The Traitors family tree theory explained - how each contestant is linked to someone else

The latest season of The Traitors is well underway, and wow, what a series it's been so far! Secret Traitor Fiona went head-to-head against OG Rachel, one Faithful schemed against another, and fashion at the round table is served night after night. But perhaps the biggest talking point of this season is the family tree theory.

As the name suggests, fans are theorising that all of the contestants this season are linked somehow. This theory has been backed up (or rather, spurred on) by the family tree that sits at the entrance to the Scottish castle that the game is played in. The family tree painting depicts all 22 of the contestants and the edges of the picture are inscribed with words in Latin.

Thanks to Google Translate, we can roughly translate the words on the family tree painting. "Beware whom you trust as your own blood," it reads. "The sharpest knives are often handed to the table by faithful servants. Among intimate friends lurk the most secret enemies; take care not to let your confidence become the cause of your downfall and agitation."

Up until now, there have already been three confirmed connections in this season of The Traitors, so the family tree theory tracks. Netty and Ross confirmed their connection (albeit a tenuous one) in episode one, much to his dismay. Ross was eventually banished after having Netty's murder pinned on him, with many of the Faithfuls pointing to their connection as the reason for it. Later on, Judy and Roxy were confirmed to be mother and daughter, followed by Ellie revealing that Ross is her boyfriend.

"I get the feeling they all have someone they have a relationship with, all of them are there with someone they know," someone said on Reddit of the theory. "Putting it out there… that family tree is there for a purpose surely… how many more connections even are there not yet revealed?" another viewer said on X.

So, who else might be hiding a secret connection in the castle?

Judy and Roxy: Mother and daughter

The first confirmed family tree connection (beyond that tenuous 10-year one between Ross and Netty) was Judy and Roxy. In the very first episode, Judy was at the centre of speculation from the Faithfuls and just ended up being banished at the Round Table. It was only then that Roxy revealed that Judy is her mum, a secret she has chosen to keep in the game.

Ross and Ellie: Boyfriend and girlfriend

After major speculation on social media, which saw viewers sleuthing through holiday snaps and tagged locations, Ellie confirmed that she and Ross are a couple... but only after he was banished from the castle. After Roxy's revelation about her mum, Ellie's confirmation pretty much poured rocket fuel on the family tree theory.

Jessie and Jack: Rumoured siblings

Although viewers aren't sure exactly what the connection between Jessie and Jack is – friends, siblings, lovers? – there are definitely signs that the duo knew each other before this season of The Traitors. Firstly, Jessie chose to play for Jack's safety when he was up for murder in a recent challenge. Following that, they embraced in a very friendly hug, and then Jack commented on how "proud" of Jessie he was for winning.

Maz and Faraaz: Rumoured father and son

With the family tree theory in full swing, viewers quickly picked up on Maz and Faraaz's similar accents and mannerisms. The theory that they could be related was further fuelled by a comment made by Judy after her exit.

"There was a lot of speculation when I was in there about Faraaz and Maz," she told the Metro. "Are they son and dad? We kept thinking that."

Fiona and Reece: Rumoured mother and son

Over the course of a few episodes there were a number of clues that viewers picked up on which could indicate Fiona and Reece's familial connection. First of all Fiona chose to play for Reece during the skull collecting game, which would suggest her protective motherly instincts.

However, rather than rush to save him she almost sabotaged him but many viewers thought she wasn't worried about saving him because she knew she could make a case to keep him alive in the turret.

Reece later then literally called Fiona his mum, albeit not in a way confirming she was his mum, when he said: "I literally worship her like she is my mum".

And another key clue was when Fiona mentioned her husband's name during one VT but not her son's name. She talked about her son quite a bit but never mentions his name. Suspicious much?

Harriet and Hugo: Rumoured former colleagues

Hugo and Harriet both have history in the legal profession. Harriet is a former barrister turned crime writer, and Hugo is still a practicing barrister. They're both a similar age - Harriet is 52 and Hugo is 51 - could they have trained together? Or crossed paths during their careers? It seems a pretty big coincidence that they both ended up in the castle.

Matthew and Rachel: Rumoured siblings

This one is up for debate but some people have been speculating Matthew and Rachel could be brother and sister. The evidence? They're both from Northern Ireland and up until recently there has been very small interactions between them. Of course this could all change if they end up recruiting Matthew as a Traitor.

The Traitors continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8pm.