Joanna from The Traitors Ireland has set the record straight after her tearful departure from the series on Sunday night, saying she is "proud that I played the game the way I did".
The logistics specialist from Kildare was voted off during the roundtable discussion on Sunday night's episode, after losing all three of her flames in a trust challenge, a moment that left her visibly shaken.
Speaking to Dermot Whelan on The Oliver Callan Show on RTÉ Radio 1, she said: "I’m good. I’m glad that it’s over now, and I’m glad that I don’t have to go back to it anymore."
During the challenge, contestants were asked to defend their trustworthiness, with others extinguishing the flames of those they trusted least. Joanna was left without any flames and later faced a round table vote, where she was ultimately sent home despite briefly holding a dagger that gave her an extra vote.
Reflecting on the way events unfolded, she said: "I don’t have grudges with anybody. It was a very hurtful moment to hear people twist my words and change the narrative, or just flatly deny things. That felt like an attack on my character, but I chose not to fight it, because sometimes in those moments, there is nothing you can say. But I know at the end of the day that it was just a game.
Watch: Joanna's parting words sting.
"People did what they felt they had to do to win. I am proud of who I am and stayed true to myself, and proud that I played the game the way I did. But I have absolutely no problem with any of the players."
When asked who she hoped would win, Joanna named Nick, praising his strategy: "His game plan is absolutely amazing."
Her departure sparked a strong reaction online, with many viewers describing the episode as one of the toughest to watch so far. Some criticised what they saw as "mean girl" behaviour among the group, while others praised Joanna for handling the situation with dignity.
The Traitors Ireland continues Monday and Tuesday at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. The Traitors Ireland: Uncloaked follows immediately afterwards on RTÉ One on Mondays and RTÉ2 on Tuesdays.
The Oliver Callan Show airs weekdays from 9am on RTÉ Radio 1.
