In a feature published by the Irish Examiner on March 3, Denis Ryan and Diego Caixeta discussed their secret romance and victory on the second season of The Traitors Ireland.
The couple split a €45,850 prize pot alongside fellow faithful Anna Murphy after surviving weeks of deception inside the castle. Diego worked as a physician associate in a hospital and fielded constant congratulations from patients after the finale.
“I’m still bathing in it,” Diego told the Irish Examiner.
Their relationship began 12 years prior outside Dublin nightclub The George. Denis lived in Romania writing video games at the time and was home for a brief visit when they met. Diego flew out to visit him four days later, and they eventually moved back to Ireland together.
Applying together for the show, the pair kept their relationship hidden from other contestants from day one. Diego feared his previous employment in Dublin sexual health services might give them away to someone in the cast.
“The first day, I was a bit nervous in case someone knew us,” Diego told the Irish Examiner.
Keeping secrets quickly became second nature during filming. “You end up lying for months and you realise 'oh actually, lying's not that difficult'”, Denis said.
Denis saw his run as a faithful end after his murder in episode six. Diego nearly quit the game after missing his husband, attempting an unaired alliance with David Moran and Kayleigh Mooney before securing his path to the final.
Denis drew immediate attention for his wide-brimmed hats and bold television wardrobe. He admitted he might have dressed differently had he known the outcome.
“If I’d known what I know now, I wouldn’t have worn the hat,” Denis told the Irish Examiner.
Diego defended taking a hidden shield during the game without admitting it to others. He expressed no regrets about the strategic move.
“Absolutely not,” Diego told the Irish Examiner. “I knew I didn’t need the shield. But you can never be 100% sure in that game. I didn’t trust anyone!”
The couple formed a close bond with fellow players, maintaining a group chat called Castle Fam. Denis reported running AI analysis on online forums during broadcast and finding zero homophobic comments directed at them.
Denis has optioned a comedy series and discussed publishing a children’s book illustrated by fellow player David Moran. Diego returned to work at Cork University Hospital, where he is learning robotic surgery.
The pair plan to hold a legal wedding ceremony in January, following a three-day celebration. They are considering destinations like the Maldives or Brazil for a February honeymoon.
“We’re trying to keep it small, but I’m also envisioning us recreating the video for East 17’s Stay Another Day, where us and the guests are all dressed in white faux fur,” Denis told the Irish Examiner.
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