Ross Kemp's 'Celebrity Traitors' Exit Labeled 'Absolute Cinema' by Viewers

Viewers of Celebrity Traitors have described Ross Kemp's exit from the show as "absolute cinema" and "ironic," noting that the actor spent the entire series exhibiting paranoia about being murdered in plain sight, only to meet that exact fate.

The dramatic conclusion unfolded when Traitors Maya Jama, James Acaster, and King Kenny were tasked with making either Kemp or Jerry Hall yawn first to eliminate them. Kemp ultimately yawned first, leading James Acaster to administer a "deadly sleeping powder" and declare, "Sorry Ross, am I boring you?"

Kemp's heightened suspicion and fear of being murdered in plain sight were a significant talking point throughout the series, presenting a contrast to his usual tough-guy persona. His paranoia had previously led him to accuse fellow contestants Bella Ramsey and Leigh-Anne Pinnock of plotting his demise.

Social media platform X was abuzz with commentary on the ironic turn of events. Users posted reactions such as "ross possibly dying in plain sight is absolute cinema #celebritytraitors," "The irony of Ross getting murdered in plain sight," and "After all that paranoia from Ross, in the end he caused his own death."

Upon opening the envelope revealing his fate, Kemp read: "Dear Ross, by order of the Traitors, you have been murdered. The Traitors murdered you in plain sight." He reflected on his time in the game, stating, "I was really sensitive to people coming close to me. It could have been a cheers, could have been anything." He also quoted Shakespeare, "To thine own self be true - and I have been true to myself, and I have been true to the Faithfuls. Well played, Traitors, but you're always going to be Traitors, and I know where you live."

Co-star Maya Jama expressed guilt over her role in Kemp's elimination, saying, "Grant Mitchell, aka Ross Kemp, I loved you as a child, and I love you as a real person. You just fell into the worst trap ever, and I'm so sorry. Hopefully we can still be friends."

The following morning, host Claudia Winkleman announced Kemp's departure, and the remaining contestants began searching for clues about the "murder in plain sight."

In the previous episode, fans had speculated that Kemp would uncover the Traitors' plan, anticipating he would notice Maya and James's feigned yawning. The strategy involved creating a dull conversation to induce yawning in Kemp and Hall, with the intention of isolating one for elimination. However, viewers at home found the excessive yawning to be "ridiculously obvious," predicting that Kemp's inherent suspicion would lead him to identify the deception.