Rachel Duffy, the triumphant winner of the latest series of BBC's smash hit reality programme The Traitors, has shared a profoundly moving tribute to her mother, who passed away just days after the show's dramatic finale last month.
A Champion's Personal Journey
The 42-year-old from Newry found national fame when she emerged victorious from the intense psychological competition set in a Scottish castle. During her time on the programme, Duffy had openly discussed her motivation for competing: to win prize money that would fund a special family holiday with her mother, who had been battling serious health conditions.
A Mother's Health Battles
Duffy's mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the remarkably young age of 47, and more recently had received a dementia diagnosis. The reality star had poignantly explained during the show that she wanted to create lasting memories with her mother while she still could, telling fellow contestants: "I just want to create memories with her while I'm still lucky enough to have her."
In one particularly emotional moment during a dinner party with the final eight contestants, Duffy tearfully shared: "I have watched her my whole adult life just put her whole life on hold for other people. All she wants to do is go on a holiday. I think life is so precious and I really really want it for my mum because she did everything for us."
A Heartfelt Social Media Tribute
Just days after announcing her mother's passing on Tuesday, January 27, Duffy returned to Instagram on Sunday, February 1, to share an extensive, loving tribute to her late parent.
In her emotional post, she wrote:
- "Thank you Mummy. Thank you for loving us so much."
- "Thank you for teaching us our worth. Thank you for so much kindness shown and taught."
- "Thank you for endless laughs and lots of fun. Thank you for helping us parent our babies."
- "Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on when we needed one. Thank you for the many words of wisdom over the years."
- "Thank you for showing us the true meaning of integrity."
- "Thank you for giving us a beautiful life. Thank you for a lifetime of happy memories. Thank you for being our mummy. We love you x."
Support from Fellow Contestants
The comments section quickly filled with messages of support from Duffy's former Traitors co-stars. Harriet Tyce wrote: "so much love to you all," while Roxy Wilson added: "Loads of love to you and your family Rachel." Reece Ward expressed: "Love you so much Rachel," and Leanne Quigley, who won the 2024 series of the show, said: "Sending you all the love in the entire world!"
The Prize and Its Purpose
Duffy eventually walked away with half of the £95,750 prize fund, sharing the winnings with fellow champion Stephen Libby. Her original intention had been to use her portion to fund that meaningful family holiday she had so passionately discussed during the competition.
Tragically, her mother's health deteriorated following Duffy's appearance on the BBC programme, leading to her passing last week. When announcing the sad news initially, Duffy had requested privacy from fans and followers during this difficult period.
Raising Awareness and Resonating with Viewers
Reflecting on the public response to her sharing her mother's health journey on national television, Duffy noted: "There was a lot of messages on social media about people and their own experiences, saying thank you so much for raising awareness. It was the loveliest feeling to know that your story resonated with so many and that so many other people, or carers for their family members."
Her openness about her mother's Parkinson's and dementia diagnoses has clearly touched many viewers who have faced similar challenges with family members, creating an unexpected but meaningful connection between the reality television champion and her audience.
