The launch of The Traitors UK series 4 on Thursday night delivered a bombshell twist that left fans reeling. Host Claudia Winkleman revealed the introduction of a Secret Traitor, an anonymous player with immense power to shape the game.
The Secret Traitor's Game-Changing Power
This new, hidden Traitor operates with a significant advantage. They are the only contestant who knows the true identity of every player in the castle. Furthermore, each night they will select three names, and the regular Traitors will only be permitted to murder from that shortlist. This twist dramatically alters the strategy and paranoia levels from the very first episode.
However, eagle-eyed viewers believe they have already deciphered a major clue pointing to the Secret Traitor's identity. Their suspicions are firmly focused on Jade Scott, a 25-year-old PhD student from the West Midlands.
Why Fans Suspect Jade Scott
Jade made a distinct impression during the opening episode. A graduate with a First Class Honours and Masters in Biomedical Science from the University of Warwick, she presented herself as a sharp and analytical player. Crucially, she was the only contestant to tell Claudia Winkleman she wanted to be a Faithful.
This declaration, setting her apart from the crowd, has become the central piece of evidence for fan theories. Many believe this is a classic piece of misdirection by the show's producers.
One fan theorised on social media: "The fact that Jade was the only person to say she wanted to be a faithful and called herself a gamer... but then is randomly nervous after blindfolds come off makes me think they made her the secret traitor."
Others noted the editing, with comments like: "They seemed to pan the camera to Jade a LOT and the fact she was the only one in the montage to say she wanted to be faithful…" A fourth viewer added: "Her intro was delayed and brief, camera cut to her on 'faithful,' and the show loves subliminal misdirection."
A Strategic Player Enters the Game
In her pre-show interview, Jade highlighted skills that could serve her well in either role. She stated, "I have quite good problem solving abilities, so that will hopefully help in trying to navigate through the game and missions." She also emphasised her teamwork and ability to get along with others, key traits for a Traitor needing to avoid suspicion.
The most compelling fan theory suggests the producers specifically chose Jade for the Secret Traitor role precisely because she publicly desired to be a Faithful. As one fan put it: "What if the producers chose Jade to be the secret traitor, since she was the only one that said she wanted to be a faithful, and it would throw us all off..."
Whether this collective detective work is accurate will only be revealed as the tense psychological battles of The Traitors UK series 4 unfold on the BBC.
