When Jonathan Ross was revealed as a Traitor on Celebrity Traitors in early 2025, he didn’t expect the fallout to come from a fellow contestant’s unfiltered rage — but it did. Ruth Codd, the Netflix actress known for The Haunting of Bly Manor, allegedly called Ross a "bleep-ing snake" after being eliminated, according to an insider speaking to the Daily Mail. The outburst wasn’t just a moment of frustration — it was the eruption of weeks of simmering tension, strategic mistrust, and what Codd later described as an "unspoken hierarchy" on set.
"I Ran My Big Fat Mouth"
Codd, 34, was the third contestant eliminated from Celebrity Traitors, following singer Paloma Faith and Olympic diver Tom Daley. She had correctly identified Ross as a Traitor during a Round Table discussion — but failed to rally the other players. "I think the moment where it all went wrong for me was when I opened my big fat mouth," she later told the Uncloaked podcast. "I couldn’t help myself. My sense of injustice took over completely." Her frustration wasn’t just about being eliminated. It was about feeling ignored. According to the insider, Codd was furious that her warnings about Ross went unheeded, especially after she’d flagged social media personality Niko Omilana as a potential ally — only to see Omilana banished instead. "She thought Jonathan was two-faced," the source said. "She believed he was playing both sides."An Unspoken Hierarchy
Codd didn’t stop there. In an interview with The Times, she pointed to an invisible power structure among the cast: "There was probably an unspoken hierarchy in there, and that placed certain people like myself at a disadvantage, because I haven’t been in the industry very long." Her comment resonated with fans who noticed how quickly established names like Ross, Alan Carr, and Clare Balding seemed to dominate conversations — and votes. Ross, 64, has never denied the tension. On his podcast Reel Talk with daughter Honey Ross, he admitted: "Some of my co-stars are still holding a grudge. I know who they are." Fans on Reddit quickly zeroed in on Codd — and Balding — as the likely targets. "Definitely Ruth lmao," one user wrote. "I actually found her pretty funny but I think she genuinely dislikes him for whatever reason."What Wasn’t Shown
The drama on screen was only half the story. Filming took place in a remote hotel near Inverness, Scotland, where contestants were sequestered for weeks. Rules were strict: two drinks per night, no contact with the outside world. And after filming wrapped, the BBC sent out a formal reminder to all participants — including Ross — about contractual restrictions on what they could disclose. "I didn’t realize," Ross said, "but I’m not allowed to talk about the stuff that’s edited out." That silence has fueled speculation. Why did Ross vote to banish Omilana if they weren’t allied? Why did Codd feel so isolated? TVGuide later confirmed Ross had no alliance with Omilana — a revelation that made Codd’s suspicions seem even more tragically misplaced.
Why Fans Love Ruth
Despite her early exit, Codd became a breakout star. Ladbible called her the "fan favorite" for her "no-nonsense attitude and willingness to challenge big names." Unlike polished celebrities who played it safe, she spoke up — loudly, emotionally, sometimes recklessly. And that honesty, however costly, made her magnetic. Meanwhile, Omilana, who was banished in episode three, offered a damning verdict: "All the celebs were lovely," he said. "But collectively, they made up the worst Faithfuls ever." His comment underscores the show’s central irony: the most suspicious players often survive longest — not because they’re clever, but because others are too polite, too hesitant, too afraid to accuse.What’s Next?
The first season of Celebrity Traitors was a ratings smash, prompting the BBC to greenlight a second season for 2026. That means Ross, Codd, and the rest will likely be back — but will the same tensions resurface? Will Codd get another shot? Will Ross face even more scrutiny? For now, the real game isn’t on screen. It’s in the podcast interviews, the Reddit threads, the late-night Twitter rants. And the winner? The audience — who now know more about the cast’s real feelings than the show ever let on.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ruth Codd feel targeted by Jonathan Ross?
Codd believed Ross manipulated votes to protect himself, especially after she correctly identified him as a Traitor but saw her ally Niko Omilana banished instead. She felt ignored because of her relative lack of industry clout, which she described as part of an "unspoken hierarchy" favoring established stars like Ross and Alan Carr.
Did Jonathan Ross actually have an alliance with Niko Omilana?
No. TVGuide confirmed Ross voted to banish Omilana without any prior alliance, contradicting Codd’s suspicions. This revelation made her elimination feel even more unjust to viewers, as her strategic instincts were correct — but the other players didn’t trust her.
What did the BBC tell the cast after filming ended?
The BBC issued a formal contractual reminder to all contestants, warning them not to discuss edited-out content — including private conversations, voting logic, or behind-the-scenes conflicts. Ross admitted this caught him off guard, and he’s since been careful not to cross the line.
Why is Ruth Codd considered a fan favorite despite being eliminated early?
Codd stood out for her raw honesty and refusal to play games. While others filtered their opinions, she spoke openly — even when it backfired. Fans admire her authenticity, and outlets like Ladbible have labeled her the most compelling personality of the season for challenging power dynamics on screen.
How much did contestants earn on Celebrity Traitors?
Every contestant, including Jonathan Ross and Ruth Codd, received £40,000 for participating, regardless of how long they lasted. The payment was flat, with no bonus for winning — meaning even early eliminations like Codd’s came with a substantial payday.
Will there be a second season of Celebrity Traitors?
Yes. The BBC officially confirmed a second season will air in 2026 after the first season drew massive ratings. With unresolved tensions between Ross and Codd, and the cast’s reputation as "the worst Faithfuls ever," producers have plenty of real-life drama to mine for the next round.
