One of Joe Marler’s former teammates from the England rugby team accused him of betrayal in the Celebrity Traitors finale. Marler reached the final episode of the reality TV show but was ousted by his peers.
The 35-year-old, who retired from international rugby in November last year, was selected as one of 19 celebrities for the inaugural season of the BBC program. Marler belonged to the Faithful group, tasked with identifying a trio of Traitors.
Known for his outspoken nature during the show, Marler advanced to the last four alongside actor Nick Mohammed, with whom he had formed a close bond and a pact. However, Mohammed had a change of heart at the final moment and cast the deciding vote that eliminated Marler, allowing chat show host Alan Carr to claim the entire £87,500 charity prize as the remaining Traitor.
Marler’s former England teammates were surprised by the show’s outcome when watching the finale together. Second-row Alex Coles shared insights about Marler’s true personality behind the scenes before their match against Fiji.
“We all gathered in the team room to watch. Joe had it all planned out perfectly with Nick on his side, but things took an unexpected turn. We all thought he would do well if given the chance for people to get to know him better,” Coles remarked.
“Joe is a charismatic individual with a great sense of humor. It was refreshing to see a different side of a rugby player showcased to the public. Despite being backstabbed in the end, we are genuinely happy for him. His character and personality shine through, and I believe he has a bright future in the media space if he chooses to pursue it.”
Following the intense final vote, Marler harbors no ill will towards Mohammed. The pair reconciled during the reunion, and Marler expressed his feelings on Saturday Kitchen, acknowledging Mohammed’s decision and his affection for him, despite the disappointment.
While on the show, Marler also developed a friendship with comedian Joe Wilkinson, praising his humor and intelligence. He described Wilkinson as one of the funniest individuals he has encountered, emphasizing his admiration for him.
In other news, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming 2025/26 season, offering savings of £192 and providing access to over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL, and more. Sky is set to broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League games next season, a significant increase from previous seasons.