The Traitors' Fiona breaks silence after explosive row with BBC co-star
The Traitors' star Fiona Hughes has expressed her gratitude to viewers for their overwhelming love and support following her dramatic betrayal of fellow Traitor Rachel.
The pair had been operating as Traitors together, along with Stephen, but their alliance spectacularly collapsed when the Welsh contestant accused Rachel of lying. The confrontation has been hailed as one of the most explosive clashes in the BBC show's history.
Fiona, who had largely remained under the radar throughout the series, suddenly found herself in the spotlight following her audacious betrayal. However, the bold move came at a price: during Friday evening's nail-biting episode, she was banished from the game, reports Wales Online.
Undaunted, Fiona posted on Instagram on Saturday (January 10), addressing fans from the sunny setting of Swansea Bay, her signature blow-dry perfectly styled.
Bundled up against the winter cold, she delivered a heartfelt message: "A big hello from me at Swansea Bay, what a glorious day, lots of people down here enjoying our wonderful coastline. I just wanted to touch base with you all to say a massive, massive thank you for all your help, all your love and all your support.
"It has is meant a lot to me. Thank you so much. Love to everybody. Cheerio."
Supporters immediately inundated the comments section with affection. One declared: "My girlfriend and I are the biggest fans of you and we will miss you in the upcoming episodes. You are our winner."
Another contributed: "We all thank you for gracing our screens, you are an icon."
A third penned: "Ti'n seren... a Traitor da! Gwych. Well done you Fiona."
Earlier this week, the local authority employee had been revealed to be the show's Secret Traitor - a new development introduced this year which saw her identity concealed from the Traitors and viewers at home.
Fiona became the second Traitor to be banished by the Faithful players during last episode's Round Table session - a destiny she has taken ownership of, confessing in her departure interview that she engineered her own "downfall".
Despite the fiery confrontation captured on camera, Rachel posted on Instagram praising Fiona as a "legend", uploading what appears to be an AI-created picture showing Fiona portrayed as Little Red Riding Hood whilst she appears as the wolf. The message stated: "Fiona you absolute legend. Talk about making a game so much fun.
"A little minx of a Secret Traitor and a lady who reminded us all that this is a game.
"Roll on a cwtch without a kill."
The Traitors continues on Wednesday night (January 14) at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.