Spoiler warning: This story contains details of the winner(s) of The Traitors UK
The latest season of *The Traitors* concluded Friday with a typically suspenseful finale, capping off three weeks of intrigue, betrayal, and intense confrontations.
In the final vote, traitor Stephen Libby faced a critical decision: betray his pledge to fellow traitor Rachel Duffy or eliminate Jack Butler, the last remaining faithful and a newfound friend.
Stephen chose to remain loyal to Rachel, stating, “I couldn’t go back on my word to you,” and voted for Jack. This decision secured victory for the pair, who had successfully navigated the series undetected, splitting the £95,750 prize.
Host Claudia Winkleman observed, “Two traitors, but totally faithful to each other.”
Rachel, the first female traitor to win the UK edition of the show, expressed her elation: “It’s the best feeling in the world.”
She added, “I really thought it was such a big achievement to be the first female traitor to make it to the final, and then to win. I think it will be a very long time until you get the smile off my face.”
Looking forward, she stated, “I’m really looking forward to not having to lie.”
Rachel plans to use her winnings to create lasting memories with her children and her mother, who is living with dementia.
“When you know her memories are going and you have an opportunity to help her create the nicest ones ever, I think that’s very precious,” she explained.
Both Rachel and Stephen were designated as traitors from the start and quickly formed an alliance to support each other.
Rachel, in particular, demonstrated a remarkable talent for deception throughout the series, subtly diverting suspicion from herself.
Despite facing pointed accusations from faithfuls Fiona and Harriet earlier in the season, the 42-year-old head of communications from County Down, Northern Ireland, only came under serious scrutiny in the final episodes.
While her composed and cunning persona sparked debate among viewers, her gameplay was undeniably masterful.
Harriet, once her rival, admitted on the spin-off show *Uncloaked*, “Rachel, watching you though the whole series has just been fantastic. So calm and collected. Completely outplayed all of us. Brilliant.”
A celebratory parade in Rachel’s hometown of Newry would not be unexpected.
Stephen, a 32-year-old cyber security consultant, is also anticipated to receive a hero’s welcome in Stornoway, Outer Hebrides.
“I’m just a wee boy from the Isle of Lewis, this kind of stuff doesn’t happen to me,” he said after his victory.
Although Rachel and Stephen’s alliance faced challenges towards the end, they remained committed to their pact of mutual protection.
While both played strategically, Stephen struggled to maintain composure, often going viral for his visibly stressed facial expressions.
Each will receive £47,875. Stephen intends to use his share to support his parents, who made sacrifices for his education, and to help his father, a butcher, pursue his artistic aspirations.
Stephen, who now resides in London, also hopes to invest in property.
Jack, who trusted Stephen, only realized his error when it was too late.
“It’s so frustrating,” the 29-year-old personal trainer from Essex lamented after being banished. “That’s completely unexpected, what a curveball, I’ve been totally played.”
The finale began by resolving the cliffhanger from Thursday’s episode, revealing the outcome of the tied roundtable vote between Rachel and James.
The “chest of chance” determined Rachel’s fate, with her receiving a shield that saved her and resulted in James’ elimination.
Subsequently, Jade was banished at the final roundtable, influenced in part by Rachel’s subtle persuasion. Jade, 25, who admitted to emotional distress due to ongoing suspicion, departed in tears.
This left four contestants. Faraaz, the youngest at 22, was the first to be eliminated at the firepit during the endgame, leaving Rachel and Stephen to unite and eliminate Jack.
The finale marked the end of a dramatic season, featuring twists such as the introduction of a “secret traitor,” whose identity was initially unknown.
Fiona was revealed to be the secret traitor, and she soon turned on Rachel, leading to tense confrontations. However, Rachel weathered the storm, even when Harriet launched her own verbal assault.
The drama contributed to the success of the show’s fourth UK season, which has attracted over 12 million viewers.
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