Traitors Winner Stephen Opens Up About Emotional Prize Split Decision
In an exclusive revelation, Stephen Libby, the triumphant champion of the latest series of The Traitors, has detailed the heartfelt reasoning behind his decision to share the £45,000 jackpot with fellow winner Rachel Duffy. The 32-year-old cybersecurity professional turned reality star praised Duffy as the mastermind behind their victory, insisting she was fully deserving of an equal share of the prize fund.
The Strategic Partnership That Secured Victory
Speaking candidly after the nail-biting final episode aired on Friday, January 23, Stephen reflected on the intense partnership that saw them outmaneuver the remaining Faithful, Jack, who left empty-handed. "There's absolutely no question that Rachel was the brains and the strategy behind this," Stephen emphasised. "You cannot deny that Rachel was just a formidable player and actually really deserved to be in that spot at the end."
This profound respect for Rachel's gameplay directly influenced his crucial decision at the final fire pit showdown. Faced with a split-second choice about whether to betray his ally, Stephen chose loyalty over potential personal gain. "That ultimately contributed to my decision to split that money with her because it would not be fair for her not to have had a piece of that prize," he explained, highlighting the ethical dimension of his choice.
Navigating the Final Showdown's Tense Moments
The dramatic conclusion saw Jack convinced of Rachel's Traitor status, placing Stephen in a precarious position. He admitted to moments of doubt, not driven by greed but by strategic uncertainty. "I actually was very close, and it wasn't because I wanted to take all the money for myself. It's because I thought she might have turned on me," Stephen confessed.
Ultimately, he held his nerve, a decision that has brought him significant personal satisfaction. "I never went into this game to be ruthless and cutthroat and play it by myself... being able to help someone else kind of get that money with me was amazing... I would have felt like a monster," he stated, revealing that waking up with a smile confirmed he made the right choice.
Personal Revelations and Post-Show Reflections
The intense experience of The Traitors proved to be a journey of self-discovery for Stephen, who has since left his cybersecurity role to pursue personal happiness. "This is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, like mentally and emotionally," he shared, acknowledging an unexpected emotional depth. "I may be more emotional than I've ever given myself credit for."
Regarding the prize money, Stephen has adopted a thoughtful approach. "I haven't spent my winnings yet... I really want to help my family out," he said, with plans for a well-deserved holiday for himself and his partner featuring prominently. This break represents a rare pause for someone who has worked consistently since age fifteen, including holding two jobs through university.
Skyrocketing Profile and Wider Impact
Stephen's victory has translated into remarkable public recognition, with his Instagram following surging to over 300,000 followers. Beyond the fame, he has been deeply moved by the show's social impact. "I've been overwhelmed and extremely touched by the messages I've received from teenagers, from parents alike, from queer people, from trans people," he revealed, noting how his openness resonated with diverse audiences.
While fans speculate about potential media careers, Stephen remains focused on the present. "I just want to relax for a bit and give myself a bit of time," he stated, valuing this unprecedented opportunity for personal reflection after years of continuous work.
Record-Breaking Finale Audience
The emotional finale captivated the nation, achieving record-breaking viewing figures. An average of 9.4 million viewers tuned in, peaking at 9.6 million, making it the most-watched overnight audience for the civilian version of the series ever. This success underscores the show's cultural significance and the public's engagement with Stephen and Rachel's compelling story.
