England rugby team members watched in collective disbelief as their former teammate Joe Marler faced elimination during Thursday evening’s Celebrity Traitors finale.
Video footage released by England Rugby captured players viewing the programme on a large screen, their reactions ranging from audible gasps to explicit language as events unfolded.
Several team members were filmed shielding their faces in apparent dismay, whilst others jumped up from their positions in response to the big reveal.
The intensity of their response reflected widespread viewer sentiment, with social media users expressing similar astonishment at what they perceived as Marler being betrayed during the programme’s climactic episode.
The pivotal moment arrived when Nick Mohammed showed he had voted for Marler’s during the programme’s concluding roundtable discussion, effectively ending the former international’s participation in the competition.
One fan wrote: “Pretty much the same in our house.”
A second added: “This sums up how I felt about it!”
A third said: “Joe Marler when he got banished.”
England rugby team members watched in collective disbelief as their former teammate Joe Marler faced elimination
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A fourth added: “Whether he ends up winning or losing this Joe Marler has become a national treasure.”
Throughout his time on the BBC programme, the retired prop forward had established himself as a prominent Faithful contestant, winning over audiences with his characteristic sharp humour and rapid-fire wit.
His engaging personality had transformed him into one of the series’ most memorable participants, garnering substantial backing from both his former England colleagues and viewers nationwide.
The revelation of his name by Mohammed represented a significant turning point in the finale, with the betrayal proving particularly shocking given Marler’s strong performance and popularity throughout the series.
The 49-year-old concluded his professional rugby career in November 2024.
He dedicated his entire playing life to Harlequins, where he accumulated 286 appearances between 2009 and 2024.
His achievements with the London club included securing Premiership titles in 2012 and 2021, alongside the European Challenge Cup victory in 2011.
On the international stage, the loosehead prop represented England 95 times following his 2012 debut.
Joe Marler was betrayed during the programme’s climactic episode
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BBC
He participated in three World Cup campaigns and helped secure three Six Nations championships in 2016, 2017 and 2020.
Following retirement, Marler transitioned into a player-welfare position within the England setup, maintaining his connection to the national team.
His latest TV appearance concluded with comedian Alan Carr claiming victory, who subsequently became emotional whilst discussing how the deceptive nature of his role had affected him throughout the series.