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We’ll Meet You At The Fire Pit | Traitors 2026 | Thread 13 | THERE WILL BE SPOILERS

563 replies

CaveMum · 23/01/2026 22:47

Previous thread: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/telly_addicts/5480370-end-game-the-battle-of-ardross-castle-who-will-triumph-the-pouting-milk-maid-the-interchangeables-jade-or-the-traitors-traitors-2026-thread-12-spoiler-free?page=1

Thread to continue discussions of Traitors 2026 (UK Version)

If you haven’t seen the Final of this year’s Traitors then stop right there and get yourself over to iPlayer.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Players, the floor is yours…

End Game: The Battle of Ardross Castle. Who Will Triumph - the Pouting Milk Maid, the Interchangeables, Jade, or The Traitors? | Traitors 2026 | Thread 12 | Spoiler Free! | Mumsnet

Link to previous thread: [[https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/telly_addicts/5479887-the-time-for-talking-is-almost-over-traitors-2026-thread-11-spoiler-free...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/telly_addicts/5480370-end-game-the-battle-of-ardross-castle-who-will-triumph-the-pouting-milk-maid-the-interchangeables-jade-or-the-traitors-traitors-2026-thread-12-spoiler-free?page=1

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8
BlueLimes · 24/01/2026 17:58

Tiddlywinky · 24/01/2026 17:42

None of those things were up to her. She could have tried to influence the others against Stephen but ultimately she couldn't control the faithful's votes.

Whereas Stephen voting to banish Rachel was entirely within his power.

Absolutely- he could have influenced at the end - both jack and Fawaaz would have been swayed by Stephen.

nicepotoftea · 24/01/2026 17:59

NameChangedForThis2025 · 24/01/2026 13:24

Totally agree.

I think a lot of Rachel’s criticism comes from the fact that she came in with her in-it-to-win-it hat on and she never took it off once. She was always laser focused on the reasons why she was there - her family - and I think that’s why she never formed the same connections, she didn’t forget her core purpose in the way others did.

I don’t think that’s cold or ruthless, she knew what (or who) her long term priorities were - and obviously it’s not people she met mere days previously!

"and I think that’s why she never formed the same connections"

From what she and other people said (Harriet, Amanda), I got the impression that she did form connections, but that didn't come across in the edit.

I assume that there is a lot of hanging around and that much of the relationship building isn't relevant to the game.

Liquoriceallsortsmadear · 24/01/2026 18:09

nicepotoftea · 24/01/2026 17:59

"and I think that’s why she never formed the same connections"

From what she and other people said (Harriet, Amanda), I got the impression that she did form connections, but that didn't come across in the edit.

I assume that there is a lot of hanging around and that much of the relationship building isn't relevant to the game.

She must have formed connections with all
to be so influential and never brought up at the round table until the end - that doesn’t just happen

everyone used to cringe and say “no…”
loudly and cover their ears if she was mentioned before that!

WonderfulSmith · 24/01/2026 18:18

I’ve just seen elsewhere that Rachel’s child’s school has posted a picture of her child on their twitter feed with the child full name and saying that they are so proud etc!

Butteredtoast55 · 24/01/2026 18:30

I was pleased that, ultimately, Stephen saved Rachel's skin as earlier on he'd been skating on very thin ice and she could have turned on him to get him out. By the endgame, it was more of an equal partnership and they both played a brilliantly strategic game.
I think Stephen is the more likeable of the two. Rachel was obviously popular but it felt a little bit like a clique around her, whilst Stephen was just seen as sweet. She is very calm and controlled - on Uncloaked she had the slight aloofness that she'd exhibited in the castle. She has a very direct way of looking at people that was quite intimidating.
But I think she did an excellent job and the grit she showed in the last challenge was commendable. She should be really proud of being the first female traitor to even make the final, and even more so to win it.

Liquoriceallsortsmadear · 24/01/2026 18:38

Butteredtoast55 · 24/01/2026 18:30

I was pleased that, ultimately, Stephen saved Rachel's skin as earlier on he'd been skating on very thin ice and she could have turned on him to get him out. By the endgame, it was more of an equal partnership and they both played a brilliantly strategic game.
I think Stephen is the more likeable of the two. Rachel was obviously popular but it felt a little bit like a clique around her, whilst Stephen was just seen as sweet. She is very calm and controlled - on Uncloaked she had the slight aloofness that she'd exhibited in the castle. She has a very direct way of looking at people that was quite intimidating.
But I think she did an excellent job and the grit she showed in the last challenge was commendable. She should be really proud of being the first female traitor to even make the final, and even more so to win it.

