Viewers of BBC One's hit reality show The Traitors have declared the latest episode one of the most dramatic in the programme's history, following an hour of high-stakes betrayal and explosive confrontations.
Detective's Dramatic Reveal and a Tied Vote
The episode, which aired on Thursday, January 8, 2026, delivered a whirlwind of action. Contestant Amanda chose her final moments at the roundtable to reveal her past career as a former detective, a move that left BBC viewers stunned as she had confided in fellow player Rachel—unaware Rachel was one of the secret Traitors.
This revelation came just before her fate, and that of contestant Reece, was decided by the first-ever tied vote in the UK civilian version of the show. Before her banishment, Amanda addressed the group, stating simply: ‘I don’t need to go all dramatic. I think you all know what I’m going to say, take care of yourselves. I’m a Faithful.’
Fans on social media platform X were quick to point out the irony. One viewer, Ben, commented on the ‘perfect irony’ that the detective had failed to identify a Traitor so close to her.
Kitchen Carnage and Accusations Fly
The drama did not end at the roundtable. Tensions spilled over into the castle's kitchen, leading to what fans have described as ‘carnage’. In phenomenal scenes, contestant Fiona publicly doubted Amanda’s detective past and then took the audacious step of openly accusing Rachel of being a Traitor in front of the entire group.
This bold move threw the game into chaos, as viewers watched Traitors and Faithfuls clash in an unprecedented public showdown. The spectacle prompted an immediate and ecstatic reaction from the audience at home.
Viewers Hail 'Box Office' Television
The episode's relentless pace and shocking twists led to a flood of praise online, with many declaring it the show's best installment. Fan Dan called it ‘arguably the BEST episode of this show so far,’ adding, ‘I don’t think I took a breath for the last 15 minutes. It’s CARNAGE.’
Another viewer, Tom, stated: ‘Yeah this is absolute box office television. This might be my favourite ever season.’ The disbelief extended to the Traitors' own strategy, with fans amazed that Rachel and Fiona engaged in such a public argument moments before they could converse privately in the turret.
The show's popularity continues to soar. The prior episode secured an average of 7.3 million viewers, with a peak of 7.5 million. This represents a significant increase from the 6.9 million peak for the series launch on New Year's Day.
The Traitors continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
