A new series of The Traitors is set to arrive on the BBC in just two weeks – and a Derry Girls favourite is the host.
Although Claudia Winkleman presents the UK edition, this ultimate game of deception is a successful worldwide format.
Viewers will soon get to see The Traitors Ireland – with its first series initially airing on RTÉ One last year.
Siobhán McSweeney, 48, best known as Sister Michael on Derry Girls, takes the reins as host.
While the UK and US versions both film at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the Irish iteration uses a different location.
Instead, the Faithful and Traitors alike all ventured to Slane Castle, County Meath, about an hour away from capital city Dublin.
UK viewers will soon get to see The Traitors Ireland – and they don’t have long to wait for it to drop
Hosted by Derry Girls’ Siobhan McSweeney, the Irish version of The Traitors originally aired last year
The first episode will drop on midnight on January 24 – just hours after The Traitors UK airs its series four finale.
Meanwhile, the winner of The Traitors Ireland takes home a maximum prize of €50,000 (or £43,000).
In contrast, the contestants on The Traitors UK are all vying for a maximum jackpot of £120,000.
A synopsis for the series reads: ’24 players face off in Ireland’s ultimate murder mystery game.’
As usual, three of these hopefuls are Traitors picking off the others while those remaining are the Faithful, who are determined to catch them.
Siobhán, who was announced as presenter of The Traitors Ireland in December 2024, previously said of joining the series: ‘Like everyone, I am a huge Traitors fan so when I was asked to host the Irish version I jumped at the chance.
‘I’m looking forward to meeting our loyal faithful and delicious traitors.
‘The Irish have a charm and ability to deceive while smiling which will make this version rather special, I think.
‘And I’m the luckiest person in the world to watch them close up.’
Meanwhile, the US version is currently in full swing with Love Island and I’m A Celebrity star Maura Higgins among the line-up.
Viewers watched on as the 35-year-old had an explosive row with outspoken actor Michael Rapaport.
During the third episode, Maura picked up on Michael, 55, using the phrase ‘we got rid of’ when referring to murdered contestants, accusing him of being a Traitor.
‘Why did you say, “we got rid of”? Does that mean you’re a Traitor?’ she said.
Defending himself, Michael said: ‘Let me tell you something, Maura. I’m as faithful as a faithful-‘
Interrupting him, Maura added: ‘Why did you say “we”? We didn’t – the Traitors did.’
Later on, Top Chef star Kristen Kish picked up on Michael’s phrasing again, telling him: ‘You literally said “we”,’ prompting him to reply: ‘And I’ve said a lot of things.’
Maura then muttered: ‘Maybe just stop talking.’
Fans quickly took to X to praise the Irish model for her ‘fiery’ confrontational style, they wrote: ‘Maura being unafraid and standing up to Michael is so far my favoritest part of the new season of #TheTraitorsUS;
‘It was at this moment that Maura Higgins spoke for all of us #TheTraitorsUS;
‘Please stop talking” – Maura. Saying what we all feel about M*chael Ratpopo;
‘Producers probably figured michael rapaport would make for good tv bc he’s so easy to ragebait but he’s actually just ruining this season because he’s quite literally insufferable get him off my screen #TheTraitorsUS.’
The Traitors Ireland drops on BBC One on January 24.