Fans of high-stakes deception and dramatic roundtables are in for a treat, as the BBC has secured a brand-new series to fill the Traitors-shaped void. The Traitors Ireland will premiere on BBC One on January 24, 2026, just hours after the winner of the UK's fourth season is crowned.
A Swift Return to Deception
With the final of the main UK series airing on January 23, the arrival of the Irish version means there will be barely a pause in the paranoia. The entire series will be made available on iPlayer from midnight on January 24, offering a binge-worthy alternative for viewers craving more tactical backstabbing and faithful detective work.
Stepping into the iconic presenter role is Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney, who brings her own sharp wit to the proceedings. The format remains fiercely loyal to the original, with 24 contestants—including three secret Traitors—battling it out in a stunning new location.
Irish Flair and Slightly Smaller Stakes
The series swaps the Scottish highlands of Ardross Castle for the majestic Slane Castle in County Meath, roughly an hour's drive north of Dublin. While the core rules of the murder mystery game are 99% identical, one notable difference is the prize fund.
Where the current UK contestants are vying for up to £120,000, the winner of The Traitors Ireland will take home a maximum prize of €50,000 (approximately £43,000).
The show was a major hit in its home territory. According to reports from Irish outlet The Journal, it broke into Ireland's top 10 TV shows in 2025, drawing an average of over 800,000 viewers per episode. This equated to around 15% of the Irish population tuning in.
Proven Success for the BBC
Filmed in mid-2025 after its announcement in early 2024, the series represents a savvy acquisition for the BBC. The broadcaster will be hoping the show's proven appeal translates to a significant UK audience, eager for more strategic gameplay and tense roundtable confrontations.
For viewers who can't get enough of the quest to uncover the traitors and protect the prize fund, this Irish incarnation provides the perfect continuation of the phenomenon.
