Former England rugby union player Joe Marler is set to join the BBC’s revived Gladiators series as the show’s first celebrity Gladiator. Marler, 36, who retired from professional rugby in November 2024, will compete under the persona "Mauler," facing off against civilian contestants in challenges designed to test strength, speed, and endurance.

Gladiators, returning to BBC One and BBC iPlayer next year, is hosted by the father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh. The competition features a team of elite athletes, known as Gladiators, who take on contenders in physical contests. Marler will join established Gladiators including Apollo (Alex Gray), Comet (Ella-Mae Rayner), Diamond (Livi Sheldon), Nitro (Strictly star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey), and Dynamite (Emily Steel). Notably, the format has previously included celebrities in special episodes, and former Olympian Sharron Davies appeared as Gladiator Amazon during the show’s original run in the 1990s.

Marler rose to prominence as a loosehead prop for Harlequins and England, and also represented the British and Irish Lions during his rugby career. Since retiring from the sport, he has transitioned into a television career, appearing on various programs such as Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, Blankety Blank, and participating in Soccer Aid 2026.

His profile rose significantly last autumn following his participation in the reality competition show Celebrity Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman. Marler was widely regarded as a fan favourite on the show, noted for his strategic insight and his alliance with comedian Nick Mohammed. The dynamic between them became a viral moment after Mohammed voted Marler out in a surprising twist at the final roundtable, generating significant online discussion.

As Mauler, Marler is expected to bring both physical prowess and personality to the Gladiators series, promising a blend of power and entertainment in the Sheffield Arena. The inclusion of a high-profile former athlete marks a new development for the program, as the BBC seeks to build on its legacy while broadening the appeal of this rebooted competition show.