Following a dramatic final episode in which local “happy chappy” Stephen Libby emerged victorious, islanders on Lewis are rejoicing.
Those who know the 32-year-old, however, claim that because of his integrity, he would have found it “quite difficult” to trick his competitors.
After making a deal early in the series, Stephen and fellow traitor Rachel Duffy won the BBC reality gameshow.
They made sure they were the last two standing at the round table by outwitting all the devoted competitors.
Nevertheless, the two traitors remained loyal to one another and divided the £95,750 prize fund, earning £47,875 apiece.
Together, they were the first traitor duo to win the gameshow.
Originally from the island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Stephen is a cyber security specialist who currently resides in London.
Before the final episode aired last week, he went back to Stornoway, the capital of the island, and visited the Blue Lobster cafe, which has some of his father Donald’s artwork on display.
The cafe wrote on their website that they are “so extremely proud of this island lad for representing the Isle of Lewis with such impeccable style & so very graciously” after sharing a video of a shrouded Stephen grinning at the camera while sipping coffee.
The Blue Lobster’s owner, Jayne Macritchie, stated that the final episode on Friday night captivated the island community and that Stephen’s family is “ecstatic” with his victory.
“I was completely glued, I’ve never watched it before,” she told the Press Association.
“Everyone was glued.”
According to Ms. Macritchie, who knows Stephen from his days on Lewis, he would have found the show’s deceitful character difficult to handle. “He’s just such a lovely, happy chappy,” she remarked. He is such a sincere individual.
“I think he would have had a hard time.”
She claimed that she never had any doubts that Stephen would honor his agreement with fellow traitor Rachel, a director of communications from Newry, Northern Ireland.
“As an islander, I think keeping a promise to someone is quite important,” stated Ms. Macritchie.
“I think the ways and allegiances of the Celts are all similar.”
Donald, Stephen’s father, uses driftwood that washes ashore on the shores in Stornoway to create woodworking artwork.
Stephen’s victory has also been celebrated by other Lewis-area businesses.
Sandwick Bay Candles, a gift company, shared a photo of one of their items with the words “there’s a traitor on this island” scribbled on the candle’s side.
“I think I might have to make some more of these now,” the store stated.
“The Islands are full of surprises,” wrote tour operator Heb360 in an online statement congratulating Stephen.
The HebCelt festival honors music and culture in the Outer Hebrides, and Eilidh Laing is its vice-chairwoman.
She described Stephen’s appearance on the popular BBC program as a “fantastic surprise” for the tight-knit island community of Lewis.
“He had the internal moral conflict happening, you can see that happening right to the end,” she remarked, describing Stephen’s moral quandary as being imprinted on his face throughout the series.
She went on: “I think that really came through, and I’m so happy he did it. He’s such a nice guy.”
“He had the full support of the entire community.”
“I think islanders might be underestimated a lot of the time,” Ms. Laing continued. He disproved a lot of people, in my opinion.
“Islanders have extraordinary fortitude.”
Stephen stated in an interview with BBC Radio Scotland’s The Saturday Show that he took care to conceal the show’s ultimate conclusion from the island’s residents.
“Knowing that if one person found out, then the entire island would find out, I just made sure that I didn’t tell anyone from the Isle of Lewis,” he stated.
“I went back home the other week and I couldn’t believe the reaction of people on the island,” he said, describing the “overwhelming” response to his involvement on the show.
It was simply incredible. They’re proud that I accomplished this, and I’m really proud of my heritage.
