Rachel pays tribute to mum who died just days after Traitors win aired on TV
Rachel wanted to win the money to help make memories with her mum
Last updated 15 hours ago
Series 4 Traitor, Rachel Duffy, has paid an emotional tribute to her mum, who died just days after watching her daughter win almost £50,000 on TV.
The news came last Tuesday (27th January), four days after the mum-of-three from Northern Ireland was revealed to have shared a huge prize fund of £95,750 with fellow Traitor Stephen Libby — after outwitting 20 other contestants to win the record-breaking fourth series of the BBC TV show.
Rachel had spoken openly at an emotional dinner party in one of the final episodes of the show, about how the money would mean she could make memories with her mum, who had been diagnosed with both Parkinson's Disease and dementia.
She said: "I would like to do something for my mummy who has been very ill for a long time. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's when she was only 47 and I have watched her my whole adult life just put her whole life on hold for other people.
"And she was diagnosed with dementia recently and all she wants to do is go on a holiday... I think life is so precious and I really, really want it for my mum because she did everything for us and I think now it's her time for us to look after her."
Rachel then took to Instagram on Tuesday 27th January to reveal her mum had passed away.
In an emotional tribute paid on social media on Sunday 1st February, Rachel said: 'Thank you Mummy 💕 Thank you for loving us so much. Thank you for teaching us our worth.
'Thank you for so much kindness shown and taught. Thank you for endless laughs and lots of fun. Thank you for helping us parent our babies. Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on when we needed one.
'Thank you for the many words of wisdom over the years. Thank you for showing us the true meaning of integrity. Thank you for giving us a beautiful life. Thank you for a lifetime of happy memories.
'Thank you for being our mummy. We love you x'.
Our thoughts are with her family at this time.
Remembering the famous faces we have lost in 2026:
Terry Yorath
Former Leeds and Wales footballer Terry Yorath sadly died at the age of 75 following a short illness in January. His family, including his daughter, TV presenter Gabby Logan, shared the sad news via a statement, which said: "To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel."
Derek Martin
Actor Derek Martin, best known for playing the iconic role of cab driver Charlie Slater in BBC soap EastEnders, sadly died at the age of 92 on 10th January 2026. Derek's agent Sharon Henry sharing a statement on behalf of his family, which read: "Derek wasn't just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows. He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly. The family ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."
Trevor A Toussaint
Actor Trevor A Toussaint, best known for playing the role of Walter Deveraux on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, sadly died at the age of 65 in January. His rep confirmed the sad news on social media, writing: 'It is with deep sadness that we formally announce the passing of Trevor A Toussaint. His family wish to thank you for your well wishes and support as they take this time to privately come to terms with their great loss of an enigmatic, loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend."
Francis Buchholz
German bassist Francis Buchholz, best known for his two-decade tenure with Scorpions and being a member of Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock, sadly died in. January, aged 71. A post from his family said: 'It is with overwhelming sadness and heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved Francis passed away yesterday after a private battle with cancer. He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love.'
Catherine O'Hara
Home Alone and Schitt's Creek actress Catherine O'Hara sadly died at the age of 71 in January, following a brief illness. The Canadian-American comedy star was well known for playing Kevin's mum in Home Alone and Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek.
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