, which he co-hosted with Tom Fordyce for five years.
Former England prop Joe Marler may be trading the scrum for the studio, with reports claiming the BBC is eyeing him for a major presenting role following his breakout turn on
The Celebrity Traitors.
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From Scrum Powerhouse to Primetime Personality
The 35-year-old Harlequins legend, who earned 83 England caps and featured in two Rugby World Cups, was best known in his playing days for his ferocious scrummaging and colourful personality.
Now, that same charisma is turning heads at Broadcasting House. Marler’s quick wit, deadpan humour and the now-iconic “big dog theory” have made him a standout star of The Celebrity Traitors, with viewers praising his unfiltered honesty and sharp mind.
BBC Eyes Marler for the Sofa
According to reports in MailOnline, BBC bosses were watching closely the moment Marler hung up his boots. Sources say he impressed producers so much that he’s now being considered for a major presenting role, with The One Show understood to be a particular ambition.
“The second he stopped playing rugby, there were eyes on him,” a BBC insider revealed. “They knew The Traitors would be the perfect test — and the public love him.”
Marler’s rugby retirement earlier this year, following England’s third-place finish at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, opened the door for new opportunities. Now, it appears the prop once known for winding up opposition front rows could be warming Britain’s living rooms instead.
Signed, Sealed, and Ready for the Next Chapter
In a further sign of his rising star power, Marler has reportedly signed with the same talent agency that represents Helen Skelton and Naga Munchetty — two established BBC names. Insiders at the agency have described Joe as “exciting” and “a natural on camera.”
The move comes after Marler announced his departure from his hit podcast Things People Do
In a typically heartfelt message to fans, Marler wrote:
“I’ve loved doing it — every guest, every chat, every laugh, every moment where I’ve thought, ‘what am I doing here?’”
From Front Row to Front of Camera
Known for his candour and humour both on and off the pitch, Marler’s transition from rugby to entertainment seems to be gathering serious momentum.
Whether it’s bantering with team-mates or unmasking traitors on national TV, Joe Marler’s blend of grit and charm has made him one of the most watchable personalities to emerge from the sport.
And if the BBC gets its way, it won’t be long before the big dog himself is anchoring Britain’s favourite sofa show.
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- “Another injury knock” – Fan favourite prop gets first England call-up
- Fans are rewatching the BBC’s banned Six Nations advert — and it’s still hilarious
JOE MARLER FACTS:
hether you're new to his antics or a long time supporter, here are ten things you should know about Joe Marler.
1 Sussex Roots and Early Rugby Days
Born in Eastbourne, East Sussex on July 7, 1990, Marler grew up in the small town of Maynards Green. He attended Maynards Green Primary and Heathfield Community College. His rugby journey began aged 11 with Eastbourne Sharks, and by his teens, he was already representing Sussex U14–18 and the London & South East regional team.
2 Learning the Craft
Before he became a household name, Marler cut his teeth playing for Haywards Heath RFC, where future England teammate Billy Twelvetrees also played. That foundation in grassroots rugby laid the groundwork for what would become a highly successful professional career.
3 Harlequins Through and Through
Marler’s professional home was Harlequins. He joined their academy in 2008, debuted in the 2009-10 season, and went on to make 286 appearances before retiring in 2024. He became a fan favourite not only for his work at the scrum but for embodying the spirit of the club for over a decade as the club won TWO Premiership titles.
4 England Career and Three World Cups
Joe made his England debut during the 2012 summer tour of South Africa and went on to earn 95 caps. His career included appearances in three Rugby World Cups (2015, 2019, and 2023), including the final in 2019. Although he retired from international rugby in 2018, he later returned, a move that paid off with a World Cup silver medal.
One highlight? Leading the team out on his 50th cap against Scotland in 2017.
5 Family Life
Marler is married to Daisy Marler. The couple have four children Pixie, Maggie, Felix, and Jasper.
6 Powerhouse With Personality
Marler’s playing style was as dependable as it was relentless. Known as one of the world’s top loosehead props during his prime, he mixed brute strength with a fierce competitive edge.
Yet his leadership came with levity—he wasn’t afraid to laugh, joke, or stir the pot on the field.
7 A Lion, But Not in the Tests
In 2017, Marler was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand—a major honour. He played in five tour matches but didn’t feature in the Test series against the All Blacks. Still, being part of the elite squad was a testament to his standing in the game.
8 Never Far from Controversy
Marler’s quick wit and sharp tongue often delighted fans—but occasionally landed him in hot water. He was fined and banned in 2016 for making remarks towards Samson Lee, and in 2020, received a 10-week ban for grabbing Alun Wyn Jones inappropriately during a Six Nations match. He also received a suspended ban in 2022 for insulting comments made on the pitch. Despite the missteps, most of his antics were viewed as cheeky rather than malicious.
9 A Complex, Candid Character
Off the field, Marler is known for his honesty and eccentricity. He’s described himself as both an introvert and extrovert, and his dry wit often has fans in stitches. Truly a unique character, Marler's comedic timing and delivery of jokes make him one of the most likeable players to have ever played the sport. Expect plenty of personality on his Celebrity Traitors cameo.
Since retiring from rugby, he is now a podcast host for his own comedy podcast where he interviews people about their jobs, called 'Joe Marler's Things People Do.'
He also appeared on a Celebrity drag queen contest. Fans loved the glitz and glam of the show and all made the same demand. They simply couldn’t get enough of Joe Marler as ‘Trixie Turnover’.
10 Mental Health Advocate
In 2021, Marler fronted the Sky Sports documentary Big Boys Don’t Cry, in which he opened up about his battle with depression.
“I met a psychiatrist, got an evaluation, had several sessions with him and was put on anti-depressants,” he revealed. “It's not a quick fix, or a fix at all. It’s more of a growth thing… I could be on anti-depressants for six months, six years, or the rest of my life.”
Through the film, he helped de-stigmatise mental health in rugby, showing vulnerability behind the tough exterior.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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