Game-changing Traitors theory connects every single BBC contestant

A bombshell theory on The Traitors links all of the contestants – and a key clue has been hidden in plain sight.

Viewers have already learned about three pre-existing connections throughout the BBC show’s latest series.

Contestants and viewers have been stumped by the presence of a family tree painting in the castle’s foyer.

It depicts all 22 initial players and also features Latin writing, seemingly intended to send a message. 

When translated, it reads: ‘Beware whom you trust as your own blood.

‘The sharpest knives are often handed to the table by faithful servants.

‘Among intimate friends lurk the most secret enemies; take care not to let your confidence become the cause of your downfall and agitation.’

Therefore, some fans believe this suggests the entire line-up are connected to each other in some way. 

Some of the guessed pairs include:

Reece & Amanda

Viewers have highlighted an apparent resemblance between contestants Reece, 27, and Amanda, 57.

This was also addressed in-game, with Amanda joking that Reece is her son – but was there an element of truth?

One viewer wrote on Reddit: ‘Sorry but they kind of look alike and their scenes together give off mother-son energy. I’M CONVINCED.’

Another added: ‘Absolutely, 100%. They look alike and are very relaxed around each other. Add Reece asking Fiona to give the skull to free Amanda, it’s just too many clues to ignore.’

A third chimed in: ‘Strong feeling they are Aunt & Nephew. They come across quite natural and relaxed around each other, a comfortable familiarity with all their conversations. 

‘There seems to be a lot of similarities between their facial features, even from the get go I thought they kinda looked alike, or else it’s all just very coincidental.’

In episode five, it came down to just the two of them in a tense banishment – which ultimately had to be resolved by Chests of Chance.

Ben and James

Laser-focused fans pointed out how contestant Ben’s surname has not been revealed online.

Although the show doesn’t typically share the cast’s surnames, armchair detectives believe this is no coincidence.

The retired navy officer, 66, became the second Faithful to be ‘murdered’ by the Traitors – and viewers thought he may be related to a fellow player.

One person wrote: ‘I’m pretty convinced we’ve found the big twist.’

They elaborated: ‘But here’s something very curious – nowhere at all will you find what Ben’s last name is.

‘The show released all contestant’s full name except Ben. He’s just called “Ben”.

‘All the wikis etc also only feature him by first name even though they list everyone else by full name.’

Another theorised: ‘I thought he looked like James around the eyes. And James is from Weymouth not far from Hampshire where it says Ben is from.

‘And as an ex-Navy he could have been based out of Portsmouth despite his Scottish accent.’

Jack and Jessie

Viewers began suspecting a possible link between Jack, 29, and Jessie, 28, following episode four’s mission.

Jessie’s role was playing to save Jack – who was ‘on trial’ along with several others – from being up for that night’s murder.

Offering one theory, a viewer penned: ‘It seemed very clear to me that Jessie and Jack are a couple after today’s episode. Jessie was incredibly motivated to help Jack and super comfortable physically with him. I can’t believe they aren’t a couple.

‘And maybe I misheard but she said something like “love you” when she selected him to save.’

Another remarked: ‘They may not have been a couple but somehow related. 

‘The way he said he was ‘so proud’ of her after she stacked the rams skulls. I don’t think you’d be that proud of a complete stranger.’ 

While a third chimed in: ‘Siblings or cousins.’

Maz and Faraaz

Following Judy’s exit from the castle, the Faithful revealed she thinks two of her former competitors are secretly father and son. 

Speaking to Metro, Judy specifically highlighted 59-year-old Maz and 22-year-old Faraaz.

She shared: ‘I think there are more secret connections.

‘There was a lot of speculation when I was in there about Faraaz and Maz – are they son and dad? We kept thinking that.’

Over on Reddit, one of the BBC show’s viewers had the same idea, penning: ‘Anyone else feel Maz is Faraaz’s dad?’

However, another person poured cold water on this theory, as they wrote: ‘Don’t know if this is a spoiler but I can tell you he’s not.’

When questioned about this, the Reddit user clarified: ‘I know [Faraaz] and have seen his dad.’

What viewers already know

In episode one, it was revealed that Judy, 60, and Roxy, 32, are mother and daughter but keeping their relationship secret from the other players.

This twist didn’t get to play out fully, however, as Judy was the first one to be banished.

Elsewhere, Ross, 37, and Netty, 42, were stunned to recognise each other upon arriving at the castle.

The pair are old acquaintances from more than a decade ago – with no knowledge that the other was going to be there.

Unfortunately, Netty was the first person to be ‘murdered’ while Ross was third to be banished.

After Ross’s departure, fellow contestant Ellie, 33, admitted to viewers that he is, in fact, her boyfriend.

Suspicion about the two knowing each other began the moment they boarded the train in the Scottish Highlands in the first episode, which was screened last Wednesday.

The pair, both from London, were sitting opposite one another and were deemed by viewers as being too familiar for supposedly meeting for the first time.

While a group photo – which includes Ross and Ellie – from a work trip in June 2024 also surfaced, confirming they knew each other before the show.

They have also both posted holiday snaps from the same Tenerife location since filming ended last May.

Ellie shared snaps in a bikini, thought to be taken at the swanky Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, and captioned them: ‘Some winter sun is good for the soul.’

Ross, who is a fifth-ranked muscle model in Europe, also posted two Instagram snaps on a trip captioned: ‘Suns out, guns out. Holiday gains in Tenerife! Quick question – do you train on holiday?’

He had also ‘liked’ a post shared by Ellie on LinkedIn back in July.

The Traitors continues tonight at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.