She doesn’t gesticulate and use facial expressions so she’s very still

Liquoriceallsortsmadear · 24/01/2026 18:39

WonderfulSmith · 24/01/2026 18:18

I’ve just seen elsewhere that Rachel’s child’s school has posted a picture of her child on their twitter feed with the child full name and saying that they are so proud etc!

Yes they would have normal attitudes about this stuff in ire I’m sure

nicepotoftea · 24/01/2026 18:46

Liquoriceallsortsmadear · 24/01/2026 18:09

She must have formed connections with all
to be so influential and never brought up at the round table until the end - that doesn’t just happen

everyone used to cringe and say “no…”
loudly and cover their ears if she was mentioned before that!

Exactly!

dapsnotplimsolls · 24/01/2026 19:14

Tiddlywinky · 24/01/2026 17:23

Where are you watching these? I know that the Irish one is on BBC player

Australian, NZ and US ones all on the iplayer.

TheMadGardener · 24/01/2026 19:40

As a middle-aged woman, I'm actually appalled by the hatred Rachel's been getting on some social media and particularly on MN where you would think women would be supportive. I've seen her described as emotionless, a psychopath, cold, unable to cry, ruthless, etc. I've seen women saying she looks awful/her clothes and hairstyles are ugly. It's just awful. No one would speak about a successful male contestant like this.

I don't know her personally but I've seen film of her family/friends/community in Newry celebrating and supporting her with affection. I've seen her best friend and sister interviewed and saying she's a really warm and genuine person and great mum.

We all, as women, know that women are judged so much harder than men for doing the same things. It's really disappointing that other women are so quick to jump on the "she's a badly-dressed cold-hearted psycho" bandwagon.

Do better.

WonderfulSmith · 24/01/2026 19:43

TheMadGardener · 24/01/2026 19:40

As a middle-aged woman, I'm actually appalled by the hatred Rachel's been getting on some social media and particularly on MN where you would think women would be supportive. I've seen her described as emotionless, a psychopath, cold, unable to cry, ruthless, etc. I've seen women saying she looks awful/her clothes and hairstyles are ugly. It's just awful. No one would speak about a successful male contestant like this.

I don't know her personally but I've seen film of her family/friends/community in Newry celebrating and supporting her with affection. I've seen her best friend and sister interviewed and saying she's a really warm and genuine person and great mum.

We all, as women, know that women are judged so much harder than men for doing the same things. It's really disappointing that other women are so quick to jump on the "she's a badly-dressed cold-hearted psycho" bandwagon.

Do better.

So because I’m a woman I can’t say that I don’t like another woman?

I’m not saying that I don’t like Rachel, but I don’t like this idea that no woman is allowed to ever criticise another woman.

YouWillNeverGuessMyUsername · 24/01/2026 19:47

WonderfulSmith · 24/01/2026 19:43

So because I’m a woman I can’t say that I don’t like another woman?

I’m not saying that I don’t like Rachel, but I don’t like this idea that no woman is allowed to ever criticise another woman.

Of course you're allowed to criticise. Of you have valid reasons.

But pulling women apart for their appearance or dress sense or your own bias opinions about what is acceptable female behaviour isn't okay.

Nobody is mentioning Stephen's perceived faults, ignoring the fact he lied and deceived too, nobody is mentioning his clothes or calling him a psycho etc

WonderfulSmith · 24/01/2026 19:52

YouWillNeverGuessMyUsername · 24/01/2026 19:47

Of course you're allowed to criticise. Of you have valid reasons.

But pulling women apart for their appearance or dress sense or your own bias opinions about what is acceptable female behaviour isn't okay.

Nobody is mentioning Stephen's perceived faults, ignoring the fact he lied and deceived too, nobody is mentioning his clothes or calling him a psycho etc

Lots of people mentioned Stephen’s clothes!

I found Rachel to be cold, but I think that was her manner and the situation.

Liquoriceallsortsmadear · 24/01/2026 19:54

TheMadGardener · 24/01/2026 19:40

As a middle-aged woman, I'm actually appalled by the hatred Rachel's been getting on some social media and particularly on MN where you would think women would be supportive. I've seen her described as emotionless, a psychopath, cold, unable to cry, ruthless, etc. I've seen women saying she looks awful/her clothes and hairstyles are ugly. It's just awful. No one would speak about a successful male contestant like this.

I don't know her personally but I've seen film of her family/friends/community in Newry celebrating and supporting her with affection. I've seen her best friend and sister interviewed and saying she's a really warm and genuine person and great mum.

We all, as women, know that women are judged so much harder than men for doing the same things. It's really disappointing that other women are so quick to jump on the "she's a badly-dressed cold-hearted psycho" bandwagon.

Do better.

Here here and well said

👏

Been so disheartening seeing the internalised mysogeny playing out here - been sticking up for her all day!

