Stephen Libby, the 32-year-old cyber security consultant from the Isle of Lewis, has captured the hearts of viewers after winning the latest season of The Traitors. Alongside fellow traitor Rachel Duffy, Libby shared victory in the nail-biting finale, which drew 9.6 million viewers across the UK.
Keeping the Secret Safe
Libby revealed that his “number one rule” for keeping the show’s outcome under wraps was not telling anyone in his island community. “I just made sure that I didn’t tell anyone from the Isle of Lewis, because I knew that if one person found out, then the whole island would find out,” he said on BBC Radio Scotland’s The Saturday Show. To avoid slipping up, Libby said he tried to forget the outcome until the finale aired. His strategy worked, ensuring the suspense remained intact for fans and his fellow islanders.
A Celtic Connection
Chosen as traitors from the start, Libby and Rachel Duffy formed a strong alliance, bonded by what they called their “Celtic connection.” In the final vote, Libby chose loyalty over friendship, eliminating faithful Jack Butler instead of betraying Rachel. The decision secured their joint win and a shared prize of £95,750.
“I couldn’t go back on my word to you,” Libby told Rachel during the finale. His dramatic facial expressions and lack of poker face became viral highlights of the series, with memes and clips widely shared online.
Pride in His Roots
Returning to Stornoway after filming, Libby was overwhelmed by the support from his community. “I couldn’t believe the reaction of people on the island. I’m so proud of where I come from, and to know that they’re proud of me is just, I can’t really put into words,” he said. Libby previously spoke about the challenges of growing up gay in a religious community on the Isle of Lewis, making his victory even more meaningful. “I’m just a wee boy from the Isle of Lewis, this kind of stuff doesn’t happen to me,” he exclaimed after winning.
Plans for the Prize Money
With his share of the winnings, Libby plans to give back to his parents, who supported him through university, and help his father pursue his passion for art. He also hopes to get on the property ladder in London—and perhaps invest in more of the flamboyant jumpsuits that became his trademark on the show.
Reflecting on the Journey
Watching the series back, Libby admitted he was surprised by how close he came to elimination. “I was amazed that I made it through some of those situations,” he said. “When you’re watching it on TV, you’re seeing side conversations you weren’t privy to. I thought, oh my goodness, everyone is saying my name.” In the end, his loyalty to Rachel paid off. “I’m so chuffed that both of us managed to hold our nerve,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’d rather win with one person than just by myself.”
