In the latest episode of Celebrity Traitors on BBC One, Jonathan Ross, a seasoned television presenter, has emerged as a master manipulator, narrowly escaping suspicion through a cunning whisper campaign that painted him as a framed innocent. However, insiders reveal that Jonathan, alongside fellow Traitor Alan Carr, possesses a significant advantage that has kept them one step ahead of their co-stars in the treacherous game set within Ardross Castle.
Jonathan Ross, 63, is no stranger to the celebrity world, thanks to his long-running ITV talk show, The Jonathan Ross Show, which began in 2011. Over the years, this platform has allowed him to cross paths with numerous celebrities, many of whom are now his fellow contestants on Celebrity Traitors. Among them are Traitor teammates comedian Alan Carr, 49, and singer Cat Burns, 25, both of whom he met prior to the show. Cat performed her single Alone on his show in 2023, while Alan has been a frequent guest, appearing at least four times, most recently in 2023 alongside Peter Crouch, Babatunde Aleshe, and Andy Serkis. Other contestants, including singer Charlotte Church, broadcaster Clare Balding, comedian Lucy Beaumont, and even host Claudia Winkleman, have also appeared on his show, giving Jonathan a pre-existing rapport with much of the cast.
This familiarity is proving to be a secret weapon. BBC insiders suggest that Jonathan’s prior connections allow him to put his co-stars at ease, fostering a false sense of trust that makes it easier for him to form alliances and deflect suspicion. “Having met so many of the contestants beforehand, that could help Ross hide out as a Traitor,” a source noted. “He may make them feel wrongly at ease around him, and it could also make it easy for him to form alliances.”
Similarly, Alan Carr benefits from a comparable advantage. Through his former show Chatty Man, Alan has interacted with several Celebrity Traitors cast members, including Stephen Fry, Clare Balding, and his close friend Paloma Faith. Stephen also appeared on Alan’s podcast Life’s a Beach, alongside soap actor Mark Bonnar and co-Traitor Cat Burns. Additionally, Faithful contestant Kate Garraway has interviewed Alan on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. These prior relationships give Alan a similar edge, allowing him to navigate the game’s social dynamics with ease.
Together with Cat Burns, Jonathan and Alan have formed a formidable Traitor trio, orchestrating the elimination of six Faithful celebrities without being fully exposed. Their victims include singer Paloma Faith, who was dispatched with a poisoned plant, as well as Olympic diver Tom Daley, actress Ruth Codd, broadcaster Clare Balding, YouTuber Niko Omilana, and actress Tameka Empson, who were either murdered or banished. The Traitors’ ability to operate undetected is likely bolstered by their pre-existing connections, which help them anticipate their opponents’ moves and manipulate group dynamics.
However, cracks may be forming in the Traitor alliance. Former rugby player Joe Marler, a Faithful, has emerged as a sharp detective, zeroing in on Jonathan as the “big dog” leading the Traitors. In the most recent episode, Joe saw through Jonathan’s “double bluff” strategy, where the presenter orchestrated Ruth Codd’s elimination to feign innocence. Sitting outside Ardross Castle with Alan, Joe theorized that Claudia Winkleman had set up a battle between Jonathan, the Traitor “big dog,” and Stephen Fry, whom he believed to be the Faithful’s leader. Despite presenting his “big dog theory” at the roundtable, Joe’s warnings were ignored, leaving fans furious and drawing comparisons to series two’s Jaz, dubbed “Jazatha Christie,” who was similarly banished after failing to convince others of his accurate suspicions.
Tensions within the Traitor trio are also becoming apparent. Alan described himself and Cat as “thick as thieves” and hinted he might be willing to betray Jonathan at the roundtable if necessary. Social media posts from Alan and Cat, showcasing their close bond but noticeably excluding Jonathan, have sparked speculation among viewers that the duo may be preparing to throw their fellow Traitor under the bus. Eagle-eyed fans have pointed out that this could signal trouble for Jonathan, whose secret advantage may not protect him for much longer.
As Celebrity Traitors continues, the game is heating up, with Jonathan Ross and Alan Carr’s prior connections giving them a deceptive edge. But with Joe Marler’s keen instincts and potential fractures in the Traitor alliance, the question remains: how long can they keep their co-stars in the dark?