YouWillNeverGuessMyUsername · 24/01/2026 19:54

WonderfulSmith · 24/01/2026 19:52

Lots of people mentioned Stephen’s clothes!

I found Rachel to be cold, but I think that was her manner and the situation.

Did they?

In a horrible way that somehow implies he's a bad person...?

Liquoriceallsortsmadear · 24/01/2026 19:55

WonderfulSmith · 24/01/2026 19:52

Lots of people mentioned Stephen’s clothes!

I found Rachel to be cold, but I think that was her manner and the situation.

Only in a clamouring positive way with clothes

dapsnotplimsolls · 24/01/2026 19:58

Last night I said I thought she might have tried to take all the money if the situations had been reversed but then I saw her on Uncloaked and I've seen/read some other bits and I now think she'd have done the same as Stephen. I still don't really warm to her though. I think she was in 'work mode' rather than how she is with friends and family.

WonderfulSmith · 24/01/2026 19:58

YouWillNeverGuessMyUsername · 24/01/2026 19:54

Did they?

In a horrible way that somehow implies he's a bad person...?

Edited

Where did anyone say anything about Rachel’s clothes to say she was a bad person?
Lots of people were less than complimentary about Stephan’s jumpsuit that he wore one night.

Liquoriceallsortsmadear · 24/01/2026 20:00

dapsnotplimsolls · 24/01/2026 19:58

Last night I said I thought she might have tried to take all the money if the situations had been reversed but then I saw her on Uncloaked and I've seen/read some other bits and I now think she'd have done the same as Stephen. I still don't really warm to her though. I think she was in 'work mode' rather than how she is with friends and family.

Edited

She can’t have been or else she wouldn’t have been able to build the loyalty and reactions she had from faithfuls nearly to the end - basic incredulity that she could be a traitor - covering their ears at the thought and dismissing any suggestion of it

dapsnotplimsolls · 24/01/2026 20:00

I saw a comment on fb that Stephen looks like a doomed WW1 pilot dressed as John Travolta 😁

SeanutBrittleOnToastedCoral · 24/01/2026 20:02

TheMadGardener · 24/01/2026 19:40

As a middle-aged woman, I'm actually appalled by the hatred Rachel's been getting on some social media and particularly on MN where you would think women would be supportive. I've seen her described as emotionless, a psychopath, cold, unable to cry, ruthless, etc. I've seen women saying she looks awful/her clothes and hairstyles are ugly. It's just awful. No one would speak about a successful male contestant like this.

I don't know her personally but I've seen film of her family/friends/community in Newry celebrating and supporting her with affection. I've seen her best friend and sister interviewed and saying she's a really warm and genuine person and great mum.

We all, as women, know that women are judged so much harder than men for doing the same things. It's really disappointing that other women are so quick to jump on the "she's a badly-dressed cold-hearted psycho" bandwagon.

Do better.

None of that is ‘hatred’ even if you find it uncomplimentary. Other than the one specific comment of ‘cold hearted badly dressed psycho’ which is quite rude.

People hated the way Harry played and thought it was horrible to Mollie. People disliked Fiona and Amanda. People don’t care for Rachel. It is what it is, you can’t force people to like you. She’s clearly very marmite, so I’d find her approach intimidating tbh, but she’s clearly just playing the game.

BlueLimes · 24/01/2026 20:12

Do better?

Do you find that sanctimonious speeches normally get people on side?

Some people are just a bit marmite.

Probably lots of us, it’s just more apparent when you put yourself forward for a programme like this.

lettingthedaysgoby · 24/01/2026 20:18

Liquoriceallsortsmadear · 24/01/2026 18:09

She must have formed connections with all
to be so influential and never brought up at the round table until the end - that doesn’t just happen

everyone used to cringe and say “no…”
loudly and cover their ears if she was mentioned before that!

The people she formed the more obvious connections with were closer to her age and were banished earlier - once Amanda and Harriet had gone she was the eldest in there by quite a few years, the younger players were already close with each other and she was more outside the group, with only Stephen she could confide in.

She obviously built relationships with the younger players, but I personally think it was almost as a mother figure (which may be why they trusted her so blindly). Not that she was old enough to actually be their mother but there was a sufficient age gap...

LighthouseLED · 24/01/2026 20:23

Rachel is the oldest person ever to win the normal version of The Traitors. Stephen is the joint second oldest.

The age bias definitely needs to be looked into for future seasons.

justtheotheronemrswembley · 24/01/2026 20:37

WonderfulSmith · 24/01/2026 19:43

So because I’m a woman I can’t say that I don’t like another woman?

I’m not saying that I don’t like Rachel, but I don’t like this idea that no woman is allowed to ever criticise another woman.

Hear hear. I don't much like that idea either.

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