Former rugby star Joe Marler becomes first ever celebrity Gladiator

It has been announced that former England rugby union player, Joe Marler is to become the first ever celebrity Gladiator.

The 36-year-old will make his debut in the show's fourth series, which is currently being filmed in Sheffield.

However, the new series could look a little different, with some familiar Gladiators expected to miss out.

Bionic, whose real name is Matty Campbell, and Athena, real name is Karenjeet Kaur Bains, are expected not to appear after both suffered injuries.

Keep reading to find out everything we know so far about the new series..

Who would you like to see join the line-up as a Gladiator? Let us know in the comments below.

The BBC has confirmed that the Saturday night entertainment show will return for a fourth series in 2027, alongside a one-off celebrity special, with Bradley and Barney Walsh both back as hosts.

We know that there will be some change in the arena, with Jamie Bigg, who appeared as Giant, not returning for series four.

There will also be some new faces, with three-time World's Strongest Man Tom Stoltman recently announced as a new Gladiator.

Now, former England rugby union star and TV personality Joe Marler has been confirmed as the programme's first ever celebrity Gladiator.

Marler will take on the Gladiator name Mauler, and face contenders in a series of special appearances packed with "power, personality and plenty of surprises".

There have also been reports that Bionic, whose real name is Matty Campbell, and Athena, real name Karenjeet Kaur Bains, may not appear in the upcoming series.

Both Gladiators have been recovering from injuries, with Bionic hurt during the Hang Tough challenge and Athena undergoing surgery after a knee injury.

Taking part in the Gladiators: Celebrity Special later this year are presenter AJ Odudu, comedian Chris Ramsey, YouTuber George Clarke, and comedian Sara Pascoe.

George Clarke, who appeared on the last series of Strictly, said: "I was missing the BBC packing me into a small tight outfit, so Gladiators felt perfect!

Unfortunately, I don't think I can rely on a partner to carry me through this one. Might have to get training!"

Sara Pascoe expained: "Celebrity Gladiators is the ideal opportunity for me to live out my childhood dream of humiliating myself on national television."

AJ Odudu added: "I am stepping inside the TV to do the show I wanted to do as a kid, it's so exciting."

While Chris Ramsey can't wait to get started: "As someone who religiously watched Gladiators as a kid, it's beyond incredible to be taking part in the show myself!"