Rugby star Joe Marler has publicly shared his raw emotions following what fans dubbed a 'horrific betrayal' by actor Nick Mohammed during the dramatic final of Celebrity Traitors.
The Final Betrayal
In the climactic episode of the hit BBC series, which aired recently, Nick Mohammed, 45, made the fateful decision to banish Joe Marler, 35, from the game. The actor mistakenly believed the rugby player was a Traitor after Joe apologised to singer Cat Burns as she was eliminated at the roundtable.
This critical error proved costly for both men. With Joe gone, the remaining Faithfuls—Nick and historian David Olusoga, 55—chose not to banish the actual Traitor, comedian Alan Carr. This decision allowed Alan to win the entire £87,500 prize pot for his chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK.
Heartbreak and Adoration
Appearing on BBC's Saturday Kitchen with host Matt Tebbutt, 51, Joe Marler did not hold back in describing his initial reaction. 'I was heartbroken,' the former rugby union star confessed.
He elaborated on the failed strategy, stating, 'He didn't stick to my plan. He went with his gut, which is a shame.' Despite the profound disappointment, Joe revealed an unexpected tenderness towards his betrayer.
'But I still was so in love with him,' Joe admitted, 'because that little dicky bow, his little face, the three little love hearts he put on my name. Although in that moment I was heartbroken, I was like, “aww”.'
Fan Reaction and Aftermath
Viewers took to social media platform X to express their shock at the dramatic turn of events. User @MwepuMagic described Nick's move as a 'horrific betrayal', while Shaheena Uddin commented, 'I’m so disappointed by my fallen king Nick Mohammed did Joe Marler so dirty.'
Ian Cahoon offered a poignant perspective, noting, 'Joe Marler was pounded on the rugby pitch for 20 years, but nothing hurt as badly as Nick’s 11th hour betrayal.'
When Nick and David exited the castle to meet the already-eliminated contestants, including Joe and Cat Burns, the rugby star couldn't resist a witty jab. He suggested the pair 'have your drinks on the top step', a clear reference to their unsuccessful gameplay.
Moving Forward with Fondness
Any potential lingering frustration hasn't clouded Joe's overall judgement of the Ted Lasso star. 'I really enjoyed Nick. He is fantastic,' Joe told Matt Tebbutt during the cooking show appearance on November 9, 2025.
Nick Mohammed wasn't the only contestant to receive praise from Joe. He also highlighted his 'bromance' with comedian Joe Wilkinson, confirming, 'He’s one of the funniest blokes I’ve come across, and I just fell in love with him.'
Joe shared an amusing anecdote about meeting fellow contestant Lucy Beaumont, who didn't recognise him. 'It was quite a big moment for me,' he explained, reflecting on the humbling experience of leaving the 'rugby bubble'. 'You’re in this, and it’s amazing. Everyone knows rugby. You get out of it, and you go in the real world, and they’re like, “Who are you?”. And you go, “Good point”.'
Saturday Kitchen returns Saturday, November 15, at 10am on BBC One.
