Joe Marler 'poised to become the first celebrity Gladiator'
Rugby star Joe Marler is reportedly being eyed for a role on Gladiators.
Joe Marler is in talks to become the first celebrity Gladiator.
The 36-year-old former rugby player is being lined up by the BBC for a surprise appearance on Gladiators, meaning he could become the first-ever celebrity to pull on the Gladiator uniform.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Everyone is so excited about Joe’s surprise stint."
The sports star is seen as the perfect fit for Gladiators, owing to his athleticism and his larger-than-life personality.
The insider added: "It goes without saying he’s got the size, strength and muscle power to cut it as a Gladiator, but he’s also got the cheeky personality to match.
"Viewers of the original series and the BBC’s reboot love their Glad to come with a little sass and Joe will easily put on a performance in every sense of the word."
Joe previously appeared on Celebrity Traitors and described the experience as "wild" and "a little bit overwhelming" at times.
The former England international revealed that he loved rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sir Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie and Alan Carr on the BBC show.
He told Metro newspaper: "I remember turning to my wife once the final had been broadcast, and I was like, 'Great, it's done now - everyone's just gonna concentrate on Christmas.'
"But being able to sit around the Round Table with people like Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie and Alan Carr ... and the opportunity to tell Alan to shut up or Jonathan Ross to grow up - that was great fun!"
Joe also confessed to being shocked by the TV show's popularity.
He said: "I knew the show would be popular, but I didn't anticipate the public loving it as much as they did."
Despite enjoying his Traitors experience, Joe insists he has no interest in appearing on another well-known BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing.
The retired sports star said: "People have asked me, but I'm not doing Strictly because I can't dance. And I'm not doing I'm A Celeb because I'm claustrophobic, and I also get really hungry, so I'd be a nightmare in there."
