Joe Marler Slams Paloma Faith’s “Song and Dance” Over Celebrity Traitors Exit
Rugby legend Joe Marler has delivered a candid assessment of his Celebrity Traitors experience, specifically targeting former co-star Paloma Faith for what he perceives as an overly dramatic reaction to her early exit from the BBC show. Marler, who reached the final of the popular series, believes Faith’s public discourse following her elimination was disproportionate to her brief time in the game.
Faith, 44, was the first “Faithful” to be banished, her journey cut short when her close friend Alan Carr, a “Traitor,” chose to “murder” her using a poisoned flower. The singer expressed significant frustration and a sense of betrayal upon leaving Ardross Castle just hours after the show’s commencement, even being carried out in a coffin for dramatic effect. Her subsequent social media activity further fuelled speculation about a rift with Carr.
However, Marler, 35, suggested that Faith’s online reaction was a way of compensating for her quick departure. “I think Paloma made up for the fact that she went out first by making the biggest song and dance of it the whole way through,” he told The Sun.
Following her elimination, Paloma Faith spoke on The Traitors‘ spin-off show, Uncloaked, expressing her disappointment. “These are like three of my favourite people (Alan, Jonathan Ross, and Cat Burns) that I was sure… I hope they never call me again,” she stated, feeling deeply betrayed by her perceived allies. She reiterated this sentiment on The One Show, remarking, “My default setting is forgiveness, but I don’t forget.”
The timing of Marler’s comments comes as he revealed the substantial sum he earned from his appearance on Celebrity Traitors. The former rugby player, alongside singer Cat Burns, actor Nick Mohammed, historian David Olusoga, and comedian Alan Carr, made it to the show’s dramatic finale, which captivated millions of viewers.
Marler was a standout performer for the Faithfuls, instrumental in exposing Traitor Jonathan Ross early on and correctly identifying Cat Burns and Alan Carr as the remaining Traitors in the final stages. Despite his sharp instincts, he ultimately failed to convince his fellow Faithfuls, leading to his own elimination just shy of the grand prize. The eventual winner, Alan Carr, secured £87,500 for his chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK.
Financial Rewards and Unequal Pay
The celebrity contestants on Celebrity Traitors were compensated for their participation, though Marler highlighted that the payments were not uniform. He disclosed to The Times that he received £30,000 for his involvement, a figure his wife initially questioned, having heard a rumour of £40,000.
“I don’t think everyone got paid the same,” Marler admitted. “But I’m not bothered. It was 30 grand whether you lasted two days or three weeks – a no-brainer.”
Navigating the Game: From Unknown to Cult Hero
Marler also touched upon his relative anonymity among some of the other contestants. He confessed to not recognising David Olusoga, a fellow finalist, and noted that only a few participants, including Jonathan Ross, Clare Balding, and Joe Wilkinson, knew who he was. “The majority didn’t know who I was,” he explained. “Most of them thought I was a production guy lugging stuff around. That played in my favour.”
He admitted to feeling out of his depth in celebrity terms, having not heard of some contestants like Niko Omilana, David Olusoga, and Ruth Codd. When others did get to know him, he felt they perceived him as “weird.”
Family Tides and a Shift in Motivation
A significant turning point for Marler in the competition occurred when he considered leaving the show due to family circumstances. His wife’s grandmother was terminally ill, and he was prepared to depart. However, his wife, Daisy, encouraged him to stay. “Look, there’s not a lot you can do right now, so just stay up there until you get kicked out,” she advised.
This conversation shifted Marler’s perspective. “That was the moment that I was like, ‘Right, I’ve had enough of this impostor syndrome. I’m gonna ramp it up, go hell for leather and if I get banished or murdered, it’s a win, I can go home’,” he revealed.
While Marler didn’t leave until the show’s conclusion, his performance resonated strongly with viewers, establishing him as a cult hero. This newfound popularity could pave the way for a significant post-rugby career in television, with speculation mounting about future BBC projects.
Celebrity Traitors is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
