Former rugby prop and Celebrity Traitors winner Joe Marler has become an unexpected mentor for stars preparing to enter the treacherous world of Claudia Winkelman's reality competition. The 35-year-old athlete, who captured the nation's heart with his emotional victory, now finds himself dispensing crucial advice to those naive enough to step into the castle for season two.
From Rugby Pitch to Traitors Castle
Joe Marler's journey from kicking rugby balls to kicking Traitors out of the castle has transformed him into something of a sage figure for upcoming contestants. Speaking exclusively about his preparations for Soccer Aid 2026, where he'll play goalie for England, Marler revealed that several celebrities have already sought his guidance.
'Without naming names, people have reached out to me for advice,' Marler admitted, though he clarified he doesn't know the full cast list. 'I'm excited to see who is going in, but I've definitely been sharing what I learned the hard way.'
Breakfast Warning and Weight Gain
Perhaps the most surprising piece of advice Marler has been giving future contestants involves breakfast habits. Having gained eight kilograms during his time on the show, Marler now warns stars about the culinary traps awaiting them.
'Don't eat too much breakfast in your own lodgings before going down to another breakfast,' he laughed during our interview. 'I put on eight kilos doing it. So I said, just be careful what you're eating in there. The producers keep you well-fed, but it's easy to overindulge.'
Remember It's Just a Game
Beyond dietary warnings, Marler emphasizes the psychological aspect of the competition. Having experienced the intense round tables and brutal betrayals firsthand, he stresses that contestants must maintain perspective.
'The round tables are intense,' he explained. 'Just the whole nature of it is quite daunting, and a lot of people thought, "Oh, you've gone after Jonathan or Alan. It's a bit spikey". No, because we all know it's just a game. None of this is a genuine personal attack or anything like that.'
Learning From Past Mistakes
Marler openly acknowledges his own missteps during his Traitors journey, particularly regarding his interactions with fellow contestant Nick. Reflecting on what he would do differently, Marler admits he was too intense in his approach.
'I was too full on for Nick. I creeped him out,' he confessed. 'When I turned around to him and said, "Mate, I know you're 100% faithful. I am too", it wasn't until we watched it all back that he told me that was the moment. He was like, "Oh, am I being played here?" If I had my time again, I'd probably be less intense.'
No Grudges, Just Friendly Rivalry
Despite the psychological warfare of the competition, Marler holds no grudges against his former competitors. Nick has since appeared on Marler's podcast, and the pair even filmed Celebrity Gogglebox together, demonstrating that relationships formed in the castle can extend beyond the game.
Marler did joke about potential payback opportunities, suggesting he wouldn't mind meeting Nick on the Soccer Aid pitch in the future. 'Maybe next year,' he quipped, hinting at the friendly rivalry that continues between them.
Looking Ahead to Soccer Aid 2026
As Marler prepares for his goalkeeping role in Soccer Aid 2026 at London Stadium, he brings with him the same determination that served him well in the Traitors castle. The event, scheduled for Sunday, May 31st, will see Marler representing England alongside other celebrities and football legends.
With adult tickets starting from £20 and junior tickets from £10, Soccer Aid for UNICEF promises to be another highlight in Marler's post-rugby career. His journey from professional athlete to reality TV champion to mentor for future contestants demonstrates the unexpected paths that fame can take in modern entertainment.
As Celebrity Traitors season two approaches, Marler's warnings about breakfast habits, psychological intensity, and maintaining perspective will undoubtedly resonate with those brave enough to enter Claudia Winkelman's den of deception. His transformation from betrayed contestant to wise advisor completes a remarkable arc that few could have predicted when he first stepped into the castle.
