The Traitors returns tonight (Image: BBC/PA Wire)

Inside The Traitors' four biggest conspiracy theories as BBC show grips the nation

by · Daily Record

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

The nation is once again captivated by the cunning gameplay of The Traitors, as contestants engage in deception and strategy to clinch a £120,000 prize.

The BBC's hit show, now in its thrilling third series, categorises players as "Faithfuls" or "Traitors", with their roles kept under wraps.

It falls to the Faithfuls to unmask the Traitors and eliminate them from the game. With each episode, The Traitors is drawing in more viewers than the previous season, boasting an audience of about nine million for each instalment, the Mirror reports.

Claudia Winkleman (Image: BBC/Studio Lambert/Llara Plaza)

The unexpected plot twists and shocks, delivered to both participants and viewers, ensure that fans are glued to their screens and spark intense debate on social media.

However, this has also given rise to various conspiracy theories – some credible, others wildly outlandish – regarding the current batch of contenders, which includes a landscape gardener hailing from Yorkshire and an upscale interior designer from East Sussex.

Superfan Claudia Connell has highlighted the latest speculation as the show, hosted by 53-year-old Claudia Winkleman amidst the Scottish Highlands, gears up to broadcast its seventh episode tonight.

Charlotte and Alexander are a couple

Among the rumours is the buzz that Charlotte Berman and Alexander Dragonetti might be more than just allies; they could be an item.

Both Londoners with matching accents, business director Charlotte was seen fiercely defending Alexander during a task, and their interactions have been notably flirtatious and intimate.

There are theories that Alexander and Charlotte may be a secret couple (Image: BBC)

However, Claudia has debunked this theory in a piece for the Mail Online. She wrote: "Charlotte is indeed with Alexander... just not that one. She's been married for two years to her husband Alexander and they have a black Labrador called Bobbie. The pair were happily together at Christmas (The Traitors was filmed last summer) ruling out the theory she is coupled up with anyone else."

Faithful Alexander was evicted in the first episode when he and two other contestants volunteered to get off a train, taking everyone else to the castle.

However, the 38-year-old former diplomat returned in episode four when the other contestants chose to save him during a mission.

Dan and Joe are brothers

Viewers were shocked during series two when it emerged Diane and Ross Carson were actually mother and son.

Dan Bird, 33, is a risk manager from Liverpool (Image: BBC)

It is on that basis some fans believe a similar twist may emerge in this series, and so claims have appeared online that Dan Bird and Joe Scott are actually brothers.

But Claudia believes this is unlikely because they have different accents and the series has already had one sibling couple - Armani Gouveia, a banished Traitor, and her Faithful sister Maia, who was "murdered".

Claudia wrote: "Dan's Instagram is full of pictures of him with his long-term partner Matt, meaning any alternative theory about Dan and Joe, 37, being a couple is also wrong", also stating Dan is from Liverpool and Joe, originally from Yorkshire, now resides in Southampton.

Freddie is Francesca's son

Francesca Rowan-Plowden, known as Frankie, has formed a close bond with Freddie, leading to speculation online that they might be mother and son.

Frankie and Freddie have formed a close bond (Image: BBC)

Frankie, a 44-year-old interior designer from East Sussex, was seen hugging Freddie, 20, who refers to her as his "mum" in the castle.

However, Claudia believes viewers would be aware of any relationships within the group by now. She knows that Frankie has four sons, but Freddie, a politics student from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, is an only child.

The superfan added: "Although she's now set her Instagram to private, Frankie previously uploaded pictures of her boys when they were young showing them to be blond... But, could they be auntie and nephew? "

Jack will be back

Jack Marriner-Brown, a landscape gardener from Yorkshire, volunteered to leave the train heading for the castle in the opening episode.

Jack Marriner-Brown (left) was one of three contestants to leave the train heading for the castle in the opening episode (Image: BBC / Studio Lambert)

When the other contestants had to choose which two of the three they wanted to re-join them in episode four, Jack was unfortunately voted off for a second time.

However, some fans are convinced that the 25-year-old will return, just like Alexander did. When a very tall "killer clown" appeared on screen in one of the missions, fans were convinced it was really 6ft 5in Jack in disguise.

The Traitors

Claudia has again dismissed this theory. She noted that Jack has since appeared on spin-off show The Traitors: Uncloaked, which wouldn't happen if he was still part of the game.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.