The Traitors Season 4 Finale Promises Shocking Twists

The tension is palpable as fans brace themselves for the much-anticipated finale of The Traitors season 4, set to air on Friday, 23 January 2026. The extended final episode, which will begin at the unusual time of 8:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer, promises to be a dramatic culmination of weeks of intrigue, betrayal, and strategic maneuvering inside the iconic Ardross Castle. For those seeking a communal experience, select cinemas and pubs across the UK—from London’s Exhibit Cinema to Manchester’s Cultplex—will also be screening the finale, ensuring the nation’s obsession with the show reaches fever pitch.

This season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From the very start, when 22 hopefuls entered the gothic halls of Ardross Castle on New Year’s Day, viewers have been treated to a wild ride full of plot twists, breakfast table accusations, and enough cosy knitwear to fill a department store. The BBC series has masterfully kept both contestants and audiences guessing, with unexpected betrayals and shifting alliances at every turn (according to Glamour).

As the final approaches, only eight contestants remain, each with their own compelling narrative and strategy. Among them are Rachel and Stephen, the last standing Traitors, and Faithfuls Jade, James, Roxy, Jack, Faraaz, and Matthew. The stakes couldn’t be higher: the Faithfuls are desperate to root out the remaining Traitors and claim the prize, while Rachel and Stephen are hoping to outwit their opponents and walk away with the cash themselves (Digital Spy; The Independent).

Rachel, at 42, has been described as the “master puppeteer” of the season by The Independent. An FBI-trained mother of three, she’s skillfully navigated the treacherous waters of the game, surviving two major accusations—first from Fiona and then from Harriet. Both accusers were swiftly banished, cementing Rachel’s reputation as a formidable strategist. Her ability to maintain the Faithfuls’ trust, even as she orchestrates moves from the shadows, has made her the most likely Traitor to secure a win if the Faithfuls fail to identify her in time.

Stephen, the 32-year-old Traitor, has had a more turbulent journey. He’s been under suspicion since the early days, with Jessie correctly identifying him as a Traitor. Yet, Stephen’s luck held; after taking the risky step of “murdering” Jessie last week, he managed to escape the last roundtable without a single vote cast against him. His loyalty to Rachel has been unwavering, and together, the duo have weathered attacks from both Faithfuls and fellow Traitors alike (The Independent).

Jade, the 25-year-old PhD student, has spent much of her time in the castle under the microscope. Amanda, a former contestant, never let up on her suspicions, and Jade’s resilience has been tested repeatedly. In a poignant moment during a recent dinner party, Jade opened up about her family tragedy: “My parents got divorced when I was seven. My mum moved back to Hong Kong. She had a kid – in 2018, they were both found dead. I’ve had to really rebuild myself from that point onwards.” Her vulnerability was met with support from her peers, perhaps marking a turning point for her fortunes in the game (The Independent).

James, the 38-year-old gardener, has managed to survive despite being a lightning rod for suspicion among the Faithfuls. His decision to secretly steal a shield during a challenge caused a stir, with Roxy calling out his “deceitful” behavior. Nevertheless, he’s made it to the final week, and both Stephen and Rachel are keen to exploit the lingering doubts about his loyalty. According to Digital Spy, James is seen as too much of a risk to keep around, which could spell trouble for him in the final moments.

Roxy, 32, has had a challenging journey. After losing her mother Judy to an early banishment, she’s struggled to develop strong theories and has often missed the mark during crucial discussions. Her close alliance with Stephen—one of the remaining Traitors—might prove to be her undoing, especially as the Faithfuls grow increasingly desperate to identify the enemy within (The Independent).

Jack, the 29-year-old personal trainer, has adopted a low-key approach, flying under the radar and avoiding the spotlight. This strategy has kept him safe from both banishment and “murder.” At a recent dinner party, Jack revealed plans to propose to his girlfriend—a proposal she has since accepted. His closest ally in the castle is Stephen, but Jack has begun to question whether this connection could ultimately betray him (Digital Spy).

Faraaz, at just 22, is one of the youngest contestants left. He’s managed to win over both his fellow contestants and viewers with his unflappable demeanor and sincerity. During a dinner party, he shared that, if victorious, he would take his family to perform the hajj, the holy Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. Despite his popularity, Faraaz’s status as one of the “caged” players has led to speculation that a Traitor might be hiding among them, putting him at risk as the finale approaches (The Independent).

Matthew, though not as prominent as some of the others, has played a unique role this season. After winning the chance to ask the Traitors two questions, he made a bold offer to join their ranks. However, Rachel and Stephen deemed him too unpredictable to recruit, leaving him in limbo and likely facing banishment in the final days (The Independent).

Throughout the season, the show has delivered its trademark mix of gothic atmosphere, dramatic twists, and stylish knitwear. The breakfast table has been the scene of many an accusation, while the turret has served as the nerve center for the Traitors’ plotting. The game’s unpredictability has kept both contestants and viewers on their toes, with Digital Spy noting that “anything really can happen.”

The journey to the finale has been marked by memorable moments, including the selection of Rachel, Stephen, and Hugo as the original Traitors, Claudia’s surprise role as a Secret Traitor, and the banishment of key players like Fiona and Harriet. As Glamour pointed out, the Faithfuls have repeatedly turned on one another, often to the delight—and sometimes the frustration—of fans watching from home.

With only hours to go before the final showdown, speculation is rife about who will emerge victorious. Will Rachel and Stephen outmaneuver the remaining Faithfuls and claim the prize? Or will the Faithfuls finally see through the deception and banish the last of the Traitors? One thing’s for sure: viewers across the UK will be glued to their screens, eager to witness the dramatic conclusion to one of television’s most unpredictable competitions.

As the curtain falls on another unforgettable season at Ardross Castle, fans can only wonder what twists the finale will bring—and who will ultimately be crowned the winner of The Traitors season 4.