Rachel Duffy, who made history by winning The Traitors alongside fellow contestant Stephen Libby, has announced the death of her mother just days after her television triumph.
The Northern Irish winner shared the devastating news on Instagram earlier today, writing: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful wee mummy.”
Ms Duffy, a communications director from Newry, asked for privacy as her family comes to terms with their loss.
“We kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves during this difficult time,” she added.
BBC The Traitors: Rachel Duffy
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BBC
Anne was 70 years old at the time of her death.
Throughout the BBC series, Ms Duffy had spoken movingly about her mother’s health battles and her determination to win prize money so they could spend precious time together.
Anne received her Parkinson’s diagnosis at 47, only four years older than Duffy is now, and later developed dementia.
During her time in the castle, Ms Duffy opened up to cameras about her mother’s condition, explaining that despite facing these challenging illnesses, Anne continued to amaze her family daily.
Ms Duffy announced the sad passing of her Mum on Tuesday
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She said during the show: “Mummy was just 47 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, four years older than I am now, and faces dementia, but still amazes me and my family every single day.”
The mother of three also spoke about her desire to create lasting memories with Anne while she still had the opportunity, and to give her children quality time with their beloved grandmother.
Ms Duffy lost her father in 2016 when he was 67.
Entering the castle, Ms Duffy hoped to be selected as a Traitor, a wish that was granted alongside barrister Hugo Lodge and Scottish cyber security consultant Mr Libby.
Rachel Duffy’s Instagram story on Tuesday
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While Mr Lodge was eliminated early, Ms Duffy evaded detection throughout the series, even surviving a challenge from secret Traitor Fiona.
On Friday, she and Mr Libby made television history by becoming the first duo of Traitors to successfully win together in the show’s fourth series.
Their victory came after they eliminated every remaining Faithful during the tense finale. The pair divided the £95,750 prize pot equally, taking home £47,875 each.
Following her win, Ms Duffy told BBC News NI that treating her mother would be her first priority with the prize money.
BBC The Traitors: Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby won the show together
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BBC
She said: “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.”
Ms Duffy revealed that Anne had been watching the series, though she hadn’t followed every twist and turn of the competition.
She said of her mother: “She’s enjoyed watching it. She’s very proud.”
Ms Duffy lost her father in 2016 when he was 67
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She had also promised her children their first aeroplane trip to visit friends in England.
Ms Duffy’s openness about her mother’s condition resonated with viewers, prompting many to share their own experiences caring for loved ones with similar illnesses.
She told PA after the show: “There were a lot of messages on social media from people sharing their own experiences, saying thank you so much for raising awareness.”
The TV star expressed hope that something positive could emerge from sharing her story, noting how difficult Parkinson’s and dementia are for both patients and their families.