Television presenter Jonathan Ross has opened up about the intense psychological pressure he faced while competing in the hit BBC show, Celebrity Traitors. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Ross confessed that the experience of being a Traitor was at times 'horrible', forcing him to deceive fellow contestants he genuinely liked.
The Emotional Toll of Deception
Ross, 64, explained that the reality of the game was far more challenging than he had anticipated. 'I did feel it was much harder than I expected, and I did struggle with that,' he admitted. He was paired in the turret with singer Cat Burns and the eventual winner, comedian Alan Carr.
He recalled the late-night drives back to their accommodation after filming, noting that both he and Alan Carr were 'very aware that it was taking its toll'. Ross elaborated on the difficult dynamic, stating, 'As a Traitor, you’d be speaking to really nice people who you wanted to support in the show... and then you have to try and engineer ways to get them out.'
He described the guilt of seeing a contestant banished because of his successful scheming as a 'horrible feeling', even though he acknowledged it was essential to the game's format.
Alan Carr's Emotional Victory for Charity
The conversation also turned to Alan Carr's triumphant win. Ross said he was 'thrilled he won' and had wanted a Traitor to claim victory. Fellow GMB presenter and contestant Kate Garraway revealed that Carr had 'burst into tears all over again' upon rewatching his emotional final moment, a reaction Ross said did not surprise him.
Carr disclosed that his £87,500 prize pot would be donated to Neuroblastoma UK, a children's cancer charity. Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumour that develops from specific cells in the nervous system called neuroblasts. The charity focuses on research to develop more effective treatments and ultimately find a cure for the disease.
A 'Lovely Opportunity' Despite the Strain
Despite the emotional hardship, Jonathan Ross was keen to stress that he ultimately loved the experience. He described Celebrity Traitors as 'a lovely opportunity' and an 'incredible thing to be invited to be part of'.
He praised the entire cast for their spirit, singling out Kate Garraway as a 'good sport' and a 'joy' to have in the castle. Ross concluded that the show was 'so much fun' thanks to a group of people who 'brought such generosity and spirit' to the game, proving that the positive memories ultimately overshadowed the difficult moments of deception.
