EXCLUSIVE: A body language expert explained how the potential Secret Traitor may be deliberately blending in with the faithfuls to conceal their true identity, after viewers spotted a major clue
Before tonight’s The Traitors episode unveils the secret traitor, a body language expert has analysed six contestants who could be hiding their true identity. Bookmakers have pinpointed Fiona Hughes, Amanda Collier, Jessie Stride, Sam Little, Harriet Tyce, and Ellie Buckley as likely contenders, with Fiona currently leading the odds.
Amid numerous fan theories, suspicion has largely centred on Ellie, a psychologist, and Harriet, a crime author and former barrister, for different reasons.
In one of last week’s episodes, Ellie was heard remarking: “People will question whether you are sitting and watching as a kind of secret traitor,” while in the interview room.
Given that the faithful contestants remain oblivious to this series’ twist, many viewers believed this exposed a her as the secret traitor, reports the Mirror.
Fans have additionally claimed that she might have previously known fellow contestant Ross Garshong prior to recording, after a picture appeared to show them standing together.
Moreover, Ross has reportedly previously engaged with two of Ellie’s LinkedIn posts, which have subsequently been removed.
Regarding Harriet, viewers have noticed her photograph appearing in the backdrop of The Traitors: Uncloaked, positioned next to the three confirmed traitors, sparking theories that this might represent a hint.
Offering her body language analysis, Dr Beth Dawson, working alongside Mecca Bingo, has shared her thoughts.
Fiona
“Fiona’s body language is notably controlled and composed, with a steady posture, minimal fidgeting and a calm facial expression even in tense group discussions. This low level of emotional leakage can be difficult to read,” Beth observes.
“But effective liars are used to regulating their reactions carefully. However, her calm demeanour can just as easily reflect natural self-confidence and emotional discipline. She doesn’t show strong signs of cognitive load, such as over-explaining, forced eye contact or sudden posture changes, which makes her behaviour ambiguous rather than overtly deceptive.”
Verdict: No
Amanda
Beth notes: “Amanda consistently displays warm body language, using open posture, frequent nodding and reassuring facial expressions that help put others at ease. Her eye contact and tone appear relaxed, meaning her expressions, voice and gestures align naturally.
“While traitors can use warmth strategically, Amanda shows little outward signs of tension or self-monitoring beneath the surface. Her behaviour suggests genuine social ease rather than performance, but this could be easy for Amanda to control and master as she’s a retired police detective.”
Verdict: No
Jessie
“Jessie shows signs of nervous energy, including frequent movement, visible emotional reactions and difficulty masking stress or relief. Her expressions change quickly and openly, which suggests emotional transparency rather than calculated control,” Beth observes.
“This level of leakage is hard to sustain for someone hiding deception over time, as traitors usually suppress or manage reactions more carefully. Jessie’s body language reads as anxious but honest, aligning more closely with a stressed faithful than a secret traitor.”
Verdict: No
Harriet
Beth analysed: “Harriet’s body language becomes noticeably defensive when she feels accused or scrutinised, with inward postures, tension in the jaw and an emotionally charged response style. She sometimes over-explains herself, which can look suspicious, but these behaviours are more consistent with a threat response than with deception. She stays calm and strategic whilst self-protecting rather than manipulating.
“She was well composed at the roundtable when she accused Hugo, which she has experience in, given that she’s a former barrister. Her behaviours could signal that she’s the secret traitor.”
Verdict: No
Sam
“Sam presents with confident, relaxed body language, often appearing comfortable speaking at length and holding his ground during discussions. He shows relatively low fear responses when suspicion arises, which can be a subtle traitor cue, as traitors often feel safer than faithfuls who fear wrongful banishment. His posture and gestures suggest dominance and assurance, which could be strategic or simply part of his personality,” Beth observes.
“Among this group, his body language is one of the more convincingly traitor-coded, though still not definitive on its own. He came across as very loud and notably wrong in the opening episode, which raises doubts for me about him being the secret traitor.”
Verdict: No
Ellie
“Ellie is highly expressive in both face and body, showing rapid emotional shifts and a tendency to seek reassurance through eye contact and group feedback. Ellie is one person we haven’t seen much of – she hasn’t been put on the spot at any point and hasn’t been under any suspicion at the roundtable,” says Beth.
“It’s clear she’s going under the radar, which could well be a production move, making it harder to tell whether she is the secret traitor.
“Her reactions appear spontaneous and difficult to regulate, which makes long-term deception more challenging. This could be intentional, as she’s a psychologist. Her body language at times reads as emotionally open and low in deceptive indicators, aligning more strongly with a faithful profile.
“It’s been rumoured that she has a secret connection with another cast member, Ross, so that puts question marks on her deceptive indicators because if she’s hiding that, then she clearly has what it takes to be the secret traitor,” she added.
Verdict: Yes
The Traitors continues tonight at 8pm on BBC One.
