England rugby star Joe Marler has playfully mocked national treasure Stephen Fry, suggesting the celebrated intellectual failed to impress with his game-playing skills on the hit BBC show, The Celebrity Traitors.
A Game Plan Gone Wrong
Marler, 35, openly discussed the strange social dynamics of the celebrity version, noting that existing fame and status heavily influenced interactions within the Scottish castle. He confessed to The Times that his initial strategy was to simply follow Fry's lead, assuming the broadcaster's renowned intellect would make him a master of the game.
That plan was quickly abandoned. "Well, my game plan originally was obviously I’ll just do what Stephen does, because he will be good at this," Marler admitted. "Then after a couple of times, I realised, he’s not good at this. This is not a good plan." This candid assessment came despite other contestants frequently praising Fry's intelligence throughout the competition.
An Emotional Turning Point
Marler's journey on the show was almost cut short by a personal tragedy. Midway through filming, he received the devastating news that his wife Daisy's grandmother had passed away. The rugby player immediately decided to leave the competition to be with his family.
He revealed that producers were supportive of his departure, but a pivotal phone call from his wife changed everything. "Then Daisy rang back and said, ‘Look, there’s not a lot you can do right now, so just stay up there until you get kicked out,’" Marler shared. This moment became a catalyst, reigniting his competitive spirit and banishing his feelings of impostor syndrome.
The Bittersweet Finale and Pay Revelations
Reinvigorated, Marler fought his way to the final, proving himself as one of the most perceptive Faithfuls. He correctly identified singers Cat Burns and comedian Alan Carr as the Traitors. However, in a final betrayal, his fellow finalists – including Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed and historian David Olusoga – failed to follow his lead and voted him out just before the end, allowing Alan Carr to claim victory.
In a separate revelation, Marler also clarified the show's payment structure, contradicting previous claims. While it was widely reported that celebrities received £40,000, Marler stated his fee was £30,000, a flat rate paid regardless of how long a contestant lasted. "I don’t think everyone got paid the same," he noted, though he considered the sum a "no-brainer" for taking part.
Despite the heartbreaking exit, Marler looks back fondly on his experience, especially his bond with Nick Mohammed. "I still was so in love with him," he said, reflecting on the final decision that cost him the win.
