Who Is Hugo Lodge? Here’s what we know so far about the contestant

As 2026 begins, The Traitors returns with Claudia Winkleman guiding viewers back to the now-iconic Scottish castle for season four. Among the 22 new contestants is Hugo Lodge, a London-based barrister. In background materials shared by the program, Hugo described himself as highly competitive and most comfortable working within a team when he has a leadership role. He also highlighted a long-standing interest in board games such as Monopoly, Riskand Diplomacyframing his participation as a test of intellect, composure, and social awareness rather than luck.

Hugo Lodge on The Traitors Season Four

Hugo Lodge, 51, was reportedly born in Cardiff and now lives in London, where he works as a barrister specializing in financial law after earlier experience with serious and organized crime cases. According to official show interviews, he is also an enthusiastic musical theatre fan and a devoted viewer of The Traitors franchise, having watched the UK, U.S., Australian, and New Zealand editions. He has openly shared that his familiarity with the format influenced his decision to join, noting in pre-show commentary that he is “obsessed” with how the game unfolds across different versions.

During the early stages of season four, an episode revealed the initial selection of Traitors, a moment that placed Hugo at the center of the game’s psychological tension. Drawing on his professional background, he explained in show materials that his work requires maintaining a calm, reassuring presence before juries, which he believes has helped him develop a convincing poker face. He added that remaining still, composed, and believable is essential in his career, and he hoped those same skills would translate effectively inside the castle.

Viewer Reactions to Hugo’s Traitor Reveal on X

Following the episode, reactions quickly appeared on X, where viewers shared their takes on Hugo’s selection as a Traitor. In one widely circulated post, a user suggested that Hugo’s demeanor made the choice obvious, remarking that his expression alone hinted at his role long before it was officially revealed. Another viewer commented that while they had been enjoying Hugo’s presence on the show, a particular on-screen moment involving his drinking technique briefly distracted them from his gameplay. These reactions, sourced directly from public posts on X, reflect how closely audiences are watching both strategy and personality as season four continues to unfold.