The secret Traitor is revealed as friends tell of their shock at their scheming – and how they hid their role on the show from them

When Fiona Hughes joined her neighbours for a festive get-together on Boxing Day, little did they know that she was about to star in one of the biggest television shows of the year.

The 62-year-old gave no hint that she was about to be watched by millions on BBCOne series Traitors – or indeed that she was to become the first ever secret traitor.

But on Wednesday night, Fiona, a local government worker from Swansea, who is nicknamed ‘lovely Fiona’ and described as ‘lively, bubbly and full of fun,’ was revealed as the scheming, backstabbing contestant hiding behind the red cloak after host Claudia Winkleman handed her the role in the first episode.

Her friendly demeanour had many fooled and as she was unveiled tonight, viewers saw her make a the vow to Ms Winkleman at the time that she ‘will do my best to be as treacherous as possible. This is just wonderful. I’m drunk on power!’

Fiona’s fellow Traitors Stephen Libby, 32, and Rachel Duffy, 42, were left in disbelief at the identity of the Secret Traitor. But she gleefully and smugly told her fellow cast members: ‘I was wonderful, wasn’t I? Hollywood is beckoning, I can feel it… I have basically done your job for you for the past few nights.’

Speaking about Fiona, Rachel said: ‘Fiona coming in makes me nervous, she is going to ruffle a few feathers,’ with Stephen adding, ‘She is playing a very good game.’

At the start of the show the secret Traitor revealed as 'lovely Fiona' as friends tell of their shock at her role on the show
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The secret Traitor revealed as ‘lovely Fiona’ as friends tell of their shock at her role on the show

Fiona's fellow Traitors Stephen Libby, 32, (L) and Rachel Duffy, 42, (R) were left in disbelief at the identity of the Secret Traitor

Speaking about Fiona, Rachel said: 'Fiona coming in makes me nervous, she is going to ruffle a few feathers'

Fiona’s fellow Traitors Stephen Libby, 32, (L) and Rachel Duffy, 42, (R) were left in disbelief at the identity of the Secret Traitor

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In the days before, Rachel had turned on fellow Traitor Hugo Bailey, 51, in episode three, which saw him banished from the Scottish castle.

Fiona resides in the former mining village of Dunvant, a suburban district in Swansea, with her husband Gwyn, and managed to keep her own neighbours in the dark about her appearance on the TV show.

She was invited to a Christmas party by her neighbour Rosemary Evans on Boxing Day, but didn’t tell a soul she was about to become a Traitors contestant. It was only when the series launched that they switched on their television to see their friend who they adore.

Mrs Evans told the Daily Mail: ‘She didn’t say anything about being in Traitors, but she’s the sort of person who can keep a secret.

‘I knew she would do well. I could see her as a Traitor, she’d be good at a cover-up, definitely.’

She added: ‘She and Gwyn are great neighbours. If ever I get stuck in an awkward position, I can call them when I need them. They are great, I hope she wins.’

Away from Ardross Castle, Fiona couldn’t be more different to the duplicitous, two faced Traitors contestant.

A second neighbour shared: ‘I’ve never watched The Traitors, and I didn’t know she was on it. Fiona is a lovely person, she has spent her life helping people, that’s what she does.’

During the BBC episode a flashback played of host Claudia Winkleman tapping Fiona's shoulder during the first round table
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During the BBC episode a flashback played of host Claudia Winkleman tapping Fiona’s shoulder during the first round table

Fiona gleefully and smugly told her fellow Traitors: 'I was wonderful, wasn't I? Hollywood is beckoning, I can feel it¿ I have basically done your job for you for the past few nights'
+3
View gallery

Fiona gleefully and smugly told her fellow Traitors: ‘I was wonderful, wasn’t I? Hollywood is beckoning, I can feel it… I have basically done your job for you for the past few nights’

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The star runs Bluebells, a Dementia-friendly lunch club and has also helped dozens of men suffering from depression and other mental health issues in Swansea.

As a local area co-ordinator with Swansea Council, she set up the Victoria Saints Men’s Club, which moved into bigger premises this week to cope with the number of men needing help.

Her proud husband Gwyn, who helps out, said: ‘It’s really taken off since Fiona set it up in September 2024.

‘We get a cross-section from all age groups, we have two men in their thirties, and our oldest is 92. It’s for men suffering from loneliness, isolation, and mental health problems.

‘We get together for three hours every Monday morning to put the world to rights over a cup of coffee, a bacon roll, and lots of biscuits.

‘Fiona goes along as part of her job to signpost some of the men so they can get the help they need.’

The Traitors continues on January 8 at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.