Rachel Duffy, ‘The Traitors’ Winner, Announces Mother’s Passing

NEWRY (Azat TV) – Rachel Duffy, the recent winner of the popular BBC reality series The Traitors, has announced the death of her mother, Anne Duffy, just days after securing her victory. The heartbreaking news, shared via social media on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, follows Duffy’s emotional journey on the show, where she frequently spoke about her mother’s battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, and her aspirations to use her prize money to create cherished memories.

Duffy, a communications director from Newry, Northern Ireland, posted a statement on Instagram expressing her profound grief. “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful wee mummy,” she wrote, adding a request for privacy for her family during this difficult time. The announcement resonated deeply with fans who had followed her story, understanding the poignant contrast between her recent public triumph and this profound personal loss.

A Poignant Victory and Unfulfilled Dreams

Rachel Duffy became a national sensation after triumphing in the latest series of The Traitors, where she, alongside fellow Traitor Stephen Duffy, skillfully navigated the game of deception and strategy. Her victory on Friday, January 23, 2026, marked her as the first female Traitor to win the UK series. The duo split the £95,750 prize pot, with Rachel taking home £47,875.

Throughout her time on the show, Duffy candidly shared her motivation, often citing her mother, Anne, as her inspiration. Anne, who was 70 years old, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at 47 and later developed dementia. Rachel had expressed her fervent desire to spend her winnings on making lasting memories with her mother, including taking her on holiday. Speaking to BBC News NI after her win, she had said, “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.” She emphasized the precious nature of creating memories when a loved one’s memory is fading.

Public Outpouring of Support

The news prompted an immediate outpouring of condolences and support from fans, fellow contestants, and public figures across social media platforms. Many expressed sympathy for Duffy, recognizing the immense difficulty of experiencing such a personal tragedy so soon after a major public achievement. The community response highlighted the genuine emotional connections viewers often form with reality TV personalities, extending beyond the show’s entertainment value.

Dementia UK, a charity dedicated to supporting families affected by dementia, also issued a statement following Anne Duffy’s passing. Dr. Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO of Dementia UK, extended condolences to Rachel and her family, thanking Duffy for her openness on The Traitors. Dr. Hayo noted that Rachel’s candid discussions about her mother’s journey helped raise vital awareness for the condition and its impact on families across the UK, encouraging those affected to reach out to their specialist Helpline.

A Legacy of Strength and Inspiration

Rachel Duffy’s public persona on The Traitors was defined by her resilience, strategic intelligence, and warmth, qualities she attributed to her upbringing. She often spoke about the values of honesty and loyalty instilled in her, which viewers now understand were deeply influenced by her mother.

This is not the first significant loss for Rachel Duffy; she also lost her beloved father, Raymond Mullen, in 2016 at the age of 67. Her personal journey, marked by both public triumph and profound private grief, underscores the human reality behind the spotlight of entertainment. She has indicated that she will be taking time away from the public eye to grieve with her family, a decision widely supported by her followers.

Rachel Duffy’s willingness to share her family’s struggles with Parkinson’s and dementia, even amidst the high-stakes environment of reality television, created a unique bond with audiences, transforming a competitive game into a platform for raising awareness and fostering empathy. Her current experience, while deeply personal, serves as a poignant reminder of the shared human experience of love and loss that transcends public success.