Celebrity Traitors has kicked off with a bang on the BBC as a whole host of famous faces do what they can to avoid banishment – or even murder – at the hands of their fellow stars.

Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross, and Cat Burns were the trio chosen by Claudia Winkleman to lead the charge against the Faithfuls as they donned their cloaks to take on their new roles as Traitors.

Just two episodes in and there have been a number of talking points, not least Paloma Faith’s murder at the hands of Mr Carr.

But away from the show, the Traitors have been making headlines too. Earlier this week, Mr Ross sparked controversy by suggesting he wouldn’t recommend the show to a friend.

On his podcast, Reel Talk, Mr Ross admitted: “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 I didn’t enjoy it. I’m a Traitor, that’s why.”

Delving into the reason behind his dislike for the role, he said: “I found the lying really wearing, it left me feeling increasingly uncomfortable.

“We were lying all the time, because you’re sharing a car with people in the morning, and even though we’re not supposed to be talking about the game, but obviously some people do, so you’re lying then.

“So you’re guarding this secret that you have, and others know that someone has. You’re on the defence the whole time, and you have to look people in the eye and lie.”

Following the remarks, Mr Ross took to X in an attempt to clarify his stance further. “Despite rather mis-leading reports, I am NOT discouraging anyone from taking part in future series of Traitors,” he penned.

“I am pleased I did it – an extraordinary experience- but I did not enjoy the duplicity as the game progressed. It’s a tougher psychological challenge than I expected is all.

“But I would never try to talk anyone out of it – just trying to give them a sense of what to expect.”

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When a fellow X user replied by suggesting Mr Ross should’ve been prepared for the emotional toll, the TV presenter wrote back: “Obviously I understood the assignment. But the immersive nature and other factors make you feel it more keenly.”

After Mr Ross’s comments hit headlines, former contestant Nathan Khider sat down with GB News to deliver his verdict on the matter.

“Jonathan Ross has been around the block, right? He knows his way through this, and he knows showbiz, and he knows how to get what (he wants),” Mr Khider began.

“He is a puppet master. He came out and said some interesting comments about how he wouldn’t recommend anyone doing it, which I think is a bit bizarre. And I don’t know why he’ll go down that route.

“Look, the show is not going to be for everybody. It’s a really intense game. And I suppose as we watch a bit more, maybe we’ll understand a little bit more why he’s come out and said that.

“It’s. A. Game. This is the thing. You go out and you go into that game for yourself. But it does raise a discussion between the celebrity version and a non-celebrity version.

“In the non-celebrity version, everyone’s out for themselves. It’s not a bit of fun. It’s actually quite serious. You’re there to play a game and you’re there to win money.

“I think watching the celebrities… It’s a bit more comical. Maybe it’s a bit more lighthearted. It’s maybe not so intense.

“But you still go into that game with the intention of lying, especially if you’re a Traitor. And if he’s saying, ‘I want to be a Traitor,’ then play the game.

“It’s the best way to play it as a Traitor. Most people would love to be a Traitor, so just enjoy it. It’s a bit of fun. It’s a great game to play.

“I loved every minute of it, but there are people, for instance, in the game… Kate Garraway, for instance, people are saying, ‘Oh, she’s overplaying it.’

“She is also just being herself. That is just Kate Garraway being Kate Garraway.

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“And as a Faithful, you think you should just be yourself. However, when I was there, just being myself got me caught straight away.

“So you have to go into the game, whether a Faithful or a Traitor, just being a little bit under the radar and just being conscious of your actions and what you say, because otherwise you’ll just get you’ll be a suspect straight away.”