Joe Marler: From Hair-Raising Rugby Antics to Breakout Star of Celebrity Traitors
BBC viewers have been captivated by the sharp humor and eccentric charm of Joe Marler, the former England international turned unexpected star of Celebrity Traitors. The show introduced a broader audience to the tattooed, over-18-stone ex-rugby prop, whose mix of direct questioning and surprising detective instincts made him a standout contestant.
At 35, Marler quickly became a fan favorite for his blend of wit and candidness. He later admitted that when he first arrived on set, some of his fellow celebrities mistook him for a sound technician. Once his professional sports background emerged, a few even assumed he played rugby league instead of rugby union.
“They thought I was the sound guy,” Marler laughed, recalling the confusion among his co-stars.
For rugby fans, Marler’s no-nonsense, slightly eccentric demeanor came as no surprise—though it seemed a touch tamer for television. Originally from Heathfield in East Sussex, he began his rugby journey with Haywards Heath, captained England at under-18 level, and later built a storied career with Harlequins, near Twickenham. Known as a loud and sometimes mischievous front-rower, he balanced competitiveness with humor, often teasing teammates as much as opponents.
Throughout his career, Marler helped Harlequins secure two Premiership titles and earned 95 caps for England, culminating in a World Cup final appearance in 2019.
Author’s Summary
A charismatic figure with roots in East Sussex, Joe Marler transformed from a bold rugby prop into a witty reality star, blending competitive spirit with unmistakable individuality.