Paul Gorton: I think I know who the Secret Traitor is

Happy New Year, Rolling Stone UK readers!

You’re going to hate me for saying this straight away, but I’m a big January guy. Always have been. It’s a new year, new challenges and – most importantly – a new bloody season of The Traitors.

Let’s get it started from the off. I think the Secret Traitor twist is *genius*. We’re going to end up finding out who they are in tonight’s episode, but I think it’s a complete joy to see The Traitors – Hugo, Rachel and Stephen – being on the back foot straight away. And, in poor Hugo’s case, to be banished so early. Bad for him, but excellent telly for the rest of us.

You’re probably wondering who I reckon the Secret Traitor is too? Well, I’ve got two hunches. Firstly, Amanda. Surely there’s something in that? The idea of a retired detective who has been on the side of good all her life becoming a baddie is very cool. I also don’t think she’d be able to use those detective skills as a faithful either, because she could risk becoming too calculated and *that* is where you slip up. My second guess is Sam. His interview with Claudia at the start was pretty telling. He did *not* hold back in admitting he’d happily be as cutthroat as he needs.

But look, I may be wrong and I’ve seen plenty of theories flying around in the last few days which is brilliant, because it’s the first time that the audience at home get to see firsthand how difficult it is to go and find who a Traitor is.

And as for the rest of them, I think we’ve got some pretty strong Faithfuls who could go all the way. The way Harriet led the charge at the Round Table to snare Hugo was *incredible* and I also think we’re seeing a massively strong player emerge in Fiona. She gave off a ditzy image at the start, but we’re starting to see that it’s all just an act. She’s utterly formidable.

But how will Stephen & Rachel fare now that Hugo has gone? They’ve pledged to make a pact, but we all know there’s no such thing as loyalty in this game. Especially with the identity of the Secret Traitor thrown into the mix. That first meeting in the Traitors’ conclave is going to be explosive. Bring it on…

As told to Nick Reilly…