Chatty and approachable, despite her glamorous appearance in a stunning light pink gown, Rachel Duffy emerged victorious in Series 2 of The Traitors UK alongside her fellow contestant, Stephen Libby. This win marked a significant milestone as she became the first female winner of the show.
During a chat at the Make-A-Wish charity event ‘A Night of Wishes,’ Rachel, a former communications manager from Newry, Northern Ireland, emphasized her support for women empowerment. She also shared heartfelt reflections on coping with the loss of her mother, Anne, who passed away in January after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s, just days after the show’s finale.
Reflecting on her post-show life, Rachel expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have come her way. Despite the newfound attention, she remains grounded, staying true to her community and family values instilled by her late mother.
Regarding her mother’s passing, Rachel acknowledged the challenging timing but highlighted the overwhelming support she received. She shared a poignant moment of visiting her mother’s grave and the emotional impact it had on her, emphasizing her mother’s resilience and influence on her life.
Rachel also discussed her upcoming participation in the Great North Run to raise funds for Parkinson’s research in memory of her mother. She expressed hope that her family, including some of her fellow Traitors cast members, would join her in this endeavor.
In a lighthearted moment, Rachel shared amusing anecdotes about being recognized in public as the ‘big Traitor’ and expressed her wish for celebrity guests on future seasons of The Traitors, including Graham Norton and Ant & Dec.
Furthermore, she praised Claudia Winkleman and her new chat show, attributing any mixed reviews to society’s adjustment to strong female presenters. Rachel also teased about potential co-hosting opportunities on Strictly Come Dancing, despite her admitted lack of dancing skills.
Lastly, Rachel mentioned her upcoming book, a young adult fantasy trilogy, and shared her children’s reactions to her newfound fame, with her daughter particularly enjoying the attention. The interview concluded with a mention of the charity event and an invitation to follow Mirror Celebs for more showbiz news and gossip.