Joe Marler Joins Cast Of Gladiators Season 4

Joe Marler has confirmed that he’s joining the cast of Gladiators in its upcoming season.

The former rugby pro and Celebrity Traitors finalist is set to become the show’s first ever Celebrity Gladiator, competing against Contenders in a series of gruelling challenges under his new alter-ego Mauler.

Filming on the new run of episodes is already underway in Sheffield, ahead of Gladiators’ return to our screen in 2027.

Joe also celebrated the announcement on Wednesday morning, appearing in a new social media post sporting a bright red mohawk hairstyle for the occasion as he took his place alongside the rest of the Gladiators backstage.

A BBC press release teased: “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.

“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.”

It was recently reported that cast members Cyclone and Bionic had been dropped from the Gladiators line-up ahead of season four, with Giant previously claiming he had been “sacked” due to his relationship with OnlyFans performer Taylor Ryan.

He told The Sun earlier this year that he’d been made to “choose between dating Taylor and keeping my job”, claiming he’d been left “shocked and very saddened” by producers’ “choice to sack me”.

A BBC spokesperson previously said: “After three formidable series, Giant is leaving Gladiators. We’d like to thank him for everything he has contributed to the show and wish him well for the future.”

Meanwhile, a third celebrity special is also in the works, which will feature Big Brother host AJ Odudu, social media personality George Clarke and comedian Sara Pascoe among its famous contenders.

Stand-up comic Chris Ramsey was previously announced to be taking part, but following the news that he’d been forced to withdraw due to sustaining an injury, it’s been reported that he’s been replaced on the line-up by Harry Clark, who rose to fame on the second season of The Traitors UK, which he later went on to win.

The first three seasons of Gladiators are now streaming on BBC iPlayer.