Here’s a shocking revelation that might just flip your perception of reality TV: Jonathan Ross didn’t enjoy his time on The Traitors. Yes, the same Jonathan Ross who had us all in stitches with his mischievous antics alongside Alan Carr and Cat Burns has now revealed that behind the laughter, the experience was far from enjoyable. But here’s where it gets controversial—while fans saw a hilarious 'pot-stirring' traitor, Ross found the constant lying to his celebrity friends genuinely uncomfortable. And this is the part most people miss: the psychological toll of keeping secrets and deceiving others, even in a game, can be surprisingly heavy.
In a candid moment on his podcast Reel Talk, Ross shared, 'I found the lying really wearing. It left me feeling increasingly uncomfortable. You’re sharing a car with people, and even though you’re not supposed to talk about the game, some do, so you’re lying then. You’re guarding this secret, and others know someone has it. You’re on the defense the whole time, having to look people in the eye and lie.' Imagine the mental gymnastics required to maintain that facade—it’s not as glamorous as it looks on screen.
The experience was so mixed for the British TV personality that he’s now warning his celebrity friends who’ve been approached for the show’s second series. 'I didn’t enjoy it,' he admitted, adding with a hint of humor, 'I’m a Traitor, that’s why.' But is there a 'Traitors curse'? It seems Ross isn’t alone in feeling the strain. Last week, Paloma Faith opened up about her own turbulent experience after being 'murdered' by her close friend Alan Carr on the show. In her exit interview, she expressed feeling betrayed, saying, 'If the shoe was on the other foot, I would not have touched Alan's face. He had a choice, and I don’t think it was very nice.'
But here’s the twist: despite the hurt, Paloma has forgiven Carr, whom she calls 'extremely lovable.' Alan, in his signature witty style, addressed the situation on Instagram, posting a video of himself looking at a drinks menu and quipping, 'I could murder a Paloma.' Paloma’s response? 'Mine’s too salty.' It’s a lighthearted exchange, but it raises a thought-provoking question: Can reality TV ever truly stay just a game, or does it inevitably blur the lines between entertainment and real emotions?
What do you think? Is the psychological toll of shows like The Traitors worth the entertainment value? Or does it cross a line? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
