Joe Marler signs up for popular BBC show after starring on Celebrity Traitors

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former England rugby international Joe Marler is poised to make history as the first celebrity Gladiator to join the popular BBC programme.

The 36-year-old will enter the Sheffield arena as his alter ego, Mauler, for special appearances “packed with power, personality and plenty of surprises” when the show returns in 2027.

Marler’s debut marks a new chapter for the iconic game show, which pits contestants’ speed, power, endurance, and agility against elite athletes.

Hosted by the father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, the upcoming series will also feature familiar Gladiators such as Apollo, Comet, Diamond, Nitro, and Dynamite.

While Marler is the first celebrity to officially join the team of elite athletes, the arena has previously welcomed famous faces. An all-star spin-off saw personalities like Vogue Williams, Joe Wicks, Rob Beckett, and Joel Dommett take on the challenges.

Joe Marler had a successful career with England (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Archive)

Marler enjoyed a hugely successful rugby career that saw him earn 95 international caps and represent England at three World Cups. With Marler playing a pivotal role, England finished runners-up at the 2019 World Cup before finishing third in the global tournament four years later.

Marler also won three Six Nations titles with England and played for the British & Irish Lions on their 2017 tour of New Zealand. At club level, he won the Premiership title twice with Harlequins, and stayed with the club throughout his professional career.

Since retiring from professional rugby in 2024, Marler has successfully transitioned into a television career.

He has appeared on shows including Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel and Blankety Blank, and recently participated in Soccer Aid 2026.

His profile significantly rose following his appearance on Celebrity Traitors last autumn, where his shrewd analysis and friendships with comedians Joe Wilkinson and Nick Mohammed quickly made him a fan favourite.

Marler proved popular on Celebrity Traitors (BBC)

A viral moment ensued when Ted Lasso star Mohammed, with whom Marler had formed an alliance, ultimately voted him out at the final roundtable, sparking widespread online reaction.

Another comedian, Alan Carr, went on to win the show as a Traitor after managing to fool Mohammed and historian David Olusoga.

Gladiators is scheduled to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027.