The dramatic conclusion to the fourth series of The Traitors has left one finalist grappling with intense emotions, as personal trainer Jack Butler has opened up about his fiery reaction to missing out on the substantial £95,750 prize pot. In an exclusive interview, Butler confessed to 'seeing red' and feeling 'absolutely steaming' in the immediate aftermath of the final, prompting producers to step in and calm him down.
Producers Intervene After Finalist's Anger
Jack Butler, who was widely viewed as a strong contender throughout the competition, found himself eliminated in the nail-biting final episode, with fellow contestants Stephen Libby and Rachel Duffy ultimately claiming victory. Despite appearing gracious on camera, Butler revealed that his initial response was far from composed.
'The first ten minutes after it happened, I was absolutely steaming,' Butler told The Mail on Sunday. 'I was so angry and I got pulled into a room with the producers and I was calmed down a little bit.'
A Moment of Clarity After the Storm
Reflecting on the experience, Butler explained how his perspective shifted rapidly once the initial wave of anger subsided. 'Then I was just looking forward to going home and seeing my partner and my family. It's like 10 minutes of anger and then you're like hang on, it's not actually life or death.'
The personal trainer went on to acknowledge the psychological intensity of the game, noting: 'Honestly, it's such a psychological game and you've gone through all these weeks of who can I trust?'
Praise for the Winning Traitors
Despite his momentary fury, Butler expressed genuine admiration for the winning duo, particularly highlighting Stephen Libby's masterful gameplay. 'I think Stephen really acted fantastically as like putting on the facade of being a faithful in the earlier episodes. We really clicked and we get on so well.'
Butler admitted he had been completely convinced of Libby's loyalty, saying: 'We're very similar. And I just thought he's got to be a Faithful because he's terrified just like me. He doesn't want to be murdered.'
Record-Breaking Victory
The winning pair made Traitors history with their triumph. Rachel Duffy became the first female traitor to win the show, while Stephen Libby marked another milestone as the first LGBTQ+ traitor to claim victory. Most significantly, this represented the first time two traitors had successfully maintained their alliance all the way to the final prize.
Libby faced a crucial decision in the final moments, with the opportunity to betray his fellow traitor and claim the entire £95,750 for himself. Instead, he remained loyal to their partnership, resulting in both winners receiving approximately £50,000 each.
Difficult Conversations After Filming
The victory came at a personal cost for both winners, who had to sacrifice close friendships forged during the competition. Rachel Duffy weathered particularly challenging moments, including a surprise accusation from fellow traitor Fiona and a fierce confrontation with crime writer Harriet at the breakfast table.
Stephen Libby faced his own emotional reckoning after the show, having betrayed two of his closest friends in the castle - Jack Butler and fellow contestant Jade. 'Jack and Jade were who I was probably the closest with in there, and [who I] had to probably be the most ruthless with in that final episode – it was rough,' Libby told Metro.
Rebuilding Relationships
The aftermath of the dramatic final has involved careful relationship repair work. Libby revealed: 'Afterwards, we did have conversations where they were just saying, "We just felt let down." Those are absolutely valid feelings, but I did have Jack and his fiancée over at my house, and I made them homemade pasta from scratch.'
Butler ultimately found peace with the outcome, stating: 'It was only at the end when he turned his slate around with my name. But it's a testament to how much of a fantastic game he played. And Rachel as well. They were both phenomenal. They absolutely deserved it. I am genuinely really happy for both of them.'
The emotional revelations from the finalists highlight the intense psychological toll of the popular reality competition, demonstrating how the game extends far beyond the television screen and into the personal lives of those involved.
