Joe Marler's new nickname revealed after major Gladiators announcement

The 36-year-old, who also appeared in Celebrity Traitors, will compete under the name Mauler when the fourth series of Gladiators begins in 2027, taking on challengers in a series of special appearances.

Marler enjoyed a successful career with Harlequins and England before retiring from professional rugby in November 2024. Since then, he has built a media career as a podcaster and television personality.

He was part of England's squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, coming off the bench in the semi-final victory over New Zealand before replacing Mako Vunipola during the second half of the final, which England lost to South Africa.

"Mauler will see you now," Marler said in a video posted on Instagram announcing the news, filmed inside the Gladiators dressing room.

His famous mohawk had been dyed red for the reveal, while his Gladiators name is a play on his surname and could also be a nod to the rugby union maul.

The BBC said Marler will make his debut with a series of "special appearances packed with power, personality and plenty of surprises".

Gladiators first became a television phenomenon on ITV during the 1990s, with members of the public competing against a cast of elite athletes, each with their own larger than life persona.

The show briefly returned for one series on Sky in 2008 before being revived by the BBC in 2024, where it quickly became one of BBC One's biggest entertainment successes.