Former prison guard from Limerick says he is open to taking part in other reality TV shows
The Limerick man, who was nicknamed “The Paud-father” by fans of the RTÉ programme, said he never expected the huge reaction to his performance.
The 68-year-old said he intended to keep a low profile during the show’s run, but had to rethink his position once he got his foot in the door of Slane Castle.
Speaking after his exit, he said: “I definitely didn’t work out a strategy. I intended to stay under the radar, but the very minute my name was brought up at the round table on day one, that theory went out the door.”
Having been a fan of The Traitors UK, Paudie immediately applied to be a contestant on the Irish version.
“I never for one minute thought I’d get in the show, but I was willing to take that chance,” he said. “I have my two hips replaced, but it didn’t become an issue at all.”
He added that he would be open to appearing on other reality TV shows as well, and “wouldn’t say no” to Gogglebox.
The former prison officer was a big hit with viewers because of his razor-sharp wit, but said he was bewildered by the reaction.
“I’m grateful, but I had no idea. It was totally accidental,” he said.
Traitors contestant Christine Duff. Photo: RTÉ
Christine, who lives with multiple sclerosis, says she has been blown away by the wave of support from viewers also living with the condition.
“I love the response so far,” she said. “A lot of people have reached out with their own stories of their diagnosis.
“It has been really good because people feel reassured, they feel hope — I suppose they’ve been given a glimmer of light. Hopefully, me being on the show is going to encourage others that it’s not the end of their world.”
Paudie and Christine have spoken of their time with the other contestants, despite the often stressful nature of being on the show.
You’re killing somebody’s dream. But it’s just the way that it was
“We all got on quite well and we all gelled well,” Christine said. “I love every single contestant. I do believe there were really great friendships that will last after the show.”
She added, however, that it can be difficult to discern who is and isn’t telling the truth, which meant she had to rely on her instincts as well as those of fellow contestants.
Paudie said he found it was often difficult to face fellow contestants when he knew his role.
“It’s a game. We knew it was a game. I was 100pc behind being a traitor, I knew I’d have to murder,” he said.
“Going to the breakfast table every morning was difficult because you knew you would have to navigate like the other faithfuls. You’re killing somebody’s dream. But it’s just the way that it was.”
With just one traitor left, who do they want to win?
“To be honest, any of them,” Paudie said. “I’m not sitting on the fence — I think they’re all excellent people.”
Will Nick be caught?
“I hope so,” Christine said. “Team girlies all the way.”
‘The Traitors Ireland’ finale is on RTÉ One on Tuesday at 9.35pm