In a surprising twist off the set of The Traitors Ireland, two contestants, gardener Dave Collins, 49, and radio presenter Diane Flaherty, 54, revealed they splurged on brand-new wardrobes for the hit RTE series, only to be eliminated early—leaving their pricey outfits unworn on screen and their wallets significantly lighter. The duo arrived at the iconic Slane Castle, expecting a month-long spotlight on national television, but their dreams of TV fame were cut short, along with their chance to showcase their carefully curated looks.
Dave Collins, a charismatic Dubliner, admitted to the Irish Sun that he went all out for the show, stocking up on new clothes for what he believed would be an extended run. “I can’t recall exactly how much I spent, but I hit the shops hard,” Dave shared. His shopping spree included trendy pieces from Zara, budget-friendly finds from Shein, and even hiking boots from Regatta. While the purchases didn’t break the bank, the early exit meant his TV wardrobe never saw the light of the cameras.
Thankfully, Dave’s optimistic spirit remains intact. “It wasn’t a total waste—I’ve been wearing those boots everywhere, even at Electric Picnic last weekend,” he said with a laugh. Still, the financial sting of preparing for a long stay that never materialized lingers.
Diane Flaherty, a vibrant Galway native, faced a similar fate. Convinced she’d be a fixture on the show for weeks, she invested heavily in a collection of elegant dresses and chic frocks. “I bought loads of nice stuff I thought I’d wear on national TV,” Diane confessed. “Now, they’re just sitting in my closet, waiting for an occasion.” Ever the optimist, she added, “Maybe I’ll get invited to some fancy events. You’ve got to stay positive—when one door closes, another opens.”
Diane’s journey on The Traitors Ireland ended abruptly when she became the first contestant voted off, mistakenly pegged as a Traitor by her peers. The elimination came after a misunderstanding during a tense moment when contestants claimed Diane looked at the floor after her blindfold was removed—a gesture some interpreted as suspicious. Diane clarified, “I was looking down because I was gutted not to be chosen as a Traitor. I wanted that role! But people read it differently.”
Despite the accusations, Diane believes no amount of defense could have saved her. “They had their minds made up. I could’ve begged on my knees, and it wouldn’t have mattered—they were on a roll, and I was out,” she said. Diane also suspects her bold personality made her a target. “The Traitors would’ve come for me soon anyway. I’m too strong a character to keep around.”
Dave, meanwhile, became the first contestant “murdered” by the Traitors, a shocking twist given his popularity. Known for his infectious energy, Dave stole the show in the premiere episode with a breakdance performance, a knack for remembering all 23 contestants’ names, and a penchant for sipping champagne. But his larger-than-life presence backfired. “I put a massive target on my back,” he admitted. “I was too loud, too friendly. My game plan went out the window the moment I walked into the castle with a glass of bubbly.”
Dave, no stranger to fleeting fame, recalled a viral moment from six years ago at Electric Picnic, where a woman in the crowd reunited him with a missing piece of his sunglasses. “I was amazed how many people recognized me from that clip,” he said. “It’s a wholesome moment that still resonates.” However, Dave was quick to clarify that his Electric Picnic fame didn’t secure his spot on The Traitors Ireland. “I went through intense interviews—sometimes with three people grilling me at once, cameras rolling. We even spoke to therapists and counselors. It was a rigorous process, not just my festival video.”
For both Dave and Diane, their early exits from The Traitors Ireland were a harsh lesson in reality TV unpredictability. Their investments in new wardrobes, intended to dazzle audiences, instead left them with unworn clothes and a lighter bank account. Yet, their spirits remain high. Dave continues to rock his Regatta boots at festivals, while Diane holds out hope for future events to debut her dresses.