The ultimate secret weapon to winning TV's most gripping game? Silence! And for Stephen Libby, a contestant from the Isle of Lewis, this was his number one rule to keep the explosive outcome of The Traitors under wraps.
It's a tough gig, keeping a lid on a show that had 9.6 million viewers glued to their screens for its dramatic finale. Stephen, a 32-year-old cyber security consultant, revealed on BBC Radio Scotland's The Saturday Show that his strategy for avoiding any slip-ups was simple yet effective: don't tell a soul from his island community. "I knew that if one person found out, then the whole island would find out," he explained, highlighting the close-knit nature of his home.
Stephen and fellow traitor Rachel Duffy, who shared a special "celtic connection," formed an early alliance. In a nail-biting final, Stephen faced a heart-wrenching decision: betray his promise to Rachel or eliminate Jack Butler, the last remaining faithful who had become a good friend. Ultimately, Stephen chose loyalty to his fellow traitor, declaring, "I couldn't go back on my word to you." This led to a shared victory, with Stephen and Rachel splitting the £95,750 prize money.
Returning to the Isle of Lewis, Stephen was met with an overwhelming wave of support. "I went back home the other week, and I couldn't believe the reaction of people on the island," he shared. "I'm so proud of where I come from, and to know that they're proud of the fact that I've done this is just, I can't really put into words." He expressed his eagerness to return home and reconnect with everyone.
Stephen, who previously opened up about the challenges of growing up gay on the island with its large religious community, reflected on his win with humility. "I'm just a wee boy from the Isle of Lewis, this kind of stuff doesn't happen to me," he exclaimed. His prize money will go towards supporting his parents, who "gave up a lot" for his education, and helping his father, a butcher, pursue his passion for art.
Now living in London, Stephen also has his sights set on the property market, with perhaps enough left over for some of those fabulous jumpsuits he became famous for wearing on the show.
Watching the show air live, Stephen admitted he gained a new perspective on his own gameplay. "I was amazed that I made it through some of those situations," he confessed. "I was seeing these side conversations that you're not privy to, right? I was thinking, oh my goodness, everyone is saying my name, this is mental."
But here's where it gets controversial... While Stephen's poker face may have been a topic of viral memes and videos, his ultimate decision to stick with Rachel has sparked debate. Some might argue that prioritizing loyalty to a fellow traitor over a potential win with a faithful friend was a risky, even illogical, move. Do you think Stephen made the right call by staying loyal to Rachel, or should he have focused on securing the win, even if it meant betraying another traitor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Stephen concluded by expressing his relief and satisfaction with his final decision: "I'm so chuffed that both of us managed to hold our nerve, and really, at the end of the day, my decision was - I can't win with Jack and Rachel, and I'd rather win with one person than just by myself."
