Since the hit show Celebrity Traitors began in 2022, it has been host Claudia Winkleman whose kilts, oversized knitwear and dramatic sweeping coats have drawn attention. This season, however, an extra element of anticipation has emerged: what will Jonathan Ross be wearing?
Over the past three weeks, the broadcaster has appeared in everything from dapper tailoring to an 80s Top Gun-esque jumpsuit, complete with snazzy cravats, oversized aviator sunglasses and dramatic fuzzy stoles. At one point he even paid homage to Winkleman’s signature style by sauntering around the castle in a tweed cape and fingerless leather gloves.
Throughout his career, the 64-year-old has been known for his eccentric personal style. Ever since he burst on to screens in 1986 as the host of the late night TV chatshow The Last Resort, a jazzy oversized suit has been his signature. So while no one expected Ross to start dressing like a member of the Labour party, his decision to ramp up his outlandish style as a Traitor came as a surprise because remaining inconspicuous is key.
Dr Dion Terrelonge, a fashion psychologist, thinks of Ross’s look as a costume. “In a game that is all about perception, Ross seemed to lean into his personal style even more so than he tends to do in his everyday life,” he said. Terrelonge believes Ross’s looks contributed to the Faithfuls’ “big dog” theory where they were convinced it was either him or Stephen Fry leading the Traitors pack.
While the cast were assigned a stylist, Ross plotted his looks himself, choosing pieces from his vast personal wardrobe. In a post-show interview, he explained he had packed even more unconventional pieces – including a full goth look – that he never got a chance to wear. His homey knitwear helped to mislead players as he captured the aesthetic of cosy crime films, with Clare Balding comparing one particular look to the cast of the Flintstones.
