Traitors Winner Rachel Duffy Mourns Mother’s Death

Rachel Duffy, the newly crowned winner of the BBC’s hit reality show The Traitors, has announced the heartbreaking loss of her mother just days after her historic victory. The news, shared on January 27, 2026, via Instagram, has resonated deeply with fans and viewers across the UK, many of whom followed Rachel’s moving journey on the show as she spoke candidly about her mother’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.

Rachel, a public relations expert from Newry, Northern Ireland, made history last Friday by becoming the first female Traitor to win the UK edition of the program. Alongside co-Traitor Stephen Libby, she claimed half of the show’s £95,750 prize pot, a sum she had always envisioned using to create cherished memories with her family—especially her mother, Anne.

Throughout the fourth season of The Traitors, Rachel’s motivation was clear: she wanted to win for her mum. In emotional moments on screen, she revealed her hopes of taking her mother on a special holiday, recalling how much Anne used to love traveling before her health declined. “I would make memories with the most important people in my life. My mum has dementia, and she wants to go on a holiday as she used to go on holidays all the time before my dad passed. That’s all she wants,” Rachel told the BBC during the show. “I just want to create memories with her whilst I’m still lucky enough to have her, and to create memories with my kids, because they just love their nanny.”

But the celebration of Rachel’s victory was quickly overshadowed by personal tragedy. On January 27, she posted a heartfelt message to her 183,000 Instagram followers: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful wee mummy. We kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves during this difficult time.” The message was met with an outpouring of support from fans, fellow contestants, and public figures alike.

Anne Duffy, Rachel’s mother, had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at just 47, a full four years younger than Rachel is now. Over time, Anne also developed dementia, a combination of illnesses that Rachel described as both challenging and inspiring. “Mummy was just 47 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s…and now faces dementia but still amazes me and my family every single day. Everything she has done for me and my four siblings is nothing short of incredible,” Rachel wrote in a previous Instagram tribute, accompanied by a photo of Anne proudly holding a ‘my daughter’s a traitor’ T-shirt.

The family’s journey has not been without its hardships. Nearly a decade ago, Rachel’s father Raymond passed away in 2016, leaving Anne to navigate her illnesses with the support of her children. Rachel often spoke about the privilege of sharing caring responsibilities for her mum, describing it as “a privilege” and expressing deep pride in her family’s resilience.

Rachel’s win on The Traitors was not just a personal achievement—it was a testament to her determination to honor her mother. In the show’s final episode, Rachel became visibly emotional as she spoke about her reasons for competing. “When you know her memories are going and you have an opportunity to help her create the nicest ones ever, that is very precious,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. Her sister Joanne later echoed these sentiments, telling BBC News NI, “Because Rachel wanted to get in there and get that money for mummy and, what she wanted it for, meant that it meant so much more than just the money.”

Upon learning of her win, Rachel’s first instinct was to share the news with her mother. “I rang my mummy this morning… I can’t wait to come home and give her a big hug and say what will we do? Anything you want, let’s go do it. As long as I get to spoil my family that’s all I care about,” she told BBC News NI. Though Anne may not have grasped all the twists and turns of the series, Rachel said her mother enjoyed watching her compete and was “very proud.”

Rachel’s openness about her mother’s illnesses has not gone unnoticed. Hilda Hayo, chief executive of Dementia UK, praised Rachel for her courage in sharing her family’s story so publicly. “We thank Rachel for her honesty, we know it is not easy to speak publicly about the impact dementia can have, but in doing so she will have encouraged others to reach out for the support they need,” Hayo said in a statement, as reported by BBC News NI.

The response from the The Traitors community has also been one of solidarity. Stephen Libby, Rachel’s co-winner, wrote in his own Instagram statement: “I woke up this morning, after four hours sleep, with the biggest smile on my face because I’m so proud that @rachel.dufffy and I were able to show you all that there is a way to play this game as Traitors which still champions trust and kindness—as much as is possible while being a Traitor.” Rachel herself posted a celebratory photo with Stephen and host Claudia Winkleman, captioning it: “What just happened ?!? This was THEE best feeling after such a rollercoaster game—filled with secrets, drama, lies, murder, confessionals and chance! It honestly couldn’t have been any better! Thank you to 20 wonderful formidable players who made this game everything it was meant to be. Thank you to @stephenlibby for keeping your promise and being the best partner in crime a girl could ask for.”

For many, Rachel’s story has shone a light on the realities of living with and caring for loved ones with degenerative illnesses. Her willingness to discuss her mother’s diagnoses and her family’s experiences has helped raise awareness and foster empathy among viewers. As Hayo noted, sharing such personal stories can have a ripple effect, encouraging others to seek support and break the silence around dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

The loss of Anne Duffy comes at a poignant moment for Rachel and her family, who had hoped to use her winnings to create new memories together. Though the planned holiday and other family celebrations will now take a different shape, Rachel’s journey on The Traitors stands as a moving tribute to her mother’s strength and the enduring bonds of family.

As Rachel and her siblings grieve, the public’s thoughts remain with them. The story of Anne Duffy—a woman who inspired her daughter to achieve, persevere, and share her truth—reminds us all of the importance of family, memory, and love in the face of adversity.