The latest series of the BBC's hit show The Traitors has kept viewers on the edge of their seats, not just with its gameplay, but with the real-life connections between contestants being steadily revealed.
Romance Rumours Debunked
Amid speculation that traitor Stephen Libby might be secretly dating fellow contestants Matthew Hyndman or Reece Ward, his social media profiles tell a different story. The 32-year-old from the Isle of Lewis is, in fact, in a long-term relationship with actor and artist Daniel Quirke.
Quirke himself confirmed Stephen's participation in the show, breaking a Twitter hiatus on New Year's Day to write: "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."
A Life of Travel and Art
The couple's Instagram feeds paint a picture of a life filled with aesthetic pursuits and global adventure. Daniel regularly shares his paintings, which were recently featured in a solo exhibition in London's Soho. Stephen's profile is a travelogue of their trips together, showcasing journeys to destinations like Vietnam, Japan, and South Africa.
While the exact start date of their romance isn't public, posts featuring each other date back to 2022. Since The Traitors began airing, fans have flooded their comments, not only with support but with repeated requests for Stephen to share details about the stylish outfits he wears on the programme.
Celebrity Spotted in the Watch Party
Stephen's social circle also includes some famous faces. A TikTok video he posted, showing friends and family reacting to the moment he was chosen as a traitor by Claudia Winkleman, contained a surprise for eagle-eyed viewers.
Among the group screaming and clapping was stand-up comedian, writer, and actress Lou Sanders. Sanders, a Taskmaster champion and regular on panel shows, was seen covering her eyes in suspense before applauding. The cameo prompted comments like "Why is Lou Sanders there please?" from surprised fans.
As the series continues with Stephen as one of the remaining traitors alongside Rachel Duffy, following Fiona Hughes's banishment, the off-screen lives of the contestants are proving to be just as engaging for the audience as the deception unfolding within the Scottish castle.