Joe Marler, former England rugby international and Celebrity Traitors contestant, has been announced as the first-ever Celebrity Gladiator on the BBC’s revived Gladiators. The broadcaster confirmed that Marler will make his debut in the upcoming fourth season of the hit entertainment show. He will compete alongside the existing Gladiators against contestants taking on the series’ physical challenges.
Marler will enter the arena under the name “Mauler” and became the first celebrity to join the show’s Gladiators lineup since the BBC revival launched.
To announce the news, the official Gladiators Instagram account shared a video of Marler walking into the Gladiators changing room. He then turns towards the camera before saying, “Mauler will see you now.”
According to the BBC, Marler will bring “his uncompromising style of play and larger-than-life sense of humour” along with “his trademark physicality and competitive spirit to one of television’s toughest arenas.”
Season 4 of Gladiators is currently being filmed in Sheffield and is expected to premiere in 2027.
Who Is Joe Marler?
Joe Marler is a former professional rugby union player who has successfully transitioned into television, podcasting and entertainment.
Born in England, Marler became one of the country’s best-known rugby players during a career that spanned more than 15 years. Playing as a loosehead prop, he earned 95 international caps for England and made more than 200 appearances for Premiership Rugby club Harlequins.
Marler joined Harlequins as a teenager and spent his entire senior professional career with the London-based club. During his time there, he helped the team win two Premiership Rugby titles and established himself as one of England’s leading front-row players.
He represented England between 2012 and 2024 where he played a key role in several international tournaments including the 2019 Rugby World Cup (England finished runners-up).
Marler was also selected for the prestigious British & Irish Lions tour in 2017 before announcing his retirement from international rugby in November 2024.
Following his retirement from international rugby, Marler began focusing more on television and entertainment.
He became a fan favourite on the BBC’s first celebrity edition of The Traitors where viewers praised both his strategic gameplay and his friendships with fellow contestants.
Away from reality television, Marler hosts the popular podcast Joe Marler Will See You Now where he interviews guests from the worlds of sport and entertainment. He is also the author of several books including his memoir Loose Head and Joe Marler Vs The World.
About Gladiators Season 4
The BBC revived Gladiators in 2024 to bring the iconic competition series back to television with Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh as hosts.
The upcoming fourth season will mark another milestone for the franchise with Joe Marler becoming the first celebrity to join the Gladiators.
Also Read: Who Is Tom Stoltman? Three-Time World’s Strongest Man Joins BBC’s Gladiators Series 4
