Former England rugby star Joe Marler is in talks to join the cast of the BBC's revived show Gladiators. The 36-year-old, who won 95 caps for England and played for Harlequins, retired from rugby in 2024. After retirement, he appeared on Celebrity Traitors and launched a podcast. Now, he is reportedly set to don a Lycra costume as a Gladiator.
Post-rugby TV career
Marler, known for his colourful personality, played 286 times for Harlequins, winning two Premiership titles and a European Challenge Cup. He also helped England to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and toured with the British & Irish Lions. After retiring, he reached the final of Celebrity Traitors on the BBC, becoming a fan favourite with his dry humour. He later launched a podcast titled Joe Marler Will See You Now, where he interviews celebrity guests as an unqualified psychologist. The podcast will go on tour later this year after featuring guests such as Prince Harry, Stephen Fry, and Russell Howard.
Gladiators talks
The Sun reports that Marler is currently in negotiations with the BBC to join the cast of Gladiators, which was rebooted in 2024. The show features members of the public competing against elite athletes in physical challenges. If confirmed, he would become the most high-profile Gladiator since swimmer Sharron Davies in 1995.
A source told The Sun: “Everyone is so excited about Joe’s surprise stint. It goes without saying he’s got the size, strength and muscle power to cut it as a Gladiator, but he’s also got the cheeky personality to match.”
Marler recently admitted he is "winging it" in his post-rugby life, as he did during his career. He told The Guardian earlier this month: “I would say my post-rugby experiences have followed my rugby experiences in the sense that I winged it for 17 years and continue to wing it now. There’s a distinct lack of planning on my behalf. I’m just very fortunate that I’ve got some lovely people around me who are far more intelligent and attentive to detail, and navigate me in the right ways.”
