Joe Marler, the former England rugby player, has disclosed that he was paid £30,000 for appearing on the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, less than the £40,000 some reports suggested all contestants received. In an interview with The Times, Marler said his wife Daisy had read that each celebrity was paid £40,000, but he corrected her: he received only £30,000.
Marler said he was “not bothered” if other participants earned more, describing the fee as a “no-brainer” regardless of how long he stayed in the game. He lasted until the final five, despite being one of the lesser-known celebrities in the line-up, and was praised by viewers for his ‘Big Dog’ theory that helped unmask Traitor Jonathan Ross.
However, Marler was eliminated after fellow Faithful Nick Mohammed voted against him at a crucial moment, allowing the eventual winner, comedian Alan Carr, to steal the entire £87,500 prize for his charity. Marler admitted he was “heartbroken” by Mohammed’s decision, saying: “He didn’t stick to my plan and he went with his gut, which is a shame.”
The BBC declined to comment on the pay disparity. Meanwhile, the broadcaster has confirmed a second series of Celebrity Traitors for next year, following the show’s record-breaking overnight ratings. Several high-profile figures, including Danny Dyer, Alison Hammond and even a member of the Royal Family, have expressed interest in taking part.
