Spoiler warning: This article contains details of the first three episodes of the new series of The Traitors.
The new year has ushered in a fresh season of The Traitors, and, predictably, its intricate plot twists are keeping viewers captivated.
In a bold strategic move, the program introduced a novel twist: a clandestine fourth traitor whose identity remains concealed from both contestants and the audience, marking the most substantial format alteration since its inception in 2022.
With most players in the dark, discerning viewers are actively speculating, with some focusing on Welsh contestant Fiona.
“Thus far, I’ve portrayed myself as a slightly eccentric Welsh woman. I expect they perceive me as somewhat clueless,” admitted Fiona, a 62-year-old local government officer from Swansea.
“However, one should never underestimate a woman of a certain age,” she added with a smile to the camera.
In past seasons, contestants have employed various tactics to gain trust, from concealing their professions to feigning relationships and adopting false accents.
With one Welsh contestant already eliminated, does Fiona’s Welsh accent serve as an advantage or a hindrance?
Former contestant Andrew Jenkins, from Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, suggests that Fiona’s seemingly “ditsy” persona might be intentional, potentially drawing inspiration from the popular former traitor, Amanda Lovett.
“There exists a subconscious bias, certainly,” Andrew noted. “Fiona is somewhat older, and naturally, individuals may be less inclined to view her as a threat, given her motherly demeanor.”
“She projects an image of a cheerful, amiable, and caring individual.”
Amanda, 57, also from Swansea, evaded suspicion in series 1 due to her vibrant and welcoming personality, successfully eliminating several faithfuls before being betrayed by fellow traitor Wilfred “Wilf” Webster, thus missing out on the trophy.
Since then, the Welsh accent has been perceived to foster trust and credibility.
Charlotte Berman, a contestant from London, adopted a Welsh accent in series 3 in an attempt to charm her fellow contestants into trusting her.
“I’ve been using a Welsh accent, as my mother is Welsh, and it’s perceived as one of the most trustworthy accents,” she confided to the camera.
Her strategy propelled her into the final five, but faithfuls Leanne Quigley, from Holywell, north Wales, and Jake Brown, from Cumbria, ultimately secured victory and shared the £94,600 prize.
Research indicates that the accent is linked to friendliness.
Dr. Mercedes Durham, a sociolinguistics professor at Cardiff University, led the research, discovering that people “genuinely appreciated it, finding it amusing, appealing, and friendly, but not necessarily associating it with intelligence.”
She suggested that the connection between friendliness and trustworthiness might signify a strategic approach behind the facade.
While Amanda’s strategy went largely unnoticed, the traitors have expressed suspicion that Fiona might be the secret traitor, “feigning a lower level of perceptiveness than she possesses.”
“Fiona is an exceptionally astute woman. She is openly discussing Hugo; I don’t believe she’s naive,” Rachel remarked in episode two.
“I observe her and consider that she might be sweet but also a bit of a psycho, which would be brilliant,” Rachel shared with the other traitors.
“She carries herself with a certain confidence,” Hugo agreed.
The warming effect extends beyond the Welsh accent, with Durham noting that the public generally associates Celtic accents with “friendly connotations,” a fact well-understood by traitor Stephen, from Scotland.
“I am quite personable. People seem to lower their defenses quickly around me upon first meeting. I believe that’s partly due to my regional accent, which I think works to my advantage,” Stephen explained.
Hugo, 51, from Cardiff, was the second Welsh contestant introduced in series 4, but his southern English accent didn’t fully convince anyone.
“I am attempting to persuade the Welsh contingent that I am from Cardiff… the jury is still out,” the barrister joked in episode one.
However, 48 hours later, he struggled to prove his innocence as a faithful and was banished from the show.
Hugo’s profession ultimately led to his downfall, as faithful Harriet, who is concealing her profession as a lawyer, stated: “It occurred to me from the moment I learned you were a barrister that you would be a prime target for the traitors to eliminate.”
“I was eager to distance myself from being a professional [barrister],” he disclosed to Behnaz Akhgar on BBC Radio Wales, admitting that he “couldn’t maintain his composure.”
“I was pleased they caught one; I was happy for them, and it was great to be part of it,” he added.
Several contestants in series 4 have also concealed their job roles to avoid being seen as effective problem solvers.
Besides Harriet, 52, from London, who is not revealing her profession as a barrister, Amanda, 57, from Brighton, has chosen not to disclose her background as a retired police detective.
However, series 3 contestant Elen Wyn, from Anglesey, believes that “it transcends a good job; it’s more about one’s personality.”
She likened the castle environment to “being in school,” adding: “The truly confident individuals who excel at fitting in are the ones who typically make it to the end.”
“If you’re adept at connecting with everyone, integrating seamlessly, and communicating effectively, without being overly intelligent or assertive, you’ll likely reach the end.”
“If you express theories too vocally, they disapprove and will banish you. It happened to me as a faithful, and it happened to Hugo as a traitor.”
Elen, who was banished in the second episode, admits to “constantly regretting” how she handled the anxiety that accompanied being on the show.
“I didn’t integrate into the right clique… I was simply awkward, overthinking, and terrified.”
“I believe that if you’re older and more mature, with more life experience, it becomes less intimidating… I wonder if that’s why Fiona is thriving; she can detach her emotions from the fact that it’s merely a game.”
“She’s clearly there to enjoy herself, and it’s not that serious; I admire that about her,” she added.
Series 4 follows a successful celebrity version, which garnered 15 million viewers and saw comedian and TV presenter Alan Carr emerge victorious.
He skillfully won over his opponents, with his humorous and affable character enabling his scheming and deceit to go unnoticed.
“Become friendly with everyone, don’t reveal too much, or you will be murdered. It’s like a game of chess; you utilize everyone as a pawn,” Andrew advised.
Andrew explained that the game requires a balance of activity and restraint.
“But it’s challenging,” he admitted, adding, “You must continuously remind yourself that it’s a game, and upon leaving the castle, you resume your normal lives.”
“I kept photos of my family in my room as a reminder of what truly matters. They know your true character – whether I finished first or ninth, it’s irrelevant.”
While Fiona has made a favorable impression on the faithfuls thus far… have past experiences cast doubt on the trustworthiness of the Welsh accent?
The first three episodes of The Traitors are available on BBC iPlayer, and the series continues on Wednesday, January 7, at 20:00 GMT on BBC One and iPlayer.
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