The Traitors Star Stephen Breaks Silence on Fan Relationship Theories
As the dust settles on the dramatic conclusion of The Traitors series four, viewers remain captivated by the intricate personal connections between the show's participants. While Stephen and Rachel emerged victorious as the cunning traitors who secured the prize, a persistent fan theory has focused on whether Stephen shared a deeper, romantic bond with fellow contestant Matthew.
"I Would Have Known Him" – Stephen Sets the Record Straight
The 32-year-old cyber security consultant, Stephen, has now directly addressed the swirling speculation in an exclusive interview with Cosmopolitan UK. He humorously acknowledged the intense scrutiny from fans, stating, "There were points where people thought I was in a relationship with every single male in the castle!"
He elaborated on his connection with Matthew, the 35-year-old Creative Director from Edinburgh, noting the curious circumstances of their meeting. "It's funny because Matty is the kind of person I probably would have had knowledge of, because he's also gay and he also lives in Scotland," Stephen explained. "So it is strange that we actually had no idea who each other were before going in there."
Despite the lack of prior acquaintance, Stephen revealed that a strong friendship has blossomed since the cameras stopped rolling. "But since leaving, we have become so close, and he's such a wonderful person," he shared. "We've [had] very similar experiences growing up, so there's that unwritten shared experience between the two of us."
A Heartbreaking Post-Show Reality for Co-Winner Rachel
This revelation comes amidst profoundly sad news for Stephen's fellow champion, Rachel Duffy. The 43-year-old winner has announced the devastating loss of her mother, Anne, just days after the series finale aired on the BBC.
Rachel shared the heartbreaking update on her Instagram, writing, "We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful wee mummy. We kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves during this difficult time."
Throughout the tense competition in the Scottish castle, Rachel frequently spoke of her mother's inspirational battle with illness. She revealed that her 70-year-old mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 47 and is now also facing dementia.
In an emotional moment during the final episode, Rachel confided in her fellow contestants that her primary motivation for winning was to create lasting memories with her mum. Her dedication paid off, as she walked away with half of the £95,750 prize fund after being crowned the Queen of The Traitors castle alongside Stephen.
In a previous social media tribute, Rachel highlighted her mother's enduring spirit and support. "'Don’t get caught!' Words of wisdom from my wee mummy Anne who is not only my motivation on The Traitors but my inspiration in real life," she wrote. "Everything she has done for me and my four siblings is nothing short of incredible. Sharing caring responsibilities over the years for her has been a privilege and we are so proud to call her our mum."
The conclusion of this hit BBC reality series has therefore been marked by both the clarification of fan-fueled rumours and a poignant reminder of the real-life challenges faced by its stars beyond the game.
