Joanne McNally

Joanne McNally

Joanne McNally started her career on the Irish comedy scene in 2014, and in less than a year became the co-host on RTÉ 2's flagship comedy show Republic of Telly. She made her solo Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2017 Bite Me, a show that had previously been nominated for best performer and best production at the Dublin Fringe Festival in 2016.
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'Us comedians are more than willing to throw each other under the bus'

Q&A with Joanne McNally on The Celebrity Traitors

Why have you signed up for The Celebrity Traitors?

The social circle. Yeah, it’s all about the celebrity WhatsApp group. And what an eclectic cast we have. Like you couldn't predict it. It's like lining up all my ex-boyfriends. There's no consistency to it at all. I love it. It's so frantic. It kind of has a bit of everything.

You probably know a lot of the comedians..?

We haven't been In Cahoots at all. There's been no chatting because we know that we’re more than willing to throw each other under the bus. So, it's not like we're making fake allegiances. They are professional entertainers, and they will absolutely kill each other off for the craic.

Are you a big fan of games generally, and are you competitive?

I'm quietly competitive. I certainly don't want to be the first one out, but I'm fully aware it is a game so I'm not going to throw a tantrum and start tearing the paintings off the wall. I don’t think so anyway. Who knows what adrenaline-fuelled rage could come over me.

Do you want to be a Traitor, or a Faithful?

Traitor. Of course. Who wants to be a Faithful? Boring. Snore fest. No, I want to be a Traitor. It's more craic. I have this image of the last scene. It's just me, Jerry Hall, and Claudia Winkleman, all wearing capes. Happily, quietly stroking my one chin hair because every woman has that one long chin hair. Roll the credits.

Have you done anything special to prepare?

Anything special? I got six packs of hair extensions put in. I have some skills, but hair and makeup is not one of them. It’s like the way I have a deluded idea that I have a sense of direction when I don't. I think I've done my hair, and then a clip will come out, and it looks like a nest.

 I thought that I was going to do myself a favour by putting in hair extensions. They may drive me mad, and I’ll start tearing them out…like they’re a mission. Onlookers saying, ‘What’s she doing? That’s not part of this mission.’ 

Anyway, hair aside, I’ve obviously watched loads of the show, but I also think it’s important not to over-prepare. Also, I'm a big believer in just enjoying yourself.

How are you feeling about the missions?

Yeah, no issues with the missions. I mean, it'll be nice to get my steps in. I'm just back from my Australian tour, and I will say tour life isn't conducive to health and fitness. I'll probably be wheezing after four steps.

Do you see yourself as more of a leader, a team player, or a lone wolf, and why?

Ooh, we could get deep with this. Hmm…a lone wolf…but I’m also a team player…really, I’m a sheep. I very rarely lead. When someone asks me what your attachment style is, it just depends on what toxic situation I'm in at the time. I can swing through all sorts of attachment styles in one day.

Are you better at spotting lies or telling them?

I’m great at spotting lies. I can read body language, and I've dealt with a lot of snakes.

Every time my agent looks down to the left, I'm like, liar! And he's like, ‘Stop this, please!’

What would be harder for you, being wrongly accused or having to deceive others?

Well, it's harder to lie than tell the truth. So, I think I’d just respond to any accusations with, ‘How dare you!’ or ‘I’m shocked to my core!’ I’m not actually telling a lie; I’m deflecting. ‘I’m disappointed in you thinking that!’ That kind of thing.

What do you think will be your biggest strength and your biggest weakness in the castle?

I talk too much. TMI! I need to keep my counsel a bit more. That’s what my mother says.

What has your podcast co-host Vogue Williams said about you doing this?

She's delighted. She's like, get it, girl! She said it would really be really funny if I went in fully two-faced. It’s not a bad game plan.

Do you think you can win?

Sure. I have this feeling I'll either be out within seven minutes, or I'll end up going the distance. I mean, I don't really win. I'm a second placer.

• The Celebrity Traitors starts at 8pm tomorrow on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Read interviews with fellow comedian contestants James Acaster, Joe Lycett, Miranda Hart and Romesh Ranganathan here – and another with Rob Beckett here.

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Published: 30 Sep 2026

Past Shows

Edinburgh Fringe 2017

Joanne McNally: Bite Me


Edinburgh Fringe 2018

Joanne McNally: Wine Tamer


Edinburgh Fringe 2019

Joanne McNally: The Prosecco Express


Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Joanne McNally: Work in Progress


Agent

We do not currently hold contact details for Joanne McNally's agent. If you are a comic or agent wanting your details to appear here, for a one-off fee of £59, email steve@chortle.co.uk.

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