Traitors and ex-England rugby star Joe Marler in talks to become celebrity Gladiator in huge first for the show

TRAITORS and ex-England rugby star Joe Marler is in talks to become the first celebrity Gladiator. The former prop, 36, is set for a surprise appearance — beefing up BBC’s pack of super-strong heroes against civilian contenders. Traitors and ex-England rugby star Joe Marler is in talks to become the first celebrity Gladiator, what he might look like on the show The former prop, above with Traitors’ Claudia Winkleman and Jonathan Ross, is set for a surprise appearance in a show first Credit: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry It will mark a huge moment in the show’s history as a celeb has never before pulled on the official uniform. A source said: “Everyone is so excited about Joe’s surprise stint. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “It goes without saying he’s got the size, strength and muscle power to cut it as a Gladiator, but he’s also got the cheeky personality to match. “Viewers of the original series and the BBC’s reboot love their Glad to come with a little sass and Joe will easily put on a performance in every sense of the word.” Full details of Joe’s appearance on the family show are to be revealed. He stepped away from international rugby after 95 caps for England and then concluded his club career with Harlequins in November 2024. His podcast, Joe Marler’s Things People Do — launched in October 2020 and exploring people’s unusual jobs — became a massive success. Joe’s celebrity career has since gone from strength to strength, picking up appearances on shows like The Wheel, The Last Leg and even a turn as a drag artist on Queens for the Night. Most read in TV Joe stepped away from international rugby after 95 caps for England Credit: The RFU Collection via Getty Ima He reached the final of Celebrity Traitors alongside winner Alan Carr and rapidly became a BBC darling Credit: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert/E And his profile really skyrocketed when he starred as a Faithful on the first series of Celebrity Traitors last October. He reached the final alongside winner Alan Carr and was often cracking jokes with presenter Claudia Winkleman. Joe was one of the show’s break-out stars and rapidly became a BBC darling. He launched a new podcast for BBC Sounds called Joe Marler Will See You Now in which he quizzes guests as a unqualified shrink. He will tour it live this year. Gladiators started filming its fourth series this week at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. Added muscle will include three-time World’s Strongest Man champion Tom Stoltman, and weightlifting pro Florence Wong. It comes after Gladiator Giant — Jamie Bigg — was sacked over a relationship with an OnlyFans model. The BBC declined to comment about a possible surprise appearance for Joe. Comment now