Traitors Viewers Express Outrage Over Missing Reaction Segment
Fans of the hit BBC reality show The Traitors have been left feeling deliberately provoked and disappointed after a key moment was excluded from the spin-off programme Uncloaked. The segment in question featured contestant Roxy learning the identities of the traitors, which has become a staple part of the supplementary show's format.
The Controversial Omission
Roxy appeared on the Ed Gamble-hosted podcast studio for Uncloaked alongside Joe Marler and Minah from the show's third series. However, viewers were denied the customary scene where the most recently murdered contestant reads the traitors' names from a scroll and reacts to the revelation. Instead, Roxy participated in the discussion having already discovered that Stephen and Rachel were the cloaked deceivers.
This departure from the established format has sparked considerable backlash among the show's dedicated fanbase. Many had specifically tuned in to witness Roxy's response, particularly given her previous on-camera declaration of trust in the two eventual traitors. "I would love for Stephen or Rachel to win," she had stated during her final moments on the main show. "I think they're both amazing people and I think they've – hopefully – been faithful and honest throughout the process."
Fan Reactions and Social Media Backlash
The omission prompted immediate reaction across social media platforms, with viewers expressing their frustration in strong terms. One fan named Gavin posted on X: "How have Uncloaked done us that dirty by not showing Roxy opening the envelope revealing the traitors." Another viewer, Jonquil, described the missing segment as the "best part" of the BBC spin-off show.
The sentiment was echoed by numerous other fans who felt deliberately misled. "Only watched uncloaked to see Roxy open the envelope which reveals the Traitors," wrote one disappointed viewer. "They've rage baited me twice in half an hour." Another fan questioned the editorial decision directly: "So the whole nation no doubt wanted to see Roxy's reaction to finding out who the traitors are and they don't even show it us?"
Possible Explanations for the Editorial Decision
Some viewers have speculated about potential reasons behind the controversial editing choice. One theory suggests that Roxy's reaction might have been particularly emotional or distressing, leading producers to exclude it from the broadcast. Alternatively, there's speculation that the segment might have been filmed alongside the contestant who faces banishment in the upcoming finale episode.
As fan Brian theorised on social media: "I reckon [Roxy] was filmed with whoever got banished after the chance chests (Rachel or James), so they're withholding it now to protect the cliffhanger." If this hypothesis proves correct, viewers might still get to witness Roxy's discovery moment during Friday's extended edition of Uncloaked, which follows the 75-minute season finale on BBC One.
Context of the Upcoming Finale
The controversy emerges as the fourth series of The Traitors approaches its dramatic conclusion. Host Claudia Winkleman recently introduced the two chests that will determine the roundtable decision, following a deadlock between contestants Rachel and James. The player who receives the chest containing a shield will gain protection from banishment and secure their place in Friday's final episode.
The outcome carries significant implications for the game's conclusion. If Rachel is banished, only one traitor – Stephen – would remain in the competition. However, if James leaves the show, two traitors would continue to operate among the faithful contestants, substantially increasing the likelihood of the prize fund being claimed by the deceivers.
The series finale of The Traitors airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday at 8:30pm, followed by what many hope will be a more complete edition of Uncloaked that might finally include the missing reaction segment that has caused such consternation among the show's passionate viewership.
