Joe Marler, the rugby prop who unexpectedly captivated the nation onThe Traitors, finds himself in a curious new role: confidant to the next batch of hopefuls preparing to enter the castle. He’s become a reluctant guru, dispensing advice to those bracing themselves for Claudia Winkelman’s game of deception and trust.
The transition from the rugby pitch to the psychological warfare of the show has been a surprising one for Marler. He’s now fielding messages from potential contestants, all seeking insight into surviving the treacherous game. He admits he doesn’t know who’s joining the cast, but is genuinely intrigued to find out.
But what wisdom does a man so brutally betrayed in the final episode offer? His advice, surprisingly, centers around a very basic need: moderation. “Don’t eat too much breakfast in your own lodgings before going down to another breakfast,” he confessed with a laugh.
It’s a lesson learned the hard way. Marler revealed he gained eight kilos during his time on the show, fueled by a constant stream of morning meals. He cautions future players to be mindful of their intake, a seemingly small detail with potentially significant consequences.
Beyond breakfast, Marler stresses the fundamental truth of the game: it *is* just a game. The round table discussions, he explains, are intensely daunting, and easily misinterpreted. Players often take strategic betrayals personally, forgetting the core premise of the competition.
He reflects on his own experience, pinpointing a critical misstep. “I was too full on for Nick,” he admitted, referring to Nick Mohammed. “I creeped him out.” His overly enthusiastic declaration of trust, intended to build rapport, actually sowed seeds of suspicion.
Watching the footage back revealed the turning point. Mohammed later confessed that Marler’s intensity sparked a moment of doubt: “Am I being played here?” Hindsight, Marler acknowledges, would have prompted a more measured approach.
Despite the betrayal, there’s no lingering animosity. Marler and Mohammed have since collaborated on a podcast and even shared the couch forCelebrity Gogglebox, proving that the game’s drama remains firmly within the confines of the show.
A playful rivalry continues, however. Marler jokingly suggests he wouldn’t mind a future encounter with Mohammed on the Soccer Aid pitch, a chance for a little “payback.” He’s currently preparing to defend the goal for England in the upcoming match.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF will take place on Sunday, May 31st at the London Stadium.
