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Jonathan Ross has spoken out about his time on The Celebrity Traitors, admitting that while the hit BBC show has captivated audiences, his personal experience filming it was far less enjoyable.
The 63-year-old broadcaster, known for his quick wit and easy-going humour, confessed that the show’s atmosphere of secrecy and deceit made him deeply uncomfortable, so much so that he’s warned other celebrities against taking part in future series.
Ross is one of 19 well-known faces who headed to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands earlier this year for the first-ever celebrity edition of The Traitors. The show, fronted by Claudia Winkleman, challenges a mix of stars to root out hidden “Traitors” among them while working together to win a cash prize.
Ross was chosen by Winkleman to be one of the Traitors, alongside comedian Alan Carr and singer Cat Burns. Their mission was to secretly “murder” their fellow celebrity contestants while avoiding suspicion and elimination.
While the series has been a hit with viewers, launching last week to glowing reviews and impressive ratings, Ross admitted that the reality of filming was far less fun than it looks on screen.
Jonathan Ross has spoken candidly about his experience on Celebrity Traitors, revealing that he didn’t enjoy his time on the hit BBC series. - BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
Speaking on his podcast, Reel Talk, he explained:
“I know they’re already planning a second celebrity version. I know because I’ve had two celebrity friends of mine call me and say, ‘I’ve been approached, is it good to do, is it bad to do?’ So I’m giving them the benefit of my experience, which was that I didn’t enjoy it.”
He went on to explain that the constant need for deception left him feeling uneasy.
“I was a Traitor, that’s why,” he continued. “I found the lying really wearing, it left me feeling increasingly uncomfortable. We were lying all the time. You’re sharing a car in the morning with people, and even though we’re not supposed to talk about the game, some people do, so you’re lying then too.”
Ross revealed that the emotional toll of the game took him by surprise.
“You’re guarding this secret all the time. You’re on the defence constantly and you have to look people in the eye and lie. It’s not fun. I didn’t like that part of it at all.”
Despite his struggles, the show has been hailed as one of the most entertaining reality formats of the year, with celebrity fans praising its high drama, strategy, and Claudia Winkleman’s now-iconic hosting style. Viewers have particularly enjoyed seeing how public figures, used to fame and performance, cope under pressure when trust and deception collide.
Ross’s confession has sparked plenty of reaction online, with fans expressing surprise at his honesty. One X user commented, “I can totally see how being a Traitor would mess with your head. Love Jonathan for being so real about it.” Another added, “Even when he’s uncomfortable, he’s still entertaining!”
For now, The Celebrity Traitors continues to air on BBC One, keeping viewers hooked as the remaining contestants try to unmask the hidden saboteurs. But for Jonathan Ross, it seems the experience is one he won’t be repeating anytime soon.
“It’s great television,” he admitted, “but not necessarily great to live through.”
