'We are heartbroken': Traitors winner Rachel Duffy announces death of mother Anne

Duffy, from Newry, said she was “heartbroken”

The Traitors winner Rachel Duffy has announced the death of her mother (Paul Chappells/Studio Lambert/BBC/PA)

The Traitors winner Rachel Duffy has announced the death of her mother Anne, who she revealed during the BBC show had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Duffy, from Newry in Northern Ireland, had promised she would spend some of the winnings from the reality game show on her family, and said she was “heartbroken” in a post on Instagram.

She said: “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.”

In an Instagram post earlier this month, the TV star said her mother had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 47.

In the post, which was accompanied by a picture of her mother holding a T-shirt that read “My Daughter’s A Traitor”, Duffy said: “Words of wisdom from my wee mummy Anne who is not only my motivation on The Traitors but my inspiration in real life.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Irish Examiner (@irish_examiner)

“Mummy was just 47 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s (four years older than I am now) and now faces dementia but still amazes me and my family every single day.

“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.”

After winning the latest series of the show, alongside fellow traitor Stephen Libby, Duffy told BBC News: “I rang my mummy this morning… I can’t wait to come home and give her a big hug and say, ‘What will we do? Anything you want, let’s go do it’… so yeah, as long as I get to spoil my family, that’s all I care about.

“She didn’t get all the twists and the turns but she’s enjoyed watching it. She’s very proud.”