Rachel Duffy mum died Traitors has tragically been confirmed by the UK reality show winner just days after her dramatic victory on The Traitors. The BBC show finalist took to Instagram on 27 January to share the heartbreaking news that her beloved mother, Anne, had passed away as the family grieves during an incredibly difficult time.
Rachel, who became the first female contestant to win The Traitors UK — alongside fellow Traitor Stephen Libby — had spoken about her mother often during the series, explaining that her primary motivation for entering the castle was to use her share of the £95,750 prize money to create precious memories with her mum while she still could.
Emotional Instagram Announcement
In a post shared on her Instagram Story, Rachel wrote: “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.”
Her caption and photos also celebrated Anne’s life, recalling the close bond they shared and the inspiration her mother provided. Throughout the show, Rachel had highlighted her mother’s resilience and humour, even when living with Parkinson’s disease and dementia — illnesses Anne was diagnosed with in her forties.
A Motivation on The Traitors
During her time on The Traitors, Rachel spoke candidly with fellow contestants about what motivated her to compete. She shared that her mum’s diagnosis — first with Parkinson’s at age 47 and later with dementia — made the idea of creating lasting memories with her even more important.
Rachel explained that she intended to use her £47,875 share of the prize to give her mother special experiences before her health declined further, including the hope of a holiday or quality family time that could become cherished memories.
Photos from earlier in the series show Anne holding up a T-shirt that read “My daughter’s a traitor,” capturing the sense of pride she had in Rachel and her journey on the show.
Triumph and Tragedy
The news of Anne’s passing comes shortly after one of the most watched episodes of The Traitors UK. In the show’s dramatic finale on 23 January, Rachel and Stephen Libby made history by becoming the first pair of Traitors to win together — splitting the prize money after sticking to a pact not to vote each other out.
During the finale and in post-show interviews, Rachel emphasized how much her family, especially her mother, meant to her. She spoke about wanting to make the most of her win by sharing meaningful moments with her children and Anne, who had been a steadfast supporter and a source of inspiration throughout the competition.
Public Reactions and Support
Fans of the show and members of the public have shared condolences across social media in response to Rachel’s announcement. Many praised her honesty about her motivations on The Traitors and acknowledged the courage it took to share her personal story on national television. Others highlighted how her openness helped bring attention to the realities of life with Parkinson’s and dementia — conditions that affect millions of families worldwide.
Legacy and Remembrance
Anne’s death marks a profoundly emotional moment for Rachel and her family. The loss is particularly poignant given that Rachel also lost her father — Raymond — in 2016. Both parents played a major role in shaping her life, and her recent win on The Traitors had been a milestone moment that she had hoped to share with them.
In the weeks ahead, Rachel and her family have asked for privacy as they grieve. Her announcement underlines that even in the midst of public success, personal loss can change the tone of triumph into something far more bittersweet.
