Former England rugby star Joe Marler is set to become the first celebrity Gladiator, and his new name has been revealed. The 36-year-old will step into the Sheffield arena as his alter ego 'Mauler' when he makes his debut in the popular BBC game show.
First Celebrity Gladiator
Marler is the first star to join the team of elite athletes, going head-to-head with contestants in special appearances described as "packed with power, personality and plenty of surprises". He will be joined by familiar Gladiator faces including Apollo, Comet, Diamond, Nitro and Dynamite in the upcoming series.
The show, hosted by father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, tests contestants' speed, power, endurance and agility as they face off with the Gladiators. A first look image showed Marler's suit hanging alongside those of the other Gladiators.
TV Career Since Retirement
Since retiring from rugby, Marler has pivoted toward a career in television. He has appeared on shows such as Michael McIntyre's The Wheel, Blankety Blank, and recently took part in Soccer Aid 2026. However, it was his appearance on Celebrity Traitors last autumn that turned him into a TV star, making him a fan favourite with his shrewd analysis and friendships with comedians Joe Wilkinson and Nick Mohammed.
In Celebrity Traitors, Marler formed an alliance with Ted Lasso star Nick, who later backstabbed him at the final roundtable and voted him out, leading Alan Carr to win the show.
Speaking about his experience on the show, Marler said: "I remember turning to my wife once the final had been broadcast, and I was like, 'Great, it's done now - everyone's just gonna concentrate on Christmas.'" He added: "But being able to sit around the Round Table with people like Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie and Alan Carr ... and the opportunity to tell Alan to shut up or Jonathan Ross to grow up - that was great fun! I knew the show would be popular, but I didn't anticipate the public loving it as much as they did."
Gladiators returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027.
