Reality television thrives on secrets, strategy, and the thrill of betrayal, but few shows have managed to bottle that lightning quite like The Traitors. As the fourth season unfolds across both the UK and US versions, viewers are being treated to a masterclass in social gameplay, unexpected alliances, and the kind of psychological drama that keeps audiences glued to their screens. With new episodes dropping on both BBC One and Peacock, the series is not only pushing its contestants to the edge but also redefining what it means to be a Faithful—or a Traitor.
On January 14, 2026, Fiona Hughes, a 62-year-old local government officer from Swansea, peeled back the curtain on her time as a secret traitor during a candid interview on BBC Radio 2’s The Scott Mills Breakfast Show. Fiona, who operated under the radar in a signature red cloak after being selected by presenter Claudia Winkleman, described the experience as nothing short of “wonderful.” She revealed that her murder shortlist was a calculated move, designed to target the “most faithful” contestants in the game—a decision that would ultimately shape the fate of her fellow players.
“I thought they were the three most faithful, and that’s why their names were on the list,” Fiona explained, referencing her choices: Netty, Ben, and Maz. “Netty was fantastic, she’s so friendly, beautiful and open-hearted. Ben, a veteran and he was clever. And Maz, his whole aura was one of love and peace.” According to BBC, Fiona’s approach was methodical, seeking to eliminate those least likely to be suspected as traitors—a high-stakes gamble that put her own position at risk.
But the game’s unpredictability caught up with Fiona. After she attempted to oust a fellow traitor, suspicion turned her way, and she was banished from the castle, receiving the most votes at the infamous round table. Despite her early exit—lasting just six episodes—Fiona said, “It felt like I had been there a lifetime. It was a wonderful experience.” The excitement didn’t end there; she hosted a lively watch party for her family during the final episode, relishing the camaraderie and suspense that define The Traitors.
While Fiona’s journey came to an end, the drama inside the castle has only intensified. According to Cosmopolitan, Matthew, a 35-year-old Creative Director originally from Londonderry and now living in Edinburgh, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the current season. During a recent episode, Matthew leveraged his confessional time with Traitors Rachel and Stephen, proposing an audacious deal: if they murdered Jessie, he would join their ranks as a traitor. This unexpected twist left both viewers and contestants reeling. “We didn’t know who Matthew was and now he’s calling the shots,” one fan remarked on X, echoing the sentiment of many.
Matthew’s approach to the game is as strategic as it is ruthless. “I’m really competitive. I’ve played a lot of sports in my life and I love games, so I’m going to play to win,” he told the BBC. He’s unafraid to compartmentalize his morality for the sake of gameplay, stating, “This is a game and I’m very capable of compartmentalising, so if I must get rid of someone because that’s what the game’s saying, I won’t think twice about it, I’ll just do it.” His primary tactic? Staying part of the bigger group to avoid both murder and banishment—a delicate dance that requires constant vigilance and adaptability.
Yet, Matthew’s ambitions go beyond mere survival. He’s openly discussed his plans for the prize money, dreaming of buying a cottage in the Scottish Highlands and celebrating his marriage—a nod to his advocacy for marriage equality in Northern Ireland. “I think that’s a better story for the last round table if I get there because it’s not cool to go against the gay who wants to get married!” he joked, hinting at the complex layers of personal narrative and strategy at play.
The intrigue doesn’t stop with individual machinations. As reported by CNET, The Traitors US season 4 has assembled a star-studded cast, including Lisa Rinna from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Monét X Change from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Rob Rausch from Love Island USA. With 23 contestants vying for a lucrative prize, the competition is fierce—and the stakes are higher than ever. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the US version unfolds in the atmospheric Scottish Highlands, with new episodes premiering Thursdays on Peacock. The release schedule is packed, with back-to-back episodes and a much-anticipated finale and reunion special set for February 26, 2026.
For those eager to follow every twist and turn, Peacock offers both Premium ($11/month, ad-supported) and Premium Plus ($17/month, mostly ad-free) plans, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action. And the future looks bright: Peacock renewed The Traitors for both its fourth and fifth seasons in 2024, with a civilian edition set to debut on NBC, also hosted by Cumming.
Meanwhile, the psychological warfare inside the castle is reaching a boiling point. As highlighted in a January 14 article, Rachel and Stephen—once considered among the smartest Faithfuls—are now showing signs of unraveling. After being outed as a Traitor by fellow contestant Harriet during a confessional, Rachel’s confidence plummeted. “She’s scaring the life out of me,” Rachel confided to Stephen, who admitted, “I can’t do this without you.” Their codependency and mounting anxiety have made them vulnerable, with the specter of banishment looming large.
Claudia Winkleman, ever the orchestrator of suspense, presented Rachel and Stephen with a fateful choice: to murder or recruit. Opting for murder, they may have sealed their own fate, with Matthew waiting in the wings—ready to exploit any misstep. “Regardless of what decision Rachel and Stephen make, Matthew has got the pair in a trap,” the article observed, noting his strategic silence and potential to turn the tables if recruited.
With each episode, the line between Faithful and Traitor blurs, alliances shift, and the castle becomes a crucible for ambition, fear, and cunning. Whether it’s Fiona’s heartfelt reflection on her time as a secret traitor, Matthew’s calculated rise to power, or the unraveling of once-dominant players, The Traitors continues to captivate audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
As the season barrels toward its explosive conclusion, one thing is certain: in the world of The Traitors, trust is fleeting, and no one is ever truly safe.
