Movies

The Traitors’ 8 biggest conspiracy theories debunked: CLAUDIA CONNELL gives her verdict secret pacts, couples and plot holes – and reveals the clue staring the Faithfuls right in the face

BBG News

Once more, Britain finds itself captivated by “The Traitors,” a series where participants try to trick and outmaneuver each other for a chance at a £120,000 reward.

Currently on its third season, the show separates participants into ‘Loyals’ and ‘Rebels’, maintaining anonymity about their true identities. The task then falls upon the Loyals to unmask the Rebels and eliminate them from the program.

Should any Traitor survive until the end, they will claim the prize – therefore, it’s crucial for the Loyal ones to expose them all prior to the finale.

Tonight marks the midpoint of this series, anticipating a massive audience of nearly 9 million viewers tuning in live and via iPlayer, positioning it among the BBC’s most popular programs.

One reason why the show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and set in the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, has gained such a wide following is because it’s packed with unexpected turns and shocking revelations that leave both the participants and viewers guessing.

In the second season, a major twist unfolded – the stunning revelation that characters Diane and Ross Carson were none other than mother and son! Contrastingly, in the initial season, the romantic connection between Alex Gray and Tom Elderfield was initially hidden from view.

It’s no surprise that social media platforms and discussion boards are buzzing with speculations, ranging from somewhat believable to utterly outlandish, about this season’s contestants. I can’t help but get caught up in the whirlwind of theories!

Superfan Claudia Connell puts some of the online theories under the microscope…

CHARLOTTE AND ALEXANDER ARE A COUPLE

London-based Business Director Charlotte Berman confessed in the first installment that she had been feigning a Welsh origin, as studies suggested individuals with a Welsh accent are perceived as more trustworthy.

I find it intriguing that Charlotte, aged 33, appears to have subtly transitioned away from her ‘Valleys’ accent without anyone else on the competition circuit catching on! It’s fascinating how people can adapt and change aspects of themselves, especially in professional settings.

In the initial episode, Alexander Dragonetti, a 38-year-old ex-diplomat and Faithful follower, was not part of the group that continued their journey to the castle. Instead, he had voluntarily stepped off a train with two others. However, in the fourth episode, his fellow contestants opted to bring him back during a mission.

Indication: They both reside in London and possess an upscale accent. Charlotte displayed tenacity in her endeavor to rescue Alexander, suggesting a playful and close relationship between them.

Verdict: Charlotte is, in fact, wedded to Alexander… not the Alexander you might be thinking of. She’s been married for two years to her spouse, Alexander, and they share a black Labrador named Bobbie. At Christmas, they were contentedly together, making it clear that she isn’t involved romantically with anyone else, as ‘The Traitors’ was filmed the previous summer.

DAN AND JOE ARE BROTHERS

Last week, Daniel Bird, a risk manager from Liverpool who was known for his straightforwardness, found himself in a difficult situation despite his loyalty. At 33 years old, Daniel, often outspoken and prone to making accusations that were sometimes incorrect, was falsely labeled as a betrayer due to his actions being perceived as self-centered.

Originating from Yorkshire but currently residing in Southampton, Joe Scott serves as an English teacher who is both steadfast and vocal, albeit sometimes mistakenly labeling the faithful as betrayers.

The statement could be rephrased as follows: He doubted Dr. Kasim Ahmed, expressing his skepticism with, “I find no evidence; I don’t trust you.” This doubt arose after Faithful Jake Brown had accused Kasim of being a double agent, acting as a savior during the day and an assassin at night.

Indication: They share a resemblance, both aimed for Kasim’s position, and both exhibited aggressive behavior during meetings, leading some to speculate that they might be competing like siblings.

Conclusion: It seems improbable. They have distinct accents, and we’ve previously encountered a sibling duo (Armani Gouveia, the Banished Traitor, and her Faithful sister Maia, who was tragically killed). Dan’s Instagram is littered with photos of him with his long-term companion Matt, making any speculation about Dan and Joe, aged 37, being a couple in disguise equally unfounded.

FRANCESCA IS FREDDIE’S MOTHER

Frankie, also recognized as Francesca Rowan-Plowden, hails from East Sussex and has an eccentric style when it comes to clothing. She’s well-known for her high-end interior design work.

Originally reserved, she showed strong feelings during Dan’s exile last week, following his deception about spilling foul syrup on her during a task.

20-year-old fitness enthusiast Freddie Fraser, a politics student from Peterborough, has many women admirers, particularly after clips of him in the shower were aired. His Instagram account is filled with photos of him without shirts, displaying his well-toned physique. Suspected by peers, it seems his time may be running out among the Faithfuls.

Indication: Frankie, aged 44, and Freddie share a strong connection. He refers to her as his ‘mother figure’ in the castle, while Frankie sees him as a reflection of her sons. When Frankie accused Freddie of being a Traitor during the round-table discussion, it left him devastated, saying it felt like a ‘deep wound’.

From my perspective as a lifestyle expert, I must clarify that the speculation about a secret relationship between Frankie and Freddie appears unlikely. This is primarily due to the fact that if such a relationship were true, it would have likely been unveiled to the public by now. It’s worth noting that Frankie has four sons, while Freddie is an only child. Although Frankie recently made her Instagram private, she previously shared photos of her boys when they were younger, which show them to be blond. However, considering their familial relationship, it seems more plausible that they might be aunt and nephew rather than romantic partners.

UNLUCKY JACK WILL BE BACK

It seems that landscape gardener Jack Marriner-Brown from Yorkshire has had an unusually challenging run this year, as he appears to be the most unfortunate contestant thus far. Alongside Fozia Fazil and Alexander, he bravely chose to sacrifice his journey to the castle by voluntarily departing the train.

