You can always trust Joe Marler to pick the most chaotic post-rugby career path available. Fresh off charming the entire country with his chaotic logic on Celebrity Traitors, the former England prop is swapping roundtables for physical combat.
The BBC just confirmed that Marler is joining the cast of Gladiators for its upcoming fourth series. Even better, he isn't just dropping in as a guest star. He's becoming the show's first-ever permanent celebrity Gladiator, stepping into the Sheffield arena under the alter-ego "Mauler". Learn more on a similar issue: this related article.
Why this casting works so well
Most sports stars trying to break into television play it safe. They do punditry, smile for the camera, and try not to offend anyone. Marler has never done safe.
During his rugby career, he earned 95 international caps for England and played in three World Cups. He knows how to take a hit and dish one out. But what makes him genuinely valuable to a Saturday night entertainment show is his oversized personality. More reporting by BBC highlights similar perspectives on this issue.
When he appeared on Celebrity Traitors, viewers didn't just see a large athlete; they saw a quick-witted, self-deprecating bloke who could banter with Stephen Fry and argue with Alan Carr. He placed fourth in the competition after a brutal final roundtable betrayal by his alliance partner Nick Mohammed. Fans loved him because he refused to take himself seriously.
Now, putting that kind of personality inside the Gladiators arena changes the dynamic completely.
What to expect from Mauler
Filming is already underway in Sheffield ahead of the show's return in 2027. Social media announcements showed Marler rocking a bright red mohawk and looking entirely at home backstage.
The BBC press release promises performances "packed with power, personality and plenty of surprises". Honestly, that feels like an understatement. Watching Marler try to chase down agile contenders across the Duel podium or the Gauntlet should provide exceptional television. He has the size and muscle power to back it up, but his secret weapon is his mouth. Expect plenty of psychological warfare thrown at the contenders before they even hit the obstacles.
The show has featured one-off celebrity specials before, bringing in names like Vogue Williams and Joe Wicks to run the courses. But turning a high-profile sports personality into a core member of the Gladiator roster is a brand-new approach.
The bigger picture for Saturday night TV
Let's be real. Television reboots often feel tired. They lean heavily on nostalgia and hope viewers won't notice the lack of fresh ideas.
The BBC's revival of Gladiators, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, managed to dodge that trap by keeping the energy high and the casting sharp. Adding Marler keeps the format unpredictable. It bridges the gap between traditional athletic dominance and modern reality television culture.
While other regular Gladiators like Apollo, Comet, and Diamond handle the traditional athletic intimidation, Marler brings a different kind of threat. He's funny, he's unpredictable, and he genuinely loves a spectacle.
You're going to tune in just to see how long he can keep a straight face while shouting catchphrases in full costume.
