Traitors Champion Stephen Libby's Secret Castle Anxiety Exposed
Stephen Libby, the triumphant winner of The Traitors fourth series, has candidly disclosed a private moment of panic that occurred shortly after meeting his fellow contestants at the Scottish castle. The Isle of Lewis native, who secured victory alongside fellow Traitor Rachel Duffy, each claiming £47,875, has shared behind-the-scenes details previously unknown to the show's devoted fanbase.
The Abandoned Shower Scene Plan
In a revealing interview with Greg James on BBC Radio 1, Libby explained that production had initially discussed with him the possibility of filming one of the programme's signature risqué night time shower scenes. "We theoretically discussed what mine would be," Libby recounted. "I was asked if I was comfortable doing a shower scene, and I said yes."
However, these arrangements were swiftly reconsidered after Libby encountered his male co-stars and, crucially, before discovering his own designation as a Traitor. "This was before I'd met the rest of the cast," he clarified. "I saw Jack's a PT, Ross is a PT, Sam's absolutely gorgeous, Matty's absolutely gorgeous. I spoke to the producers and said, 'I can't do a shower scene, I'm really sorry. I've just seen the rest of the men in this cast.'"
Production Response and Alternative Arrangements
When presenter Greg James, 40, questioned why contestants participate in these shower sequences, Libby responded diplomatically: "I don't think they push it. But I think if people want to flaunt themselves in that manner, then they're more than welcome to." Ultimately, it was creative director Matthew Hyndman, 35, who featured in the shower scene during the series.
This particular scene inadvertently became part of a fan theory attempting to predict which contestant would next depart the game. Faithful Matthew was shown lathering up in his room during a cut-scene, leading viewers to note a pattern: the usually attractive male shown showering often appeared to be the next contestant eliminated.
Fan Theories and Pattern Recognition
This speculation followed Celebrity Traitors contestant Tom Daley being featured in a shower scene during the spin-off's first season last November, before becoming the second person to leave that series. Regarding Matthew's scene, one fan wrote: "We've been given the shower scene in for Matthew. He's being murdered tonight and I won't be convinced otherwise."
Another viewer agreed: "Uh oh, the doomed shower shot. I fear Matty is going to die before becoming a Traitor." A third shared: "Matthew so desperate to become a Traitor has no chance now." In this instance, the theory proved incorrect as Matthew was not 'murdered' that night but instead left via banishment.
Historic Victory and Personal Reflections
The series concluded with Stephen and Rachel making history as the first Traitor duo to triumph together, despite widespread fan speculation that Rachel might betray her ally to claim the entire prize fund. The pair maintained their loyalty from the outset, with Stephen making a particularly selfless decision at the final hurdle, aware that Jack Butler intended to vote Rachel out.
Both contestants honoured a pact made at the family tree not to turn against each other, ultimately splitting the substantial winnings. Libby also reflected on his personal journey during the show, discussing his sexuality openly and expressing being "overwhelmed" by supportive messages received.
"Always having to hide a part of myself, I think you carry that with you," he shared. "I was in the closet until I was in my early 20s, and so there is that duality to your personality that you've got to carry with you. And I think that maybe helped somewhat in being a traitor because you have to be able to switch between these two people."
Reacting to his portrayal throughout the series and the final scenes, Libby added: "I'm so happy with how I managed to play the game with my integrity and heart still at the core of everything I did. I'm really proud of myself."
The Traitors continues to air on BBC One and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
