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.
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.
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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