Rachel Duffy shares emotional memories of her mother Anne and how her love for The Traitors inspired her historic win in Northern Ireland

Rachel Duffy, the celebrated winner of BBC’s The Traitors, has spoken candidly about the difficult weeks following the death of her mother, Anne, after a long battle with dementia.

The 43-year-old from Newry, Northern Ireland, shared her emotions during her first television appearance since announcing the heartbreaking loss in January.

Rachel explained that the weeks after her mother’s passing had been some of the hardest of her life.

“It’s been a rough couple of weeks,” she admitted.

“It was a huge high winning the show, and then a big dip down low. Thankfully, I have the best family in the world, so I’m getting through it.”

Remembering Anne: A Mother’s Influence

Anne, who passed away at the age of 70, had lived with Parkinson’s disease and dementia for decades.

Rachel often spoke about her mother during her time on The Traitors, sharing the challenges Anne faced and the close bond they shared.

Her mother had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in her forties, and later dementia took hold, shaping much of Rachel’s personal journey.

Rachel had planned to spend part of her £47,875 prize money creating memories with her mother, including special holidays and family outings.

“I wanted to make memories with her while I still had the chance,” she explained.

Tragically, Anne passed away before those plans could fully come to life.

First TV Appearance Since the Loss

Rachel appeared on Morning Live with Gethin Jones and Louise Minchin, revealing how she had to pull out of an earlier appearance due to her mother’s health worsening.

She recalled the moment she received the phone call: “I was about to come on the show and chat about my lovely adventure in the castle, and I got a call to go home and see mum. Unfortunately, she passed away.”

Despite her grief, Rachel emphasized the importance of raising awareness about dementia.

“Everyone experiences dementia differently. I think it’s important to have these conversations, even during my time in the castle,” she said.

Sharing her story, she found that many viewers resonated with her experiences, sending messages thanking her for highlighting the challenges of caring for loved ones.

Celebrating Achievements Together

Anne was a huge fan of the show, and Rachel fondly remembered her mother’s excitement.

“She loved The Traitors. Sometimes we’d visit her in the nursing home, and she’d be re-watching the episodes,” Rachel recalled.

“She’d call me and ask, ‘Who did you murder?’ and I’d say, ‘Mum, I can’t tell you!’ But she was really proud.”

Rachel and her fellow contestant Stephen Duffy became the first duo to win the UK civilian series of The Traitors, sharing a £95,750 prize pot.

She revealed that entering the show was inspired by her mother, who encouraged her to compete while giving one clear piece of advice: “Not to get caught.”

Coping and Looking Forward

Rachel reflected on how her family’s support helped her navigate the difficult weeks following Anne’s death.

She’s now focused on creating joyful experiences with her children and husband.

“I can’t make memories with mummy anymore, but I can make them with my family,” she said.

She expressed hope for a happy 2026 filled with laughter and family moments.

Dr. Hilda Hayo, CEO of Dementia UK, praised Rachel for speaking openly about her mother’s illness, emphasizing that sharing these experiences encourages other families affected by dementia to seek support.

Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses provide guidance for carers and families, offering advice for coping with grief and navigating the stages of dementia.

Rachel’s Personal Journey Beyond the Castle

Rachel has also endured other personal losses, including her father, Raymond Mullen, who passed away in 2016.

Her close-knit family, including her brothers Darren, Neil, Shane, and sister Joanne, remains her support system.

Professionally, she has been recognized as one of The Traitors’ most skilled players, using her wits and even a touch of FBI-inspired training to navigate the castle’s social challenges.

The finale of the show drew a massive audience, peaking at 9.6 million viewers and achieving a 54.9% audience share—the highest for the civilian series ever.

Rachel’s win, combined with her openness about personal struggles, has struck a chord with fans across the UK.

What’s Next?

Rachel’s focus now is on her family and creating lasting memories.

She plans to sit down with her children, husband, and remaining family members to decide how to make 2026 a year of joy and connection.

While she continues to honor her mother’s memory, Rachel is also embracing life’s opportunities, from family trips to everyday moments with loved ones.

Summary

Rachel Duffy has faced an emotional journey after her mother Anne’s passing from dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Her appearance on Morning Live highlighted the challenges of grief, the importance of discussing dementia openly, and the deep bond she shared with her mother.

Anne had been a devoted fan of The Traitors, inspiring Rachel’s participation and supporting her triumph with Stephen Duffy as the first civilian duo winners of the show.

Through her openness, Rachel has raised awareness for families affected by dementia, and she now looks forward to making new memories with her own family while cherishing her mother’s legacy.