🚨 “I’VE BEEN WORKING SINCE I WAS 15… I’VE NEVER HAD A HOLIDAY. PLEASE LET ME BE A KID ONE LAST TIME.” — Stephen Libby, the quiet strategist who just made history as one of The Traitors’ longest-undetected players and co-winner, has left fans in tears after revealing he quit his cybersecurity job the moment filming wrapped.

No grand showbiz plans—just a desperate plea for a real break after a lifetime of non-stop work. From the Isle of Lewis to the castle’s betrayal games, this humble guy’s raw honesty about finally wanting to “be a kid” is breaking hearts everywhere.

Who’s crying with me? 💔🗡️

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Stephen Libby, the soft-spoken cyber security consultant who emerged as one of the standout players in the fourth series of BBC’s The Traitors, has confirmed he quit his day job immediately after filming concluded last summer. The 32-year-old from the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, shared an emotional reflection on his work history in recent interviews, revealing he has “been working since I was 15” and never taken a proper holiday. His plea—”Please let me be a kid one last time”—has resonated deeply with viewers, drawing widespread sympathy and praise for his grounded approach to sudden fame.

Libby, alongside fellow Traitor Rachel Duffy, was crowned co-winner in the nail-biting finale that aired in January 2026, splitting a prize pot of £95,750. His strategic gameplay—quiet observation, calculated risks, and avoiding suspicion for weeks—earned him the moniker “quiet strategist” among fans. He outlasted a field of contestants in the psychological game hosted by Claudia Winkleman, where “Traitors” secretly eliminate “Faithfuls” while maintaining cover.

Despite the victory and growing public profile, Libby has downplayed ambitions for a showbiz career. In an exclusive interview with Heat magazine, he explained the decision to leave his role at Synack, a London-based cyber security firm: “I’ve quit my day job mainly because I just want to have a bit of a break. I have no grand plans to be in showbiz, to be in the media.” He described the past year as intense—balancing the secretive filming, his regular job, and the emotional toll of the show—leading him to prioritize rest. “I’ve realised I’ve worked pretty hard all my life and I want to take this opportunity to take a few months off, see what happens, and if I can find something I’m more passionate about than cybersecurity then I’d love to be able to do that.”

Libby’s background adds context to his words. Growing up on the remote Isle of Lewis, he entered the workforce young and built a steady career in tech without significant breaks. The Traitors experience—filmed in a Scottish castle under intense secrecy—marked a rare disruption to his routine. Post-filming, he returned to normal life until the series aired, but the win prompted reflection. He told outlets the prize money (approximately £47,875 each) would help him “survive” during this transition, with plans for practical needs like rent and perhaps new outfits—famously, his stylish jumpsuits became a talking point on the show.

Fans have flooded social media with support, sharing clips of his finale reaction—”I can’t believe I’ve just won The Traitors. I’m just a wee boy from the Isle of Lewis”—and praising his humility. Many relate to his exhaustion from constant work, with comments like “This is the most relatable winner ever” and “Let him rest—he deserves it.” Some speculated about TV opportunities, but Libby has been clear: no immediate pursuits in entertainment.

The decision highlights a broader theme among reality TV participants: the pressure of sudden visibility versus the desire for normalcy. Unlike some winners who chase fame, Libby’s choice reflects a grounded perspective shaped by his upbringing and career. He has spoken warmly of co-winner Rachel Duffy, crediting their alliance for the victory, and expressed gratitude for the experience without romanticizing it.

As Libby steps away from his job, he plans a period of reflection—perhaps travel, hobbies, or exploring new passions. The Traitors’ success has boosted his visibility, with media appearances on This Morning and elsewhere, but he insists any future moves will stem from genuine interest rather than obligation.

For thousands moved by his story, Libby’s words capture a universal longing: after years of responsibility, the chance to pause, breathe, and reclaim a sense of youth. In a world that often glorifies hustle, his quiet exit stands as a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest win is permission to rest.