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Beloved ‘Traitors NZ’ Host Exits Ahead of Season 3<\/a> originally appeared on Parade<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n A bit of disappointing news came for fans of The Traitors franchise today.<\/p>\n Hot off the update that The Traitors NZ <\/em>had been renewed for a third season, comes the news that host Paul Henry <\/strong>is stepping down and will not continue with the franchise going forward.<\/p>\n The broadcast personality spoke with the New Zealand Hearld<\/a> to confirm his exit. \u201cI am very pleased The Traitors NZ is set to continue into a third season,\u201c Henry told the publication. \u201cHowever, it seems obvious to me that as I am now a director of Television New Zealand, hosting The Traitors NZ for a rival could create a conflict of interest.\u201d He continued. \u201cAnd for that reason, I am not making myself available for the third series. My focus is on advancing Television New Zealand\u2019s capability, performance and future. Something I am passionate about.\u201d<\/p>\n The news was of Henry\u2019s stepping down was disappointing for South Pacific Pictures managing director Andrew Szusterman<\/strong>, who told the New Zealand Hearld, \u201cWe\u2019re disappointed, but the show goes on and we\u2019re on the hunt for a new host.\u201d<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfac<\/strong> SIGN UP for Parade\u2019s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/strong><\/a> \ud83c\udfac<\/strong><\/p>\n As previously mentioned The Traitors NZ<\/em> was recently renewed for a third season, with production expected to begin later this year. Casting for the series recently opened up.<\/p>\n The first two series are officially described as \u201cDeception, lies and betrayal are the name of the game as 19 players descend on a luxury lodge, isolated from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the chance to win up to $70,000. The only challenge? Not getting \u2018murdered\u2019. Welcome to The Traitors NZ, Paul Henry\u2019s devilish little game with one main goal \u2013 find and unmask the Traitors, the secret saboteurs within the group, before they take out the Faithful one by one.<\/em><\/p>\n More than just a game, this is a battle of wits, a test of the cunning and a fight for survival. So the question is\u2026 who can you trust?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n In addition to The Traitors NZ<\/em>, Henry is expected to air as host on a short season of the New Zealand incarnation of The Chase <\/em>on TVNZ.<\/p>\n The Traitors NZ <\/em>Season 1 is currently streaming on Peacock.<\/p>\n