When Stephen Libby, a 32-year-old cyber security consultant from the remote Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, was chosen as a “traitor” on the hit BBC reality show The Traitor, he knew he had to keep the outcome a secret from his tight-knit island community.
“I just made sure that I didn’t tell anyone from the Isle of Lewis, because I knew that if one person found out, then the whole island would find out,” Libby told BBC Radio Scotland’s The Saturday Show. And that’s exactly what happened – the island erupted with excitement and pride when Libby’s performance on the show, which culminated in a dramatic final vote, became the talk of the town.
Libby, who formed an alliance with fellow “traitor” Rachel Duffy due to their “Celtic connection,” faced a difficult choice in the finale – break his promise to Duffy and eliminate her, or get rid of the last remaining faithful contestant, Jack Butler, who had become his good friend. Ultimately, Libby stayed true to Duffy, and the pair shared the £95,750 prize.
The reaction in Libby’s hometown of Stornoway has been overwhelming. Local businesses have celebrated his success, with one gift shop posting a message reading “there’s a traitor on this island,” while a café shared a video of Libby winking at the camera while sipping a coffee.
“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,” Libby said. “I just can’t wait to get that wee ferry back and just see everyone again.”
Libby, who previously spoke on the show about the challenges of growing up gay on the deeply religious island, said he plans to use his share of the prize money to help his parents, who “gave up a lot” to put him through university, and to support his father’s passion for art. He also hopes to get on the property ladder, and may even invest in some more of the fabulous jumpsuits he became known for wearing on the show.
Despite his success, Libby admitted that watching the show back made him realize how close he came to being eliminated at times. “I was amazed that I made it through some of those situations,” he said. But in the end, he was glad to have remained faithful to his fellow “traitor” and shared the victory.