Siobhan McSweeney, the celebrated star of Derry Girls, has opened up about her role as host of The Traitors Ireland, highlighting the show's distinctive Irish character compared to its UK counterpart. In a candid interview, McSweeney revealed that the Irish version features significantly more swearing and a unique Celtic atmosphere, setting it apart from the original British series.
A Reluctant Host with a Clear Vision
McSweeney admitted that she initially turned down the hosting role three times before finally accepting. "It was an immediate no, three times," she confessed. However, once she agreed, she was determined to avoid creating a substandard imitation. "I was going, let's not make it a s*** version of the UK one," McSweeney told Metro. "We can make it really quite special."
Celtic Castles and Irish Flair
Instead of filming at Ardross Castle like the UK version, the production team chose Slane Castle in County Meath, embracing Ireland's rich heritage. "Ireland has many things, one of them is castles. We're fine for castles," McSweeney remarked. The show is infused with Irish elements, including missions conducted in the Irish language Gaeilge, McSweeney's towering Irish wolfhounds, and a wardrobe predominantly designed by Irish creators.
McSweeney embraced her eccentric hosting persona, Lady Muck, stating, "I got to play out on great fantasies of being a bit more outrageous than I can normally be going to the shops." This flamboyant style contributes to the show's unique visual and cultural identity.
Swearing, Chatter and Lyricism
One of the most notable differences McSweeney highlighted is the cast's behaviour. "There are things our cast did that I certainly hadn't seen before," she said. "In general, they're just a lot chattier. There's a lot more swearing. It adds a lyricism." Early episodes available on BBC iPlayer confirm this observation, showing the 24 contestants forming firm friendships quickly, with traitorous accusations delivered more like gentle ribbing than serious threats.
Universal Tensions and Production Challenges
Despite these unique elements, some aspects of The Traitors remain universal. McSweeney described selecting the Traitors as "the most nerve-wracking thing I've ever done." She recalled, "I didn't sleep at all, I was so nervous. You go around the table nearly 100 times. Everybody's trying to figure out, did she slow down there or pause here?"
The production proved unpredictable, with McSweeney explaining, "It's contestant-led, so we would start a day and not know when we would finish." She added, "Anything you would predict, never happened. Much to my chagrin. There were nights when I was like, 'I'd really like to be in bed before 4am'."
Brexit Commentary and Social Insights
McSweeney didn't shy away from broader social commentary, particularly when discussing the franchise's quality control representative who noted that all international versions feature similar contestant behaviour. "I love hearing that, because when you think about exceptionalism, you end up with f***ing Brexit and bulls*** like that. Nationalism and silliness," she stated bluntly.
The €50,000 prize (approximately £43,400) sparked discussions about the housing crisis affecting both Ireland and the UK. McSweeney observed that most contestants planned to use the money for house deposits, calling the situation "a travesty and an absolute disgrace." She noted, "It's a lovely little snapshot of the country, that you get little insights like that."
Advice from Veterans and Future Prospects
Before filming, McSweeney sought advice from UK host Claudia Winkleman and US host Alan Cumming at the Baftas. Winkleman's enthusiasm for contestant conniving helped McSweeney adopt a more observational approach, while Cumming warned about maintaining a poker face to avoid giving away game developments.
Despite the show's success, McSweeney ruled out participating in the upcoming Celebrity Traitors edition, declaring, "I'd rather boil my head." She explained that playing the game socially had previously led to apologies to friends, demonstrating her serious approach to the franchise's integrity.
The Traitors Ireland offers viewers a distinctly Irish take on the global phenomenon, combining familiar tension with unique cultural elements and candid social commentary. Available on BBC Three and iPlayer, the series showcases how regional adaptations can enrich successful formats while maintaining their core appeal.
