Former England prop Joe Marler is reportedly in talks to become the first-ever celebrity Gladiator, with the BBC lining him up for a surprise role in the hugely successful reboot of the iconic series.
The 36-year-old, who retired from professional rugby in 2024 after earning 95 England caps, could soon swap the scrum for the arena if the move goes ahead.
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According to The Sun, Marler is being lined up for a special appearance that would see him become the first celebrity to pull on the famous Gladiator costume.
A source told the newspaper:
"Everyone is so excited about Joe's surprise stint."
The insider believes Marler has everything needed to become a Gladiator, both physically and in terms of entertainment value.
"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.
"Viewers of the original series and the BBC's reboot love their Glad to come with a little sass and Joe will easily put on a performance in every sense of the word."
If confirmed, the move would mark another high-profile television appearance for the former Harlequins star following his retirement from rugby.
Marler has become a TV favourite
Marler has already enjoyed success away from the rugby pitch after appearing on Celebrity Traitors, where his humour and honesty made him one of the standout contestants.
Reflecting on the experience, he admitted it was a surreal opportunity to spend time with some of Britain's biggest names.
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!"
Marler also admitted he underestimated just how successful the programme would become.
"I knew the show would be popular, but I didn't anticipate the public loving it as much as they did."
Not every reality show appeals
Although he has embraced television since retiring from rugby, Marler says there are some programmes he has no interest in joining.
He ruled out appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, saying:
"People have asked me, but I'm not doing Strictly because I can't dance."
He also dismissed the idea of taking part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
"I'm not doing I'm A Celeb because I'm claustrophobic, and I also get really hungry, so I'd be a nightmare in there."
A stint on Gladiators, however, would seem a natural fit for one of rugby's biggest personalities, combining the strength, athleticism and charisma that made Marler one of the sport's most recognisable figures.
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