Denis Ryan, known to audiences from The Traitors Ireland, has a television comedy series optioned by a production company in Los Angeles, according to an interview on The Oliver Callan Show on RTÉ Radio 1. Ryan, a writer and psychotherapist from Leap, County Cork, shared the news while discussing his career transition from clinical practice back to full-time writing.
Transitioning From Complex Trauma to Comedy Writing
According to his interview on RTÉ Radio 1, Denis Ryan spent five years running a private practice and three years teaching psychotherapy, focusing primarily on complex trauma. Ryan told host Oliver Callan that he reached a stage in his career where he wanted to pursue personal writing projects, noting that he worked as a writer before entering the mental health field.
“I had a private practice for five years, and I was teaching psychotherapy as well for three years and loved it – really, really loved my job,” Ryan told the show. “I was focusing mostly on complex trauma, and I think there is a kind of limited timespan for that. I think I reached a stage where I realised I wanted to do more… something more for me in my life.”
Did you know? Denis Ryan competed on The Traitors Ireland alongside his husband, Diego Caixeta. Both became fan-favourites among viewers of the RTÉ One reality series.
Details on the Los Angeles-Optioned TV Series
Ryan confirmed that a production company in Los Angeles has optioned his new television series, and he is currently strategizing with them regarding development. While specific plot details remain under wraps, Ryan revealed that the project is a comedy.
“Oh, lips sealed on that now, Oliver, I’m afraid!” Ryan said when asked about the premise. “I’m really good at keeping secrets!” He added that the production will hopefully be based and filmed in Ireland.
Upcoming Books Inspired by West Cork Roots and Reality TV
In addition to his television work, Ryan has completed a children’s book and a memoir-style book. According to Ryan, the children’s book was inspired by a deliberate falsehood he told while inside the castle on The Traitors Ireland—a bluff that viewers at home did not see.
“So, in the castle, I told everyone I wrote queer-themed children’s books, and then when I left, I was like, ‘Actually… there’s a market for that!'” he recounted to Oliver Callan. Ryan confirmed he has secured an illustrator for the project.
His second book explores growing up gay in west Cork during the 1990s, examining queer trauma and the psychological impact it had on his life and relationship with his husband and fellow contestant, Diego Caixeta.
Reflections on The Traitors Ireland and Carla Geary’s Gameplay
Shifting focus back to the reality competition, Ryan praised fellow contestant Carla Geary for playing an “incredible game” as a Traitor on RTÉ One. Ryan, who was murdered as a Faithful in the game, noted how effectively Geary managed to avoid suspicion.
“It’s unbelievable, just completely flying under the radar,” Ryan enthused. “Everyone’s just minding her in the castle! She’s just pottering about like, ‘Awwww, Carla! Sweetheart!’ And then to see her in action, what she’s secretly up to…” Ryan stated that he is rooting for a Faithful victory as the season continues.
The Traitors Ireland airs Sundays at 9.30pm on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player. The Oliver Callan Show broadcasts weekdays at 11am on RTÉ Radio 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Denis Ryan?
Denis Ryan is a writer, psychotherapist from Leap, Co Cork, and a contestant on The Traitors Ireland alongside his husband, Diego Caixeta.
What is Denis Ryan’s new TV show about?
Denis Ryan has optioned a comedy series with an LA-based production company, though plot details remain confidential. He hopes the show will be filmed in Ireland.
Where can I watch The Traitors Ireland?
The Traitors Ireland airs on RTÉ One and streams on the RTÉ Player on Sunday nights at 9.30pm.
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