The Traitors 2026: All the contestants already ruled out of being the Secret Red Traitor
16 names are not out of the running!The Traitors Series 4 returned to BBC One last night (January 1), where the hit show introduced a Secret Red Traitor.
During Thursday’s episode, viewers were introduced to 22 new contestants who entered Andross Castle, Scotland, with the hope of winning the £120k grand prize.
However, just moments after the programme began, audiences were stunned as iconic host Claudia Winkleman introduced an unexpected twist.
The Traitors announce Secret Red Cloak Traitor twist
Addressing the camera while holding a red cloak, Claudia explained: “Before you take the Traitors Oath, I imagine you’re wondering why this cloak is a different colour.
“I can now reveal you have a special role. You are my Secret Traitor.”
Later on, ahead of selecting her Traitors, Claudia once again spoke directly to viewers.
“As always, I’m about to pick my Traitors. But I’m going to do something else. I’m also going to pick a Secret Traitor. Nobody will know who that is – not the Traitors, and not even you. It’s naughty, isn’t it?”
When she finally met The Traitors in the turret for the first time, Claudia informed them of the existence of a Secret Traitor and revealed that they would be tasked with choosing a shortlist of players to potentially murder each night.
The shock twist has left viewers itching to find out the identity of the Secret Traitor. As the show continues to play out, here are the contestants we can rule out…
First six contestants who can be ruled out as Secret Traitor
When Claudia picked her initial three Traitors, she chose Head of Communications Rachel Duffy, 42, as her only female Traitor.
Joining her is cyber security consultant Stephen Libby, 32, and barrister Hugo Lodge, 51.
Just like fans at home, all three Traitors had no idea who the Secret Traitor is. That said, three additional names can now be wiped out as suspects.
At the end of last night’s episode, the red-cloaked Traitor picked out three names. Out of those three names, the Traitors had to choose one to murder.
On the letter, the names James, Netty and Maz were handwritten. Tonight (January 2), one of those three contestants will be the first to be murdered.
Currently, that leaves the remaining 16 as suspects.
