In a dramatic turn of events on BBC's hit reality show The Traitors, contestant Ross Garshong was banished from the Scottish castle, only to then reveal a major secret he had been hiding throughout the competition.
Banishment and a Shocking Confession
The 37-year-old personal trainer and sales executive faced the round table on the episode aired on Wednesday 7th January 2026. Suspicion had mounted around his odd behaviour towards fellow faithful, Netty, who was in fact an old friend from outside the game. Ross's decision not to disclose their prior connection sealed his fate, making him appear untrustworthy to the group.
However, moments after his banishment was confirmed, the show dropped a bombshell. It was revealed that Ross had been in a secret romantic relationship with another contestant, Ellie. The programme showed footage of the pair pretending to meet for the first time on the train to the castle at the series' start.
Ellie's Vow of Revenge
On screen, Ellie was seen reacting to Ross's departure with a fiery declaration. "The traitors have done their work because they have framed Ross," she stated. "I'm really sad to see him go, especially because Ross is actually my boyfriend! What I've got to do now is avenge his death. I've got to work a lot harder. I want to catch a traitor for him."
Speaking to The Mirror after the episode aired, Ross admitted that even he was unsure of Ellie's allegiance during the game. "I thought she was a Traitor, because every time we had a moment together, she would not speak to me," he said. Despite this, he expressed immense pride in her and hopes she can win the entire competition. "I just also hope she does something to redeem me - I don’t want my death to be in vain," he added.
Real-World Clues and Future Suspense
The couple's off-screen relationship had already been speculated on by eagle-eyed fans. Pictures from a work trip in 2024 and matching holiday snaps from Tenerife, posted after filming concluded in May 2025, had previously linked them.
Reflecting on his exit, Ross described it as "bittersweet" but said he was happy with how he played the game. "I genuinely feel like I did... burn bright and go out in a blaze of glory," he stated.
The episode concluded with heightened tension, as four contestants—Max, James, Reece, and the known traitor Stephen—were left vulnerable to murder. With Stephen immune as a traitor, the fate of the other three hangs in the balance, to be revealed in the next instalment.
The Traitors continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Thursday and Friday night.
