After three intense weeks filled with murder, deceit, and strategic betrayals, the destiny of Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby will be conclusively determined in the highly anticipated finale of The Traitors. This gripping BBC reality show has captivated audiences, with the duo emerging as fan favourites due to their adeptness at evading detection and outmanoeuvring their rivals.
The Final Showdown and Betting Odds
Friday's climactic episode is set to reveal whether one or both of these cunning contestants can secure victory, thereby claiming the substantial prize fund from any remaining Faithfuls in the game. Despite their strong performance throughout the series, bookmakers are sharply divided on the likely outcome, injecting an extra layer of suspense into the proceedings.
Conflicting Predictions from Leading Bookies
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes provided insight to the Daily Mail, noting, 'Rachel has it all to do after last night's grilling, and while Stephen is still somehow slipping under the radar, the odds suggest it'll be the third win for the Faithfuls in four years.' Ladbrokes currently offers odds of 1/2 for a Faithful victory, contrasting with 6/4 for the Traitors. In a contrasting view, Betway has positioned the Traitors as favourites to win, with odds of 8/15, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding this thrilling conclusion.
Rachel Duffy: The Competitive Party Animal
Away from the high-stakes environment of the Scottish Highlands, Rachel Duffy leads a vibrant and dynamic life. As a mother of three from Newry in Northern Ireland, she is described by associates as the life and soul of any party, with a passion for shots, karaoke, and glittering attire. An associate told The Mail on Sunday, 'Rachel is the life and soul of any party. She gets on with everyone and just loves having a good time.'
Fierce Determination and Personal Motivations
In her professional role as Head of Communications in County Down, Rachel exhibits a fiercely competitive streak, bolstered by four months of FBI training prior to filming. She openly admits, 'I will do anything to win. Nothing's off the table. It's very black and white for me. If it's a game, I would do anything at all to win.' Her strategic mindset extends to her personal life, where she has honed her poker face to the point that her husband struggles to discern truth from deception.
Should Rachel triumph, she plans to use the prize money to create cherished memories with her mother, Anne, 70, who battles dementia and Parkinson's disease. Rachel shared, 'I just want to create memories with her while I’m still lucky enough to have her, and to create memories with my kids, because they just love their nanny.' In a touching tribute, Anne proudly displays a T-shirt emblazoned with 'My daughter’s a traitor', symbolising her support.
Rachel's family background adds depth to her story; she was deeply affected by the loss of her father, Raymond Mullen, in 2016, and maintains a close bond with her siblings, including her brother Darren Mullen, former manager of Newry City football club.
Stephen Libby: The Stylish Strategist
Stephen Libby, residing in London with his boyfriend, has garnered attention not only for his gameplay but also for his bold fashion choices. As a Scottish Cyber Security Consultant, he is an avid traveller, having explored destinations such as Japan, Vietnam, Spain, and New York in recent years.
Connections and Competitive Drive
During the launch episode, Stephen hosted a viewing party where eagle-eyed fans spotted comedian Lou Sanders among the guests, sparking rumours of her being his landlord. However, his boyfriend, actor Daniel Quirke, clarified, 'Can confirm she is not our landlord, just a friend of ours.' Daniel, who has appeared in series like Brave New World and The Sandman, has played a pivotal role in unleashing Stephen's competitive nature.
Stephen credits Daniel and his family with transforming his approach to games, stating, 'Funnily enough, I was an "It's the taking part that counts" kind of person. And then I met my partner, and him and his family are vile when it comes to games. There are no holds barred, and it gets a bit heated. I had to learn to be equally committed.' This newfound determination led Stephen to meticulously re-watch previous series of The Traitors to devise a winning strategy.
Describing himself as a 'control freak', Stephen expressed a strong desire to be a Traitor, explaining, 'I feel like as a Traitor, it really is the best way to take control of the game. Your chances of going home are slashed by 50 percent because you can only go out by banishment.' His dedication underscores the intense preparation behind his quest for victory.
Anticipation Builds for the Finale
As the finale of The Traitors airs at 8.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer, viewers are poised to witness whether Rachel and Stephen's elaborate schemes will culminate in success. With betting odds reflecting a split in public opinion and personal stories adding emotional weight, this conclusion promises to be a memorable chapter in the show's history, blending suspense, strategy, and human drama in equal measure.
