Celebrity Traitors and rugby star Joe Marler could soon make TV history by becoming a Gladiator, reports suggest.
The 36-year-old is reportedly in talks to become the first celebrity Gladiator on the BBC’s reboot, with the broadcaster said to be planning a surprise appearance on the popular show.
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 is no stranger to television, having recently appeared on the celebrity edition of The Traitors.
He described the experience as "wild" and "a little bit overwhelming" in parts, but said he thoroughly enjoyed mixing with the likes of Sir Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie and Alan Carr.
He told Metro: "I remember turning to my wife once the final had been broadcast, and I was like, 'Great, it's done now - everyone's just gonna concentrate on Christmas.'
"But being able to sit around the Round Table with people like Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie and Alan Carr ... and the opportunity to tell Alan to shut up or Jonathan Ross to grow up - that was great fun."
The former England international admitted he was surprised by just how much viewers took to the programme.
He said: "I knew the show would be popular, but I didn't anticipate the public loving it as much as they did."
Despite his growing TV profile, Marler ruled out appearing on other reality shows.
He said: "People have asked me, but I'm not doing Strictly because I can't dance."
Celebrity Traitors series 2 cast confirmed - see full list
Here are all the famous faces heading to the Scottish Highlands and taking part in the second series of Celebrity Traitors this year:
- Amol Rajan – Journalist and Broadcaster
- Bella Ramsey – Actor
- James Acaster – Comedian and Podcaster
- James Blunt – Singer/Songwriter
- Jerry Hall – Model and Actress
- Joanne McNally – Comedian
- Joe Lycett – Comedian
- Julie Hesmondhalgh – Actor
- King Kenny – Content Creator
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock – Singer/Songwriter
- Maya Jama – Broadcaster and Entrepreneur
- Michael Sheen – Actor and Presenter
- Miranda Hart – Actor and Author
- Myha’la – Actor
- Professor Hannah Fry– Broadcaster and Mathematician
- Richard E. Grant – Actor and Author
- Rob Beckett – Comedian
- Romesh Ranganathan – Comedian
- Ross Kemp – Actor and Presenter
- Sebastian Croft – Musician and Actor
- Sharon Rooney – Actor
Who won BBC Celebrity Traitors series 1?
In 2025, it was comedian and TV presenter Alan Carr who won the first series of Celebrity Traitors.
The nail-biting series finale last autumn saw the traitor snatch victory from two faithfuls, historian David Olusoga and actor Nick Mohammed.
Alan was able to win £87,500 and donated the full amount to Neuroblastoma UK.
The Celebrity Traitors will return to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
Who do you want to win the next series of Celebrity Traitors? Let us know in the comments below.
