Former rugby star Joe Marler is set to become the first celebrity Gladiator on the BBC's popular entertainment series, the broadcaster confirmed. Marler, who previously appeared on Celebrity Traitors, will be known as Mauler when the fourth series of Gladiators premieres in 2027.
Filming for the new series is currently underway in Sheffield. The BBC described Marler as someone known for his "uncompromising style of play and larger-than-life sense of humour," noting that he has built a reputation as an "entertaining sporting personality." He will bring his "trademark physicality and competitive spirit" to the show.
Marler will join fellow Gladiators such as Nitro, Viper, Diamond, and Sabre in the upcoming season. The original Gladiators series was a prominent show in the 1990s, pitting members of the public against elite athletes with distinct on-screen characters. The format was revived by Sky in 2008 and relaunched by BBC One in 2024, quickly achieving a successful viewership.
A separate celebrity spin-off is also in development, featuring contestants including AJ Odudu, Sara Pascoe, Chris Ramsey, and George Clarke.