Former rugby star Joe Marler is to become the first ever celebrity Gladiator on the BBC's popular entertainment series. The 36-year-old, who also took part in the first series of Celebrity Traitors, will be known as Mauler and face contenders when the fourth series of Gladiators begins in 2027. "Mauler will see you now," Marler said in a video posted on Instagram, external announcing the news, recorded in the Gladiators dressing room. The BBC said Marler will make his debut with a series of "special appearances packed with power, personality and plenty of surprises". A celebrity spin-off is separately in the works, featuring contestants including presenter AJ Odudu, comedian Sara Pascoe, podcaster Chris Ramsey and social media star George Clarke.