<\/p>\n

Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies<\/a> and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. \u00a0His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible<\/a> and John Wick<\/a> to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
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