TRAITORS IRELAND KICKS OFF

LIES and deceit have already begun on The Traitors Ireland as two contestants were dumped before setting foot in the castle.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

The first episode of the new RTE series revealed 24 contestants, including a garda, a radio presenter and retired prison officer.

After a long wait, the hottest reality television show at the moment has finally graced Irish screens. And viewers didn't have to wait long for the drama to begin.

Contestants from all across the country were driven in swanky black Mercedes SUVs to Slane Castle in Co Meath for the games to begin.

But after they were welcomed by creepy guards in the show's brown robes and golden masks two players were dumped.

However, all may not be lost as in other versions of the hit series contestants dumped in first episode have returned later and had chance to get back in.

LOYALTY

Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney is leading the games of lies, loyalty and lethal betrayals - and asked contestants to pick the most trustworthy person among them.

Civil servant Andrew was the lucky one, but he was given a very difficult task.

The 33-year-old had to dump two of his fellow players, so artist Gemma and firefighter John were sent packing before even seeing the inside of the castle.