Irish influencer Paddy Smyth made his debut on Channel 4’s The Circle on Friday night – and he made a serious impact.
During a special live show, the 31-year-old was revealed as a brand new “player”, and viewers quickly warmed to him.
Paddy, who was born with cerebral palsy in his legs, said he hopes to find people who “like me for me and not my crutches.”
I love Paddy Smith! Irish are really invading the UK reality TV circuit. Amazing. #TheCircle
— thank you, ned (@OfficialNedK) October 4, 2019
Paddy is so lovable omg my heart???????? #thecircle
— niamh (@_niamhrodgers) October 4, 2019
THE DISABLED ASSASSIN. ????
I. LOVE. PADDY. #TheCircle
— Jack Lineker (@JackLineker_) October 5, 2019
ok i already love paddy #thecircle
— lisa ???????? (@lisammariee) October 5, 2019
OMG Paddy, YAS!#TheCircle pic.twitter.com/h66dijkbWd
— xenobriotic ???? (@xenobrioticBB) October 5, 2019
Paddy has shown more personality in 5 minutes than Beth and Jack have combined in 3 episodes. #TheCircle
— The Circle Zone (@TheCircleZone) October 4, 2019
While Paddy had a great introduction, unfortunately he annoyed some viewers by admitting he didn’t like Tim – who is beloved by fans of the show.
Viewers took to Twitter to slam Paddy for “disrespecting” Tim, but we’re sure the Dubliner will win them over in no time.
Me: YES I love paddy!
Paddy: fuck off, Tim
Me: pic.twitter.com/PHKKYu5bS5
— A (@autumnculture) October 4, 2019
Paddy’s popularity rating on twitter before and after he said he didn’t like Tim #thecircle pic.twitter.com/LzWhplfMKC
— Rebecca (@bex2188) October 4, 2019
Absolutely LOVED new guy Paddy when he went in. Till he told Tim to fuck off and I don’t know how anyone can not like Tim, so to you Paddy, I have to bid you good day and tell you to kindly please fuck off. #TheCircle @C4TheCircle
— ???? (@OUATTheorie) October 5, 2019
Me: Omg I love Paddy, he’s adorable, he’s going to be. so. good. ????
Paddy: [tells Tim to fuck off]
Me, and all of UK: pic.twitter.com/NYYyKYRHHh
— zeddpoole (@zeddpoole) October 5, 2019
When Paddy on #TheCircle says does doesn’t like Tim pic.twitter.com/3lCw7W0ndD
— Emma Ash (@MadlyInPursuit) October 4, 2019
The whole of the UK to Paddy when he told Tim to fuck off: pic.twitter.com/0ywPLLzZBi
— Hannah G (@HannahTheGoat1) October 4, 2019
The popular series, which first aired last year, bills itself as a game based around social media, with the concept that “anyone can be anyone in The Circle”.
Contestants live in the same building, but are never allowed to meet, and they communicate solely using their profiles on a specially-designed app – giving them the ability to portray themselves in any way they choose.
The players compete to be crowned the most popular, and there’s a £100,000 cash prize up for grabs.
