Celebrity Traitors star Ruth Codd says decision to amputate leg was a ‘relief’

The Midnight Club. Ruth Codd as Anya lying on bed.
Ruth Codd is one of the 19 players in the new Celebrity Traitors on BBC One (Picture:Cr. Eike Schroter/Netflix)

Ruth Codd, one of the contestants on the new Celebrity Traitors, has revealed that after years of chronic pain and failed treatments, she felt relief on opting to amputate her leg.

The 29-year-old actor, known for roles in The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher, explained that for much of her life, she lived in and out of hospital trying to heal an injury that never fully recovered.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Codd said she first injured her leg at age 15 while ‘messing around’ playing football.

Over time, the damage worsened with nerve pain and failed surgeries.

‘It never healed correctly, so until I was 23, I was on and off crutches, getting loads of operations,’ she told the paper.

She said that for eight years her life ‘revolved around trying to heal her leg’, and that she struggled mentally as she watched little progress.

No Merchandising. Editorial Use Only. No Book Cover Usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Netflix/Everett/Shutterstock (14215058am) THE MIDNIGHT CLUB, front: Ruth Codd, 'Anya', (Season 1, ep. 107, aired Oct. 7, 2022). photo: Eike Schroter / ?Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection Everett Collection - 07 Oct 2022
Ruth rose to fame by making TikTok videos in lock down about self-acceptance surrounding her disability (Picture: Netflix/Everett/Shutterstock)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 02: Ruth Codd attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Neon's "The Life Of Chuck" at Hollywood Legion Theater on June 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Ruth had her acting breakthrough playing Anya in the Midnight Club back in 2022 (Picture: Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Irish actress Ruth Codd attends the premiere of Dreamworks' live-action version of "How To Train Your Dragon" at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Ruth was born in Wexford, Ireland in 1996 (Picture: MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Ruth’s rise to success

2020: Ruth started sharing candid videos about disability and self-acceptance on TikTok over lock down

2022: Her 189,000 followers helped her get scouted for her role as Anya in her first acting debut in The Midnight Club

2023: Ruth is reunited with TMC creator Mike Flannagan for a new gothic drama – The Fall Of House Of Usher

2025: Ruth voices Phlegma the Fierce in the new Dreamworks production of the iconic How To Train Your Dragon

Today: Ruth is a contestant on BBC One’s Celebrity Traitors hosted by Claudia Winkleman

Eventually, she decided to have the leg amputated – a choice she described as life-changing in its simplicity.

‘Because of nerve damage and chronic pain, I chose to get it amputated … When I made the decision … things finally started to turn around. It was a relief. I could get on with my life.’

Codd admitted part of the frustration came from feeling stuck in a negative mindset – and being repeatedly subjected to operations that didn’t work.

She confessed to being ‘pissed off at life’ during that time, frustrated by repeated setbacks and seemingly futile treatments.

Now, participating in Celebrity Traitors, she carries her experience with her, making references to her leg during challenges.

In the show’s first task – the Trojan horse event – she spoke with awareness of having ‘one leg’ while performing the brake role.

EMBARGOED TO 2000 SATURDAY OCTOBER 4 For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Ruth Codd, one of the contestants for BBC1's The Celebrity Traitors. Issue date: Saturday October 4, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Cody Burridge/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
Ruth has already got the viewers giggling with her witty one-liners, just a day after the first episode of Celebrity Traitors premiered (Picture: Cody Burridge/BBC/PA Wire)

Her openness about her medical journey has drawn admiration from fans and raised awareness about chronic pain and disability.

Fans were quick to take to X to share their excitement for Ruth’s new TV adventure.

@Jessthewanted said: ‘RUTH CODD SUPREMACYYYYY I love her so much’

‘Ruth Codd is actually such GENIUS casting, I’m so excited,’ @adammcilven added.

As Celebrity Traitors continues – with TV presenter Jonathan Ross, singer Cat Burns and Chatty Man Alan Carr all tasked with doube-crossing a room full of national treasure faithfuls – Ruth’s story is already one of the most talked-about from the new star-studded cast.

The Celebrity Traitors airs every Wednesday and Thursday on BBC One at 9pm. Episodes are also available to stream on iPlayer.

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