A winner of The Traitors has backed the star of a new TV comedy-drama set in a care home.
Rachel Duffy, who won the 2026 BBC One series, visited Hengoed Park care home in Oswestry to meet actress Órla Jones for Henry House, a new show set in a rural care home.
Ms Duffy, who joined the project as a dementia story consultant after caring for her mother through the disease, travelled from Ireland to Shropshire for the visit.
During her time at the care home, she endorsed Ms Jones’ central role in the series.
Ms Duffy said: "Órla Jones is definitely the heart of the show for me.
"She is the best person for this – she’s just brilliant.
"She’s integral to the success of the show moving forward, and I don’t think it would be the same without her."
The two visited Hengoed Park to personally thank residents and staff for supporting the production.
The care home became the first independent facility to formally endorse the project, with some staff serving as story consultants.
The show’s origins are rooted in Oswestry, with writer and creator Gareth Owain David Thomas first imagining the concept while working night shifts at Hengoed Park about 10 years ago.
Órla Jones, who leads the cast, said: "The community at Hengoed Park was a huge inspiration for the story of Henry House.
“Meeting one of the residents, who reminded me of a Henry House character I’m particularly fond of, was a truly heartwarming moment – one I won’t forget for a long time.”
The visit was kept under wraps, so residents and most staff were unaware a Traitors winner was about to arrive.
Ms Duffy said: "I wasn’t expecting to feel as emotional as I did.
"I was crying on the day.
"It was just lovely.
"That was a wee highlight, just meeting some of the residents there."
Hengoed Park staff have since voiced their backing for Ms Jones after meeting her.
Ellie Jones, activities co-ordinator, said: "Meeting Órla gave us a real insight into the person behind the role, and it’s made us even more excited to see Henry House come to life on the screen."
The pilot episode has already been completed, with further development underway by Oswestry’s Rocking Horse Media.
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