Fresh off her dramatic exit from the Celebrity Traitors castle, Netflix’s horror darling Ruth Codd has returned to the public eye not with a whimper, but with a characteristically dark, stylish, and defiant reveal. In a TikTok posted just hours ago, the Irish actress disclosed she has undergone a second leg amputation, introducing her new prosthetic—christened “Fat Tony”—with the sort of biting wit that made her a standout in the BBC’s hit psychological game. But beyond the headlines, Codd’s presence signals a deeper shift in the fashion landscape: the rise of “Traitor-core” from costume to authentic personal style, and the cementing of the reality TV star as the ultimate luxury brand vehicle.
The Reveal: Style in the Face of Adversity
While the tabloids are focusing on the medical details of Codd’s announcement, the fashion industry is watching the delivery. Dressed in her signature monochromatic palette, Codd’s return to social media was a masterclass in controlling the narrative. By naming her new prosthetic “Fat Tony,” she rejects the pity often projected onto disability narratives, instead framing her body with agency and punk-rock humor.
This attitude aligns perfectly with the “Anti-Hero Heroine” archetype currently dominating runway casting (seen recently at Balenciaga and Rick Owens). Codd, known for her roles in Mike Flanagan’s The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher, brings a genuine gothic edge that designers are desperate to emulate. She doesn’t just wear the clothes; she imbues them with a backstory of survival and grit.
‘Traitor-Core’ & The Claudia Effect
We cannot discuss Ruth Codd without addressing the aesthetic ecosystem she just departed: The Traitors. The show has arguably done more for British knitwear and heritage tweeds than any London Fashion Week presentation in the last five years. Termed “The Claudia Effect”—after host Claudia Winkleman’s impeccable wardrobe styled by Sinead McKeefry—the look is a mix of “Country Sleaze,” Highland Goth, and aristocratic rebellion.
Key Elements of the Aesthetic:
- Oversized Knitwear: Chunky cables and Fair Isle prints (Brora, Bamford).
- Structured Outerwear: Capes, trenches, and wax jackets (Barbour x Ganni, Holland Cooper).
- Gothic Accessories: Fingerless gloves, heavy combat boots, and kohl eyeliner.
While other contestants merely adopted this look as a costume for the castle, Codd inhabited it. Her natural style—dark lips, heavy hardware, and sharp tailoring—meant she didn’t need a stylist’s mood board to fit the show’s visual language. She was the authentic article in a sea of cosplayers.
The Business of Reality TV Styling
The intersection of Celebrity Traitors and high fashion represents a lucrative new vertical for brands. Viewers are no longer just watching for the backstabbing; they are watching to shop. Data from the latest season indicates a direct sales lift for brands worn by key players.
Ruth Codd’s “murder” in episode four may have cut her screen time short, but her impact metrics remain high. Her distinct look makes her a prime target for partnerships with brands that occupy the edgy, intellectual space of fashion—think Simone Rocha, Vivienne Westwood, or Alexander McQueen. These houses thrive on narratives of dark romance and strength, qualities Codd possesses in spades.
Inclusivity as the New Avant-Garde
Perhaps the most critical angle of Codd’s rise is her role in the adaptive fashion conversation. For too long, adaptive clothing was resigned to the medical and purely functional. Codd, alongside other trailblazers, is pushing for prosthetics to be viewed as high-fashion accessories.
By treating her amputation with humor and style, she invites designers to innovate. We are moving toward a future where prosthetics are sculptural, chromed, or leather-wrapped—integrated into the look rather than hidden. Codd’s visibility on primetime BBC television, wearing bold outfits that do not shy away from her disability, accelerates this cultural acceptance.
The Timeline: From Netflix Horror to Fashion It-Girl
- 2022: Codd breaks out as Anya in Netflix’s The Midnight Club, gaining a cult following for her acerbic wit and alternative style.
- 2023: Solidifies her "Gothic Queen" status in The Fall of the House of Usher.
- October 2025: Cast in Celebrity Traitors UK. Critics praise her authenticity and styling, though she is eliminated early.
- November 26, 2025: Returns to TikTok to reveal her second amputation, viral engagement spikes immediately.
- Future Forecast: Expect a high-profile fashion editorial or campaign debut by Spring/Summer 2026.
What Happens Next?
The “Traitor-core” trend shows no signs of slowing down as winter sets in. Retailers are already stocking heavy tweeds and fingerless gloves in anticipation of the show's continued cultural dominance. For Ruth Codd, the path is clear. She has transcended the "reality TV contestant" label to become a genuine cultural figure.
We predict her next move will be outside the realm of unscripted TV. With a role in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon on the horizon, she is poised for a major red carpet run. Fashion houses would be wise to dress her now—before she becomes untouchable.
Written by Ara Ohanian for FAZ Fashion — fashion intelligence for the modern reader.
