In a hilarious behind-the-scenes revelation, rugby star Joe Marler has disclosed that he was mistaken for a member of the production crew while filming the BBC's hit show, Celebrity Traitors.
From Contestant to Crew
The sportsman, who appeared on the celebrity edition alongside a star-studded cast including Alan Carr, Paloma Faith, Jonathan Ross, and Celia Imrie, shared the anecdote on Channel 4's The Last Leg of the Year on New Year's Eve. Speaking to hosts Josh Widdicombe, Adam Hills, and Alex Brooker, Marler explained that his low-profile approach led to the mix-up.
"I heard that you were, like, mistaken for crew at some point. Is that right?" asked host Adam Hills. Marler confirmed the story with a joke about the hard work, while another presenter teased that the confusion might have been his strategy for survival, quipping, "No one voted for you!"
The rugby ace then mimicked how a fellow contestant asked him for technical help, saying, "Would you help me with my mic?" To which Marler replied, "I'll do mine first because I am on it with you! And then I'll come and do yours."
Marler's Top Tip for Traitors Success
With the highly anticipated fourth series of the main show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, starting on New Year’s Day at 8pm on BBC One, Marler offered crucial advice for new contestants. Drawing from his experience in the series, which was ultimately won by Traitor Alan, he pinpointed a key behavioural tell.
"Look out for people who are sweating and laughing in your face every time they murder someone," Marler advised. "Because apparently that's a telltale sign and enables people to go on and win. So, yeah."
The Last Leg's Yearly Round-Up
The segment aired as part of The Last Leg of the Year, the annual special of the long-running Channel 4 show which began in 2012. The programme, which has produced over 30 series and specials, traditionally reviews the week's events but uses its New Year's edition to recap the major highs and lows of the preceding 12 months.
This year's special also featured highlights such as major sports victories and the announced Oasis comeback tour. A roster of special guests joined the regular hosting trio, including Sir Lenny Henry, Phil Wang, Maisie Adam, Dani Dyer, Pete Doherty, Alex James, Lucy Bronze, and Hannah Botterman.
