JOE Marler has broken his silence on becoming the first celebrity Gladiator — and admitted he needs time to be ‘gladiator ready.’
The rugby player, 36, is set to make his debut when the show returns for its fourth series in 2027.
Joe Marler has broken his silence on becoming the first celebrity Gladiator — and admitted he needs time to be ‘gladiator ready’ Credit: PA
The rugby player, 36, is set to make his debut when the show returns for its fourth series in 2027 Credit: PA
The Jattvibe revealed last month how Joe – who starred on Celebrity Traitors last year – was in talks to become a Gladiator.
And in a clever play on his name, he will be known to fans of the BBC show as Mauler.
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Speaking of the new role, Joe told Love Jattvibeday magazine : “My kids love it, particularly my youngest boy.
He explained his youngest is shy and that when he did Soccer Aid, they walked around the pitch together and he wouldn’t let go of his hand.
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Joe explained that he grabbed the role as his son loved the show Credit: Instagram / @joemarler17
Joe became a fan favourite during his time on Celebrity Traitors Credit: BBC
Joe’s celebrity career has since gone from strength to strength, picking up appearances on shows like The Wheel and The Last Leg Credit: Rex
A possible AI illustration of what Joe might look like on the show
He continued: “We walked past Nitro and he says, ‘Daddy, it’s Nitro!’ He walked over like, ‘Hi, Nitro.’ And I’m like, ‘What? Who is this? You barely say hello to family members, but you’ve gone straight up to Nitro.’
“So when the call came in to say, ‘We’d like you to be a Gladiator if you fancy it,’ it was a definite yes.”
Joe then explained that he asked the show bosses if he could be the first Gladiator to wear baggry clothes but they told him that’s not really how they do Gladiators.
Joe revealed: “So, I’m going to need a little bit of time to get as close to Gladiator-ready as possible.”
A source said: “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.”
The news came after we told who would replace Jamie ‘Giant’ Biggs following his exit from the show for dating an Onlyfans model.
Hunky body builder and fitness instructor Ahmad Rabus, 37, has been cast as The Emperor and has already made a good impression with producers.
A source said: “Giant was one of the most popular Gladiators so bosses needed a big personality to take his place.
“They absolutely love Ahmad and think his show name The Emperor is iconic and will make a big impression with viewers.
“He is strong minded and brilliant at getting into character.”
