There's a wild Traitors theory related to the family tree – but is it credible?

The Traitors always excels at bringing the nation together to discuss their latest theories about the goings on in the castle.

But this season is slightly different, as many viewers tuning in from home believe that every single cast member is somehow linked. Whether it be a familial, romantic or platonic connection, there has been plenty to suggest that each player somehow knows at least one other person in the castle.

While this might seem rather outlandish, in each episode, viewers have found themselves drawn to a family tree in the castle – even before Rachel and Stephen were tasked with a mini mission to put nine players up for murder using the tree.

In the first 15 minutes of episode 1, it was revealed that two players knew each other and then later on another two players were revealed to be family members. So, is there much in this theory? Is every player connected?

Scroll on as we dissect each connection in The Traitors castle.

The Traitors family tree theory: All the connections so far

Let's kick things off with the links that have been confirmed.

Netty and Ross

Ross and Netty were the first two players to reveal they had a connection, though it was a complete shock to both of them.

As the players arrived at the castle for the first time, Netty screamed and ran over to Ross for a hug, as it was revealed the pair met each other around 10 years ago.

It was never fully disclosed how the pair knew each other, but Ross has since shared on social media that they were introduced through a mutual friend.

In a TikTok video, Ross shared: "So let’s just clean this up and get this out of the way.

"So basically, Netty and I know each other from a mutual friend called Dan. Dan’s actually a photographer, I’ll send his Gram up so you got it there.

"And basically, he used to go to Bradford basketball tournament and that’s how they met and so I’ve seen Netty a few times, went out and about in London.

"So then on a separate occasion, maybe like a year or so, a couple of times later, cause I see her out a few times right and I’m out with another friend who I won’t bait out for the internet.

"Basically he’s like, ‘Oh so I’ve seen that girl, I kind of like her’, and I was like, ‘Ooh wait, which one? And then obviously he’s pointed at Netty.

"And I’ve gone, ‘Oh actually bro, I know that girl, I know of her, I know that girl, do you want me to introduce you?"

Judy and Roxy

Judy and Roxy were the next two players to be revealed to be connected to one another, except this time they were intentionally hiding their link from the other players.

"James is running wild saying Judy is a Traitor. I don't know if she's a Traitor or not, Judy seems lovely, but I'm bound to say that considering she's my mum," Roxy said in a mic-drop moment.

She added: "We're keeping it a secret just because I think if you come as a pair, it's almost like an alliance. I feel so protective over her and hearing anyone cast doubt on her actions is just generally not quite nice."

Judy shared that she adopted Roxy when she was around five years old, saying that it "was the best thing I ever did".

"She's just an amazing person inside and out, don't ever underestimate her because she's a very strong person as well," Judy added.

Ross and Ellie

Fans had been digging through the pair's social media and it appeared that Ross and Ellie had history, and this was eventually confirmed by Ellie after Ross was banished.

Ellie revealed that she knew Ross couldn't have been a Traitor and was actually her boyfriend, adding that she was planning to avenge his unjust banishment from the castle.

Speaking of keeping their relationship a secret, Ross said: "Hiding the relationship with Ellie was the easiest thing ever.

"Any time we had an interaction, I was happy to see her because I was under pressure the whole time, so Ellie was my safe space in the game. However, I thought she was a Traitor, because every time we had a moment together, she would not speak to me.

"I'm very proud of her though and I'm glad she's still in there holding it down for the household. I am Ellie's biggest fan boy, so I hope she goes on to win. I just also hope she does something to redeem me – I don't want my death to be in vain."

And now for the slightly circumstantial but potentially plausible links...

Jessie and Jack

Jessie and Jack first began ringing alarm bells for viewers in the latest episode (7th January) of The Traitors.

During the mission, a number of players found themselves up for murder and were trapped in cages. They could only be freed if one of the other players not at risk agreed to help them.

Jack was one player stuck in a cage and Jessie said she would help him and, as such, she had to find 10 skulls and balance them one on top of the other to let Jack be freed.

When Jack was freed, he and Jessie embraced one another and some viewers thought perhaps it was a rather familiar embrace.

Rachel and Matthew

After Claudia chose her Traitors, Rachel and Matthew shared their relief that they were both Faithful, though we now know Rachel was bluffing.

However there was something intriguing about Matthew telling Rachel he was so pleased she wasn't a Traitor. Sure, this could have been an innocent comment, but to someone you'd only met an hour before? Maybe that's not really the case...

Amanda and Maz

It's no secret that Amanda is a former detective, though she's keeping that hidden from her fellow players, but it came as a shock to viewers when Maz revealed he once worked as a policeman.

There is no concrete proof that the pair worked together while on the force, but with the family tree theory, anything could be possible.

The Traitors season 4 continues on Thursday 8th January 2026 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on iPlayer.

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