Traitors Champion Stephen Libby Returns to Hero's Welcome in Outer Hebrides
Stephen Libby, the triumphant winner of BBC reality gameshow The Traitors, has been greeted with jubilant celebrations upon his return to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The 32-year-old cybersecurity consultant, alongside co-conspirator Rachel Duffy, made history as the first pair of Traitors to secure victory on the popular programme, splitting the prize pot of £95,750 equally between them.
Island Community Unites in Celebration
Residents of the close-knit island community have embraced their local 'happy chappy' with immense pride following his televised success. Stephen visited the Blue Lobster café in Stornoway, the island's capital, where his father Donald's woodcraft and pop-art creations are displayed. The café shared a playful video of a cloaked Stephen winking while enjoying a coffee, accompanied by a heartfelt message expressing their extreme pride in 'this island lad' for representing Lewis with impeccable style and grace.
Jayne Macritchie, proprietor of the Blue Lobster, revealed that Stephen's family is ecstatic about his win and described how the entire community was captivated during Friday evening's final episode. 'I was completely glued, I've never watched it before. We were all glued,' she remarked, highlighting the collective excitement that swept across the island.
Honest Nature and Moral Conflict
Those familiar with Stephen's character have emphasised his inherently honest disposition, suggesting he would have found the necessity to deceive fellow contestants particularly challenging. Ms Macritchie, who has known Stephen since his youth, described him as 'such a lovely, happy chappy' and 'such a genuine person.' She added, 'I'm pretty sure he would have found it quite difficult.'
Eilidh Lang, vice-chairwoman of the HebCelt festival, observed Stephen's 'internal moral conflict' visibly etched across his face throughout the competition. 'I'm so pleased he did it, he's such a lovely guy and I think that really came through,' she stated, noting that the entire community was completely behind him. Ms Lang also reflected on how islanders are often underestimated, suggesting Stephen's achievement has challenged such perceptions by showcasing their resilience.
Strategic Pact and Loyalty Prevail
Stephen and Rachel's victory was secured through a strategic pact formed early in the game, where they agreed never to write each other's names on their slates at the round table. This loyalty allowed them to outmanoeuvre all faithful contestants, ensuring they remained as the final two standing. Despite moments of doubt, particularly from Stephen who questioned whether Rachel would uphold her side of the agreement, both remained steadfastly faithful to their pact.
Reflecting on their dramatic win during the spin-off show The Traitors: Uncloaked, Rachel admitted to feeling emotional while watching the final episode, stating, 'I was so nervous for Stephen, so watching it back, it made me cry.' Stephen expressed pride in their decision, acknowledging the difficulty of trusting someone whose role required deception. 'It's so hard to trust someone in there whose job it is to lie,' he explained, revealing his ongoing uncertainty until the very end.
Local Tributes and Island Pride
The island's enthusiasm for Stephen's success has manifested in creative tributes, including a specially crafted candle from Sandwick Bay Candles gift shop bearing the message 'There's a traitor on this island.' The shop humorously noted the need to produce more of these items following his win. Additionally, tour company Heb360 congratulated Stephen online, proclaiming, 'The Islands are full of surprises.'
Ms Macritchie highlighted the cultural significance of loyalty among islanders, remarking, 'I think as an islander, keeping a promise to someone is quite important. I feel the Celts are all similar in their ways and their loyalties.' This sentiment underscores the community's admiration for Stephen's unwavering commitment to his pact with Rachel, a director of communications from Newry in Northern Ireland.
Stephen Libby, who currently resides in London but maintains strong ties to his Hebridean roots, has undoubtedly become a source of immense pride for the Outer Hebrides, demonstrating that even in a game of deception, authenticity and loyalty can lead to triumphant success.
