Joe Marler to become Gladiator 'Mauler' in BBC show's fourth series
Former England rugby player Joe Marler will join the BBC's Gladiators as a new Gladiator named Mauler, appearing in the show's fourth series in 2027 amid a wider shake-up of the programme's line-up.
Joe Marler, the former England rugby player, will join the BBC's Gladiators as a new Gladiator named Mauler. He will appear in the show's fourth series, scheduled to air in 2027, as part of a wider shake-up of the programme's line-up.
Joe Marler has been confirmed as a new Gladiator on the BBC's revival of the hit entertainment show, performing under the name Mauler in the fourth series, which is scheduled to air in 2027. The 36-year-old former professional rugby player, who has also appeared on Celebrity Traitors, joins a line-up in the middle of a shake-up. Gladiators Bionic and Athena are reported to be expected to miss the new series, and according to reports the BBC also removed Cyclone, whose real name is Lystus Ebosele, in the same week that four new cast members were revealed. Cyclone had joined the programme for its second series in January 2025. The casting marks the next chapter for a revival that has become a fixture of Saturday night television since it returned to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 13 January 2024. Produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK, the show is hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh, according to reports. Marler's arrival signals the BBC's intent to keep refreshing the format ahead of 2027.
Joe Marler to join Gladiators as Mauler
Joe Marler is to swap the rugby pitch for the Gladiators arena, joining the BBC show under the name Mauler. The former professional rugby player will appear in the programme's fourth series, which is scheduled to air in 2027.
The casting follows earlier reports linking Marler to a possible role on the show amid speculation of a shake-up in the Gladiators line-up. Those reports had suggested Gladiators Bionic and Athena were expected to miss the new series.
Marler, who is 36 according to reports, is already familiar to television audiences beyond sport. He previously appeared on Celebrity Traitors, according to reports, adding the Gladiators role to a growing broadcast career since stepping away from professional rugby.
The BBC's Gladiators is hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh, according to reports, and is produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK. The current revival began airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 13 January 2024.
Marler to perform as Mauler in 2027 series
Joe Marler, the former professional rugby player, will take on the role of a Gladiator in the fourth series of the BBC's Gladiators, performing under the name Mauler. The series is scheduled to air in 2027.
Before the casting was confirmed, reports had linked Marler with a possible role on the programme amid speculation of a shake-up to the Gladiators line-up. Marler, who is 36 according to reports, is no stranger to reality television audiences. He previously appeared on Celebrity Traitors, reports say.
The current BBC Gladiators series began airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 13 January 2024, and is produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK. Marler's arrival as Mauler marks the latest addition to the show's roster as it heads into its fourth run, with further details of his role within the programme yet to be confirmed.
Gladiators line-up shake-up sees Cyclone depart
Marler's arrival comes as the programme's roster undergoes significant changes. Bionic and Athena are reported to be expected to miss the new series, though it has not been confirmed whether they are leaving permanently.
A third Gladiator is also said to have departed. According to reports, the BBC removed Cyclone — real name Lystus Ebosele — in the same week that four new cast members were revealed. Cyclone joined the show for its second series in January 2025, meaning the stint lasted little more than a year if the reports are accurate. The reasons for the removal are not known.
The shake-up marks the most substantial turnover of Gladiators since the BBC revived the format, which began airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 13 January 2024. The series is produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK. The fourth series, featuring Marler as Mauler, is scheduled to air in 2027.
The BBC's Gladiators revival and what comes next
The BBC brought Gladiators back to British screens on 13 January 2024, with the revived series airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The programme is produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK. According to reports, it is hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh.
The revival has proven durable enough to stretch to a fourth series, which is scheduled to air in 2027. That run will feature Marler performing under the Gladiator name Mauler, marking the latest stage in the show's expansion since its return. The 2027 series continues a production partnership between the BBC and the two production companies behind the reboot.
The current BBC Gladiators series began airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Cyclone, real name Lystus Ebosele, joined Gladiators for its second series.
The fourth series of BBC Gladiators is due to air, featuring former rugby player Joe Marler performing under the Gladiator name Mauler.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Joe Marler and why is he on Gladiators?
Joe Marler is a former professional rugby player who has joined the BBC's Gladiators. He will perform under the Gladiator name Mauler. Marler is also known for appearing on Celebrity Traitors, according to reports. Before his casting was confirmed, reports had linked him with a possible role on the show amid speculation of a line-up shake-up.
What is Joe Marler's Gladiator name?
Joe Marler will perform under the Gladiator name Mauler. His role will feature in the fourth series of the BBC's Gladiators. What specific role or format the Mauler character will have within the show has not yet been announced.
When will Joe Marler appear on Gladiators?
The fourth series of the BBC's Gladiators, which will feature Joe Marler as Mauler, is scheduled to air in 2027. The current BBC Gladiators series began airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 13 January 2024. The show is produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK.
Which Gladiators are leaving the show?
Gladiators Bionic and Athena were reported to be expected to miss the new series, though it is not confirmed whether they are definitely leaving. Separately, reports say the BBC removed a third Gladiator, Cyclone, whose real name is Lystus Ebosele, in the same week that four new cast members were revealed. The reason for Cyclone's removal has not been disclosed.
Who is Cyclone on Gladiators and what happened to her?
Cyclone is the Gladiator name of Lystus Ebosele. According to reports, Cyclone joined Gladiators for its second series in January 2025. Reports also say the BBC removed Cyclone in the same week that four new cast members were revealed. Why Cyclone was removed from the programme is not yet known.
Compiled from reporting by 8 independent outlets. How we source our reporting.
