It’s safe to say that everyone is rooting for Paudie to walk away victorious on the first season of The Traitors Ireland.
The retired prison guard has become a firm favourite with his ability to be both the centre of attention and slip under the radar.
However, Monday night’s episode really sealed him as the icon that he is.
After recruiting Nick to become a Traitor following Andrew’s banishment, the pair were tasked with murdering someone…in plain sight!
Yes, they had to hug the person they wanted to murder before the clock struck. And Paudie was absolutely stricken when he found out this news.
He turned to Nick and proclaimed, in the style of every good Irish ol’ fella: “I’m not being f**king smart, but I’m not a f**king hugger.”
And it’s safe to say that might be the best sentence uttered in the entire franchise of The Traitors!
Breaking the news to an Irish man that he has to hug someone. It’s like a renaissance painting. And it’s called The Paudie.#TraitorsIreland #traitorsirl pic.twitter.com/01I795bjJX
— Niecy O’Keeffe (@NiecyOKeeffe) September 15, 2025
Irish dads when asked to show any form of affection #TraitorsIRL pic.twitter.com/QectYprtZ6
— ash 🍉 (@StevieNicksTD) September 15, 2025
Paudie I’m not a fooking hugger also Paudie😂 #TraitorsIRL pic.twitter.com/51Ky5XbE3z
— Anthony Doherty (@Antdots) September 15, 2025
“I’m not a fucking hugger.” Paudie is every Irish dad to ever exist. #TraitorsIRL pic.twitter.com/UgyGlfLF6a
— Rory Cashin (@roarEcashin) September 15, 2025
Welcome back to Paudfather. #TraitorsIRL #TraitorsIRE #TraitorsIreland pic.twitter.com/EACp6hkuLV
— Neil (@Neilinyourarea) September 14, 2025
Paudie saying “I’m not a fucking hugger” is just magnificent TV. National treasure what a man 😂😂😂 #TraitorsIRL https://t.co/cTwgiZrbCw
— Chris Hardiman ☕🎸🚨🏈📺🏳️🌈🇮🇪 (@AJoyForever83) September 16, 2025
End the game, hand him the cash – this man is an icon 👏🏼😂 #TraitorsIRL https://t.co/5BSyWYh4VS
— Ellen Blake (@Ellen_blake92) September 15, 2025
The Traitors continues tonight on RTÉ One at 9:35pm
