Strictly Star's Secret Victory on German Traitors Revealed
While the UK version of The Traitors has just concluded its fourth season, fans of the hit reality show are making a surprising discovery about one of Britain's most familiar television personalities. Motsi Mabuse, the beloved judge from Strictly Come Dancing, secretly participated in and won the German adaptation of the show over a year ago – and she did it while playing as a traitor.
International Traitors Universe Expands
The revelation comes as viewers explore the growing international landscape of The Traitors franchise. With The Traitors Ireland currently airing on BBC One and iPlayer, and a new season of The Traitors US expected shortly, fans have been delving into various global versions of the psychological competition.
It was during this exploration that many British viewers stumbled upon the surprising fact that Motsi Mabuse not only appeared on the German edition but emerged victorious alongside her fellow traitors. The German version, titled Die Verräter – Vertraue Niemandem!, aired its third season in April 2025 on network RTL.
Mabuse's Triumphant Traitor Journey
What makes this discovery particularly remarkable is that Mabuse wasn't just a contestant – she was selected as a traitor from the very beginning of the competition. The South African dancer, who lives in Germany, managed to maintain her deceptive role throughout the series while competing against other celebrities.
In the dramatic finale, Mabuse and her fellow green-cloaked schemers Charlotte Würdig and Mirja du Mont successfully navigated the game's challenges to claim the €44,200 prize, equivalent to approximately £38,350. Their victory marked a significant moment in the show's history, with three female traitors working together to secure the win.
Social Media Reaction and Discovery
The delayed discovery has sparked considerable reaction on social media platforms, with fans expressing both surprise and admiration for Mabuse's achievement. One X user wrote: 'Just discovered that Motsi Mabuse won the German version of The Traitors last year yet no one's ever mentioned it?'
Another enthusiastic fan commented: 'And she was a TRAITOR? And won it with two other female Traitors. This is incredible I need to watch it immediately.' The sentiment was echoed by others who felt they had missed out on significant television history, with one user declaring: 'It's a crime that I only just found this out.'
Mabuse's Response to Her Victory
The television personality has remained relatively quiet about her experience on the German show, though she did acknowledge her participation when the series first aired. In an Instagram post from April 2025, Mabuse lip-synced to Defying Gravity from the musical Wicked, accompanied by the caption: 'Welcome to the chaos. Now you know my big little secret.'
She added an important reminder to viewers: 'And don't forget: It's just a game. A very small, emotionally overloaded, crazy GAME.' Her sister, former Strictly professional dancer Oti Mabuse, showed support at the time, writing on social media: 'Guys @motsimabuse is on Celebrity Traitors in Germany and she's a TRAITOR!! Can't wait to follow her journey.'
Following her victory, Mabuse returned to Instagram with a powerful message addressing her critics: 'You hated me before the game even started right. Too present. Too dangerous. And when I played, I really played. Suddenly it was 'TOO MUCH' (nothing new). I don't play to be liked. I played to be played. With a piece of mind. With an attitude. And with women by my side who knew what they were doing.'
She concluded with characteristic defiance: 'And quite honestly? You don't have to be everyone's cup of tea. Be gasoline. Set things on fire.' Notably, this victory post received congratulations from Claudia Winkleman, host of the UK version of The Traitors and Mabuse's former Strictly colleague.
Availability and Current Traitors Landscape
The German version of The Traitors remains unavailable for streaming in the United Kingdom, which explains why British fans are only now discovering Mabuse's involvement. Meanwhile, the UK version continues to demonstrate its popularity, with the recent fourth season finale attracting peak viewership of 9.6 million viewers.
That season concluded with traitors Rachel and Stephen securing a dramatic last-minute victory and claiming the £95,750 prize pot. The show's enduring appeal has been confirmed as production prepares for both a second celebrity season and a fifth civilian season.
For now, British viewers can access The Traitors UK, US, and Ireland on iPlayer, while Motsi Mabuse's triumphant German performance remains a fascinating piece of television history that fans are only just beginning to appreciate and discuss across social media platforms.