In episode four, it fell on unfortunate Jack to be excluded again as the others decided which two among the three should re-join their group. Yet, many spectators remain optimistic that he might resurface in future episodes.

In one mission, when a towering figure that resembled a ‘clown assassin’ was shown on-screen, viewers believed it was none other than 6 feet 5 inches tall Jack, undercover in costume.

Conclusion: It’s not accurate. Jack, who is 25 years old, will not return. This has been explicitly stated by Claudia, and his recent appearance on spin-off show The Traitors: Uncloaked suggests that he’s no longer involved in the original series.

LAST FAITHFUL TO BREAKFAST THEORY

Fans of the show are convinced they’ve uncovered a huge gaffe in The Traitors format.

Each episode starts with the players gathering for breakfast at Ardross Castle. If a murder occurred the previous night, the deceased is unveiled when they fail to show up.

Observation: It appears that traitors often compile a list of three possible targets for assassination, eventually choosing one among them. Interestingly, those who narrowly avoid being murdered tend to be the ones who enter the breakfast room last.

This situation creates suspense for the audience, and it’s clear that the participants understand they could be suspected of a crime due to their tardiness. Over time, this has been called the “late faithful” or “laithal theory,” suggesting that those who arrive late are considered trustworthy.

Verdict: Not true. There are exceptions. In series one, Traitor Amanda came in last in one episode.

In the second season, the Traitors entered late during four separate instances. A previous competitor, Ivan Brett, challenged the notion that the faithful ones were trustworthy by expressing his views on social media.

He mentioned that producers intentionally jumble the sequence of when breakfast is served, resulting in Traitors arriving at both early and late times.

SISTERHOOD OF TRAITORS IS DELIBERATE

In the second season, there was criticism towards the producers because every Traitor turned out to be male (eventually, ex-soldier Harry Clark emerged victorious). Even host Claudia, aged 52, who usually remains impartial, couldn’t help but comment on another male being chosen as a Traitor. This year, it seems like the producers are attempting to address this issue by introducing an all-female group of Traitors, known as a sisterhood.

Indication: Among the traitors in the ongoing contest, all three identified thus far are females: Minah Shannon, Linda Rands who remain in competition, and Armani, who was exiled. Minah frequently discusses ‘the sisterhood’ and when she and Linda attempted (but failed) to recruit another Traitor, they targeted Anna Duke.

Many believe Minah, aged 29, may have inadvertently revealed the gender of the Traitors by stating on her recruitment letter that she was a ‘strong, independent woman’. This could imply that the Traitors are female, but Anna, 28, didn’t seem to catch on to this hint – unless she’s choosing not to share it.

Prediction: It’s Highly Likable. Minah, undoubtedly the most powerful Betrayer, appears particularly eager on focusing her recruitment efforts towards females.

HANDWRITING COULD HOLD THE KEY

At the meeting table, competitors seldom have the chance to observe another’s handwriting, be it Loyal or Deceitful. They mark the name of the individual they wish to exile from the group using chalk on a board. When Traitors eliminate a Faithful member or try to persuade another Traitor, they must communicate their intent by writing a message on a scroll, which is then delivered by Claudia.

Given that Anna, the Loyal one who refused the chance to become a Betrayer, has glimpsed a Betrayer’s handwriting. Is it likely she can identify it as Minah’s during the gathering at the table?

Even more incriminating is the unique style of writing exhibited by the second suspect, Linda at 70. Unlike typical ‘z’ letters, hers has a wavy or curled tail, much like what we observed when she inscribed Fozia’s name on her chalkboard.

In the latest installment, the Traitors were tasked with choosing three Loyalists as possible targets for elimination, and Linda was instructed to inscribe their names – Fozia, Alexander and Leon Jackman, aged 40 – on tombstones in a depiction of a cemetery that adorns the castle walls.

There, clear as day, is ‘Fozia’ written with that same distinctive curly ‘z’. Uh oh.

Judgment: If the Loyalists paid more attention, it would be quite straightforward to expose both Deceivers by analyzing their handwriting. However, the question is whether they will realize this or not.

MINAH WILL TURN ON LINDA

Minah has outsmarted everyone in her role as a Traitor thus far. Armani showed overconfidence and was quickly exposed, while Linda has faced suspicion since the beginning.

It seems that no one harbors any suspicions about Minah, who goes out of her way to be amicable with all and deftly manipulates others into trusting her as if she were genuinely loyal.

In my professional opinion as a lifestyle expert, I must admit that I’ve made quite a few missteps throughout this journey. The moment Claudia spoke to the ‘Traitors’ in the premiere episode, I found myself startled, much like a surprised meerkat might be. Since then, I’ve stumbled through one situation after another, with my actions garnering attention for reasons that perhaps weren’t the subtlest.

Evidence indicates that Minah found Linda’s overly dramatic response at breakfast following the news of 26-year-old Livi Deane’s murder unusual and suspicious. Instead of her usual composure, Linda broke down in tears, causing concern.

As the covert operation carried out by the Traitors reached its climax a week ago, Minah appeared even more frustrated. Linda hesitated, came close to being discovered, and somehow missed noticing the hidden pen right before her eyes.

Conclusion: Absolutely. Minah has shielded her thus far, but Linda behaves unpredictably and recklessly. If the Faithfuls target Linda excessively, it would be prudent for Minah to distance herself from her.

Moreover, she also chose to oppose alleged traitor Armani during their round-table meeting, as others began to question her loyalty – demonstrating that she has a history of taking decisive action against suspected betrayers.

Read More

2025-01-15 05:04

Previous post Fergie visits local firefighters and thanks them for saving her home: ‘I couldn’t be more grateful’
Next post Alessandra Ambrosio models chic LBD for date night with boyfriend Buck Palmer in Rio de Janeiro