Rachel Duffy emerges as favourite to win The Traitors UK series

Rachel Duffy from County Down is the bookies’ favourite to win the current UK series of The Traitors and could become the first female winner as the show moves into a three-night endgame, with fellow Traitor Stephen Libby close behind.

Contestants and viewers have noted Duffy’s steady play: Weymouth gardener James Baker described her as having “those FBI skills” and being “just so smooth.” She has received only one banishment vote all series, from Harriet Tyce, and entered Ardross Castle with pre-planned tactics that draw on 15 years playing the social deduction game Mafia.

Her preparation reportedly included training from a former FBI agent in spotting micro‑expressions and other tells; she has also told castmates she works in marketing while actually holding a senior post in strategic communications. On-screen she has cultivated broad friendships without cliques, used timing and measured silence at round tables, and in one move publicly named Amanda Collier as a retired Met detective to steer the conversation.

The series left viewers on a cliffhanger with the Traitors deciding who should receive the ceremonial dagger, which grants a double vote at the next round table; it is unclear whether Duffy kept it. The outcome and whether she can sustain her lead — or surpass previous UK winners Harry Clark and Alan Carr in reputation — will be revealed at Friday night’s grand final.

Key Topics

Culture, Rachel Duffy, Stephen Libby, County Down, Ardross Castle, Harriet Tyce