The second season of The Traitors Ireland has wrapped production at Slane Castle and is on track for a September release, according to its producer, while a third series is already in the pipeline. Following the runaway success of its first iteration last autumn, which turned retired prison guard Paudie Moloney into a household name and a finalist on Dancing with the Stars, production company Kite Entertainment is looking ahead to an inevitable celebrity version of the global hit game show.
Presenter Siobhán McSweeney Eyes Bono and Enya for Celebrity Lineup
Host Siobhán McSweeney has stated she would like to see music legends Bono and Enya join an Irish celebrity version of the show, according to reports by the Irish Mail on Sunday. Producer Darren Smith revealed to the paper that his preference for a celebrity edition would focus on unlikely contestants who the public might not expect to be keen, alongside big names exclusive to Ireland. Enya, who holds the record as the world’s best-selling female artist from the 2002 World Music Awards, was also independently suggested by The Journal staff as a potential wild-card candidate who already knows her way around a castle.
Production Team and Media Outlets Pitch Dream Celebrity Casts
Various media outlets and production insiders have floated prospective cast lists for a hypothetical celebrity edition. According to additional coverage from the Daily Mail, RTÉ pundit Joe Brolly—a barrister by trade—was suggested as a natural fit to play a villainous Traitor due to his fondness for debating. Broadcaster Claire Byrne was highlighted as a forensic and calm contender who would excel in either role, though scheduling conflicts with her morning radio program could pose a challenge. TV architect Dermot Bannon has openly declared himself a fan of the reality format and believes he would make a brilliant Traitor, according to production commentary.
Other prominent names suggested across reporting teams include former Manchester United and Ireland captain Roy Keane, whose loyalty could make him a formidable Faithful, though his patience for psychological deception remains a longshot. Oscar-winning actor Jessie Buckley, who revealed on a Vogue podcast that she plays the game with friends while drinking alongside Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, was also noted as a potential participant. Wicklow singer-songwriter Hozier—currently the most-streamed Irish artist on Spotify with 41 million monthly listeners—was cited by 2FM presenter Doireann Garrihy as someone who “would look great in a castle,” alongside comedian Tommy Tiernan and chat show host Darren Smith’s production considerations.
Did you know? The original UK format of The Traitors launched its first celebrity edition last year, featuring a stacked cast that included Alan Carr, Stephen Fry, Paloma Faith, and Jonathan Ross, with Carr ultimately securing the prize money for charity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the second season of The Traitors Ireland premiere?
Production on the second season at Slane Castle has wrapped, and the series is on track for a September release.
Has a celebrity version of The Traitors Ireland been officially confirmed?
While the founder of production company Kite Entertainment has acknowledged that a celebrity version is inevitable and a third series is already in the pipeline, an official celebrity cast list has not been formally announced by broadcasters.
Who presents The Traitors Ireland?
The reality competition series is presented by Siobhán McSweeney.
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