Fans of the hit BBC show The Traitors are in uproar, demanding penalties for contestant Fiona after she flagrantly broke one of the programme's fundamental rules. The controversy erupted during the episode aired on Thursday, 9th January 2026, presented by Claudia Winkleman, which saw Fiona directly accuse her fellow Traitor, Rachel, of being a Traitor.
A Traitor Turns on Her Own
The dramatic scenes unfolded following a tense roundtable that resulted in the banishment of Amanda. In a strategic move, Rachel then revealed that Amanda had confided a secret to her: that she was a retired senior detective from the Metropolitan Police. Rachel shared this information in small groups, a tactic designed to cement her cover as a Faithful.
This move, however, infuriated her fellow Traitor, Fiona. In a confessional, Fiona raged about Rachel's narrative, telling the Mirror: "I'm not sure what narrative Rachel is peddling. I am flummoxed. I think Rachel is lying... She's playing a blinder and I don't believe it." Fiona then escalated the conflict, first sharing her suspicions with other contestants before confronting Rachel directly.
The Awkward Confrontation and Broken Oath
In remarkably uncomfortable scenes, Fiona told Rachel, "I am really suspicious of you," during a one-to-one conversation. She accused Rachel of planning to eliminate her and fellow Traitor Stephen, and of holding Faithfuls too close. The dispute quickly spread throughout the castle, with Fiona declaring her suspicions to the entire group in the kitchen.
This act is what has sparked viewer fury. Fans were quick to point out that Fiona had violated the sacred Traitors' oath, in which the deceitful participants pledge to "keep your identity and the identities of other Traitors hidden." By openly accusing Rachel, Fiona broke this core tenet of the game.
Viewer Backlash and Calls for Consequences
The reaction on social media was swift and severe. On Threads, one viewer stated: "I also think Fiona broke the Traitors Oath. Protection of fellow traitors. Claudia may step in and say something about rule breaking next episode." Another on X (formerly Twitter) questioned: "Surely there should be consequences for Fiona breaking the Traitor's oath??"
Many are now calling for Fiona's removal or for her to face a penalty, with some suggesting the other Traitors should vote her out in the turret. However, other viewers noted that this isn't the first time a Traitor has betrayed another outside the roundtable, referencing previous contestant Paul's tactics, and speculated the oath may specifically relate to discussions within the turret itself.
The fallout from this unprecedented breach of trust is sure to dominate discussions as The Traitors returns at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. All eyes will be on host Claudia Winkleman to see if the producers intervene and what fate awaits Fiona after her explosive betrayal.
