Traitors TV star Fiona Hughes helped save a woman trapped in sex work and domestic abuse.
The Welsh contestant, 62, brought in viewers when she was revealed to be the show’s “secret traitor” – a new concept introduced to the BBC series.
She was booted off the show on Friday night by her fellow contestants after she brazenly accused fellow traitor Rachel Duffy, 42, of lying and being a traitor.
The episode was watched by more than 7 million viewers.
However, it was revealed today that when the cunning traitor is not lying on screen, she helps vulnerable women out of dangerous situations in her work as a support counsellor for Swansea Council.
One woman she helped, a 25-year-old called Alice, told of how she felt suicidal after being in a violent relationship and being forced into prostitution before Ms Hughes helped her.
Alice said in a testimony on the council’s website: “Fiona came into my life when I thought nobody could help me. I felt so ashamed and just didn't want to go on.
“I'll always be grateful for the time she spent with me and thank her from the bottom of my heart.”
Alice left her abusive partner and returned to education, going back to college in 2018. She is still in touch with Ms Hughes.
Ms Hughes told The Sun today: “There is a happy ending. The lady is very settled now. She has children and is an amazing woman.
“It’s not my story to tell, but it’s important to remember so many people feel very vulnerable and isolated, but you can change somebody’s life by reaching out.”
Ms Hughes announced she will be retiring from her role at the end of this month.
She said: “Doing The Traitors was a wonderful, fun experience and I loved every minute of it.
“I’ve been working full time since I was 16, so I think it’s time I hung up my boots and smell the roses. I’m looking forward to it.”
After she retires she will continue her voluntary work with men’s mental health charity Men’s Sheds.
Gwyn Matthews, 84, met Fiona through the mental health charity. He also told The Sun: “I cannot talk too highly of her. She is one in a million. She’s someone who you can talk to and she listens and helps.”
