The intense scrutiny faced by contestant Jade on BBC One's The Traitors has sparked a backlash from viewers, with many claiming the treatment has 'gone too far' and become deeply uncomfortable to watch.
An Unrelenting Witch Hunt
During the episode aired on January 16, 2026, the 25-year-old PhD student finally broke down at the roundtable. 'I’m frankly so sick of it,' Jade sighed in resignation. 'I’ve never seen someone have to go through so many roundtables and have to put up with as much as I have.' Her voice cracked as she mounted what was described as her most convincing defence yet, before bursting into tears.
The suspicion towards Jade began on day one when fellow contestant Amanda decided she looked 'expressionless and shifty'. This theory persisted and grew, despite what many see as a lack of concrete evidence. The campaign against her is spearheaded by Matthew, 35, who told her he would not be swayed by her tears.
A Pattern of Targeting the Quiet
Critics argue the allegations stem largely from Jade's reserved personality, a trait that has previously doomed other contestants. Reece, a sweet shop assistant murdered earlier in the series, faced a similar fate, overwhelmed by the ferocity of the accusations. In a previous episode, Faithful Ellie was banished simply for being perceived as 'too quiet'.
The show's host, Claudia Winkleman, attempted to lighten the mood after the tense banishment by offering a dinner party. Here, Jade revealed a poignant personal motivation for being on the show, explaining her desire for a safe space after her mother was found dead in Hong Kong in 2018. 'It takes me a really long time to let people in… I think that can come off as standoffish at first,' she confessed.
What Happens Next for Jade?
Thankfully for Jade, she narrowly dodged banishment in this episode, saved by the fact her opponents remain a vocal minority. Her emotional disclosure did prompt an apology from Matthew for making her cry. However, it remains unclear if this moment of humanity will shift perceptions.
Analysts suggest the Traitors are unlikely to murder Jade, as the constant suspicion surrounding her acts as a useful smokescreen for the real deceivers. As a self-professed fan of social deception games, Jade entered the castle expecting to battle the Traitors from a position of presumed innocence, not to fight for her 'right to be bland'.
With the public now heavily invested in her journey, all eyes will be on next week's episode to see if Jade can use the fire ignited by these attacks to mount a stunning comeback or if the unfounded witch hunt will ultimately claim another Faithful.
