Former England rugby star Joe Marler has secured a coveted spot on ITV's Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, fulfilling a television ambition he actively campaigned for earlier this year. The 35-year-old will feature on the quiz show this Friday alongside comedian Katherine Ryan, marking another high-profile TV appearance following his rise to fame.
From the Rugby Pitch to the Punditry Panel Plea
Marler's surge in television popularity began with his standout performance on BBC's The Celebrity Traitors in October 2025. However, his desire to work with ITV emerged before that, during the Six Nations tournament. Upon learning that former England coach Eddie Jones was part of ITV's punditry team for the championship, which was won by France, the recently retired prop took direct action.
He turned to social media to lobby for a position on the same panel, which also included rugby knight Sir Clive Woodward. In a public post, Marler wrote: "Please let me go toe-to-toe with the Beaver and [Sir Clive] Woodward on @ITVRugby coverage! ! !" This appeal highlighted his eagerness to engage in broadcast analysis, particularly with figures from his playing career.
A Complex Relationship with Eddie Jones
Marler's history with Eddie Jones, under whom he played for seven years with England, is notably nuanced. He has been openly critical of the environment during the latter stages of Jones's tenure, describing it as "dark at times" on the For The Love Of Rugby podcast. He contrasted this with the current setup under Steve Borthwick, which he said was "worlds apart."
Despite these professional criticisms, Marler has praised Jones for his compassionate personal support during a difficult period. He recounted a meeting in a Brighton coffee shop where he confessed his mental health struggles and need to step away from England duty. Jones's empathetic response, including weekly check-in texts urging him to get sea air, left a lasting positive impression on Marler, showcasing a different side to their relationship.
Prime-Time Success and Future Prospects
Marler's upcoming appearance on Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire this Friday demonstrates how his direct approach and newfound celebrity status have paid dividends. His trajectory from a rugby professional to a sought-after television personality illustrates the evolving career paths for sports stars post-retirement.
While his public campaign for the Six Nations punditry role did not immediately place him alongside Jones and Woodward, it undoubtedly showcased his broadcast ambitions to ITV. This, combined with his popularity from The Celebrity Traitors, has now led to a prime-time slot on one of the UK's most iconic quiz shows, solidifying his place in the entertainment landscape.
