The Traitors Finale Delivers Twists And Suspense In Extended Episode

After weeks of intrigue, betrayal, and suspense, the fourth season of The Traitors reached its dramatic conclusion on January 23, 2026. Fans across the UK and beyond tuned in to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at the special time of 8:30pm—half an hour later than the usual slot—to witness the grand finale of the reality TV phenomenon that has kept viewers on the edge of their seats since New Year’s Day.

This season, which began on January 1, 2026, introduced 22 new contestants to the now-iconic castle setting. Divided into the Faithfuls and the Traitors, the group navigated a gauntlet of psychological games, secret alliances, and nerve-wracking missions, all competing for a prize pot that could reach up to £120,000. By the eve of the final episode, the pot stood at a tantalizing £76,750, the result of weeks of teamwork, double-crossing, and strategic maneuvering, as reported by The Scotsman.

The finale episode itself was an event, extended to 75 minutes—fifteen minutes longer than regular installments. This allowed for the full drama of the season’s last twists to unfold. According to Radio Times, the episode aired from 8:30pm to 9:45pm, followed directly by the spin-off show The Traitors: Uncloaked, hosted by Ed Gamble. In this follow-up, Claudia Winkleman, the ever-stylish and enigmatic host, joined the winner(s) and cast members to dissect the season’s most jaw-dropping moments.

The build-up to the finale was nothing short of electrifying. The previous night’s semi-final ended on a cliffhanger that left fans and contestants alike in suspense. At the roundtable, both Rachel—a Traitor—and James—a Faithful—found themselves under intense scrutiny. The vote to banish a suspected Traitor ended in a deadlock, with both Rachel and James receiving an equal number of votes. As NationalWorld described, “the group vote ended in a tie between Rachel and James. A revote saw the group split once again, meaning that James and Rachel’s fate in the game was left up to chance.”

That chance came in the form of the Chests of Chance—a new twist for the season. Each contestant selected a chest, one of which contained a shield that would save its holder from banishment. The other contained nothing, sealing the unlucky player’s fate. The episode ended just before the reveal, leaving viewers desperate for answers. As BBC One reminded fans, “Viewers will need to tune in from 8.30pm tonight to find out which unlucky player has been banished and who will eventually walk away with the prize pot.”

The tension wasn’t limited to the castle. The finale was also screened in cinemas across the UK, from London’s Exhibit Cinema and Clapham Grand to Manchester’s Cultplex and Sheffield’s Showroom, according to Radio Times. This communal viewing experience underscored just how much The Traitors has become a cultural touchstone, drawing in audiences with its blend of psychological gameplay and real human drama.

Throughout the season, the cast was whittled down through a combination of “murders” (Traitors eliminating Faithfuls overnight) and banishments (players voting out those they suspected of being Traitors). Highlights included the dramatic reveal of Fiona as a Secret Traitor, the face-to-face murder of Maz, and the introduction of the Secret Dagger, which allowed a player to cast two votes at the roundtable. These twists kept both contestants and viewers guessing, with alliances constantly shifting and suspicions running rampant.

By the time of the finale, only six players remained: Faithfuls Faraaz, Jack, Jade, and James; and Traitors Rachel and Stephen. Bookmakers, as reported by The Scotsman, saw Stephen as the favorite to win, followed by Jack, Faraaz, Jade, Rachel, and James. Yet, as any fan of The Traitors knows, nothing is ever certain until the final moment.

The show’s appeal lies not just in its format, but in the personalities and strategies of its players. Former winner Jake Brown, speaking to RadioTimes.com, praised the Traitors’ tactics: “I think right now it’s hard to see past the Traitors. I just think they’ve been really good. Social skills, clever gameplay, the taking risks, they’ve worked together as well, which is nice to see, and it’s really benefited them.” He added, “Anytime anyone has mentioned either their names, they’ve kind of steered the direction away from them. So at the moment, I think both Traitors will be in the final five.”

For those who missed the live broadcast, or simply couldn’t get enough, every episode of The Traitors—including seasons one through three and international versions—remained available on BBC iPlayer. The show’s loyal fanbase has been known to binge-watch previous seasons, dissecting every move and motive in online forums and social media groups.

As The Guardian put it, this season “delivered on the naughty thrills we need in January,” providing viewers with a much-needed escape during the winter months. The Faithfuls, in particular, were lauded for their ability to “sniff out Traitors,” even as the Traitors themselves pulled off some of the game’s most audacious moves. The dynamic between Rachel and Stephen, the season’s remaining Traitors, was especially riveting, with their partnership surviving close calls and betrayals that would have unraveled lesser alliances.

In the end, the finale was about more than just the prize money. It was a test of trust, intuition, and resilience—a contest where every smile could hide a dagger and every alliance could turn on a dime. The extended episode gave fans everything they wanted: strategy, suspense, and the ultimate reveal of who would walk away with the coveted prize fund.

As the credits rolled and viewers reflected on another unforgettable season, one thing was clear: The Traitors has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most compelling reality shows, blending classic whodunit tension with the unpredictability of real human behavior. For those already missing the nightly dose of double-crossing and deduction, there’s always the next season—or a rewatch of the classics on iPlayer.