The Traitors winner Rachel announces her mum has died in heartbreaking statement

Rachel from The Traitors has announced that her mum has died just days after her win on the show.

The contestant on the BBC programme had spoken on the series about her mum, revealing that she wanted the prize money to try and make memories with her while she still could.

Rachel revealed that she had planned to take her mother on holiday.

Taking to Instagram today (27 January), she said: "We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful wee mummy.

"We kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves during this difficult time."

The winner had previously shared a picture of her mum holding a 'my daughter's a traitor' T-shirt on her Instagram, as well as a heartwarming story about their connection.

Rachel's mum was 'her inspiration' (Instagram/Rachel Duffy)

Rachel wrote in the caption: "'Don’t get caught!' Words of wisdom from my wee mummy Anne who is not only my motivation on The Traitors but my inspiration in real life.

"Mummy was just 47 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s (4 years older than I am now) and now faces dementia but still amazes me and my family every single day.

"Everything she has done for me and my four siblings is nothing short of incredible.

"Sharing caring responsibilities over the years for her has been a privilege and we are so proud to call her our mum."

Rachel from The Traitors spoke at length about how she wanted to use the prize money for a holiday with her mum (BBC)

Ahead of the finale, the contestants on the show shared an emotional dinner where they spoke about their motivation for wanting to win the money.

Rachel opened up about her mum's Parkinson's diagnosis, saying: "I just want to create memories with her while I'm still lucky enough to have her, and to create memories with my kids, because they just love their nanny."

Speaking to Metro over the weekend about her win, Rachel reiterated this, saying: "My first plan is just going to be sitting with my family and asking them, 'What can we do?'

Rachel's mum recently celebrated her 70th birthday (Instagram/Rachel Duffy)

"I told my mum this morning, and it was the nicest thing, so the first thing will be to treat her and the kids."

Rachel told the BBC that her mum 'didn't get all the twists and turns in the show' but enjoyed watching her on it.

The heartbreaking news comes nearly 10 years on from the death of her father, Raymond, who passed away in 2016.

The Northern-Irish woman became the first female winner of the UK version of The Traitors, picking up £47,875 after her and Stephen won the show.