The latest series of the BBC's hit show The Traitors has kept audiences guessing not just about the game's cunning deceptions, but also about the real-life connections between its contestants. Amid revelations of secret romances and family ties, one player's off-screen life has come into sharp focus: Traitor Stephen Libby.
The Real Romance Behind the Game
Speculation had swirled among fans that the 32-year-old from the Isle of Lewis might be dating a fellow contestant, with names like Matthew Hyndman or Reece Ward in the mix. However, social media evidence has firmly put those rumours to rest. Stephen is in a long-term relationship with actor and artist Daniel Quirke.
Daniel himself took to social media platform X on New Year's Day, just before the series premiere, to break his Twitter hiatus and confirm Stephen's participation. He posted: "Breaking my Twitter hiatus to post this. My amazing partner Stephen took a little trip to the Highlands. Tune in tonight for #TheTraitors at 8pm on @BBC."
The couple's Instagram profiles paint a picture of a shared life filled with travel and creativity. They frequently post photos from trips to destinations including Vietnam, Japan, and South Africa. Daniel regularly shares his paintings, which were recently featured in a solo exhibition in London's Soho. While the exact start date of their romance isn't public, posts featuring each other date back to at least 2022.
Fashion Focus and Famous Faces
Since the show began airing, Stephen has garnered attention for more than just his tactics as a Traitor. Fans have been flooding his social media comments, passionately requesting details about the stylish outfits he wears on the programme.
Further intrigue was added when Stephen shared a TikTok video of friends and family reacting to the moment he was chosen as a Traitor by host Claudia Winkleman. Amid the screams and applause, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a familiar face in the crowd: stand-up comedian, writer, and actress Lou Sanders.
Sanders, a regular on TV panel shows and the winner of Taskmaster's eighth series in 2019, was seen covering her eyes in suspense before clapping. Her presence sparked a flurry of comments from fans questioning her connection to Stephen, highlighting the close-knit and sometimes surprising circles of the show's contestants.
Twists, Turns, and Family Trees
Stephen's personal revelations are part of a broader trend in this series of The Traitors, which has been marked by unexpected links between players. Psychologist Ellie Buckley disclosed that fellow contestant Ross Garshong is her boyfriend, while Roxy Wilson revealed Judy Wilson is her mother. An old friendship between Ross and Netty Osterberg also emerged.
As series two star Paul Gorton suggested, the "family tree" in the castle seems to hint that many players are connected by friendship or family. For Stephen Libby, his key connection lies outside the game with his partner Daniel, though his social circle intriguingly includes notable figures from the UK's comedy scene.
Currently, Stephen remains one of the few Traitors in the game alongside Rachel Duffy, following the banishment of Fiona Hughes. As the competition intensifies, fans will be watching not only for his next strategic move but also for any further glimpses into his life away from the Scottish castle.
