Former rugby star Joe Marler is to become the first ever celebrity Gladiator on the BBC's popular entertainment series.<\/p>\n
The 36-year-old, who also took part in the first series of Celebrity Traitors, will be known as Mauler and face contenders when the fourth series of Gladiators begins in 2027.<\/p>\n
"Mauler will see you now," Marler said in a video posted on Instagram, external announcing the news, recorded in the Gladiators dressing room.<\/p>\n
The BBC said Marler will make his debut with a series of "special appearances packed with power, personality and plenty of surprises".<\/p>\n
Filming for the fourth series is currently under way in Sheffield, the BBC confirmed in a statement.<\/p>\n
"Known for his uncompromising style of play and larger-than-life sense of humour, Joe has built a reputation as one of the UK's most entertaining sporting personalities," the corporation said.<\/p>\n
"Now, he's taking on an entirely new challenge as he joins the ranks of the Gladiators, bringing his trademark physicality and competitive spirit to one of television's toughest arenas."<\/p>\n
The former England rugby international star, who is from Heathfield, Sussex, will join fellow Gladiators such as Nitro, Viper, Diamond and Sabre in battle when the show returns next year.<\/p>\n
Gladiators was a hugely successful show on ITV in the 1990s, and saw members of the public take on a group of elite athletes who each had their own on-screen persona.<\/p>\n
Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who like Marler was already known as a famous sports personality, joined that iteration of the show in 1995 as the character Amazon.<\/p>\n
The format was revived by Sky for two series in 2008, before the current iteration launched in 2024, quickly becoming a hit for BBC One.<\/p>\n
A celebrity spin-off is separately in the works, featuring contestants including presenter AJ Odudu, comedian Sara Pascoe, podcaster Chris Ramsey and social media star George Clarke.<\/p>\n
Joe Marler 'grateful' for Traitors opportunity<\/p>\n
Marler explains love for padel in rugby retirement<\/p>\n
Giant considers next steps after Gladiators exit<\/p>\n