In a Boxing Day telly treat that had the nation glued to their screens amid the post-Christmas slump, retired rugby hardman Joe Marler – fresh from his breakout stardom on The Celebrity Traitors – swapped the treacherous roundtable for the nerve-shredding hot seat on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’s celebrity Christmas special.

The 35-year-old England legend, who reached the nail-biting final of the BBC’s smash-hit betrayal game only to be dramatically banished just before the end, faced off against Jeremy Clarkson’s trademark sarcasm in a charity edition that delivered laughs, tension, and one utterly cringeworthy moment that left viewers howling.

But despite an early lifeline humiliation on what fans branded “the easiest £500 question ever”, the dungaree-loving prop powered through to bag an impressive £64,000 for his chosen charity – proving he’s got nerves of steel both on the pitch and under the studio lights.

Marler, paired alongside sharp-tongued comedian Katherine Ryan for the festive special, wasn’t far into his game when disaster struck. Barely past the opening questions, he froze on a seemingly straightforward £500 poser and – to the delight of millions watching at home – opted to poll the audience for help.

The moment went viral within minutes, with one gobsmacked viewer tweeting: “Joe Marler using a lifeline on the EASIEST £500 question? I’m screaming! 😂 #WhoWantsToBeAMillionaire”

Another piled on: “Not Joe Marler asking the audience for a £500 question that my nan could’ve got right from her sofa! Traitors star or not, that’s peak embarrassment! 😭”

The question? One that had social media in stitches – though exact details had fans debating whether it was pop culture, sport, or something hilariously basic. Whatever it was, Marler’s sheepish grin as the audience overwhelmingly guided him right became instant meme fodder.

But the former Harlequins star – who hung up his international boots after 95 caps and a colourful career filled with bans, banter, and brilliance – wasn’t about to let one wobble derail him.

As the stakes climbed, Marler dug deep, showcasing the same steely resolve that saw him scrummage against the world’s best. He powered past the £1,000, £2,000, and £4,000 markers with ease, bantering effortlessly with Clarkson, who couldn’t resist poking fun at the rugby giant’s newfound celebrity status.

“From dodging Traitors to dodging million-pound questions – how’s civilian life treating you, Joe?” Clarkson quipped, referencing Marler’s explosive rise to fame after his bromance with Nick Mohammed and razor-sharp sleuthing nearly toppled winner Alan Carr on The Celebrity Traitors.

Marler, ever the cheeky chap, fired back with his trademark wit, charming the studio audience and viewers alike. Fans flooded X with praise: “Joe Marler is TV gold! Funny, humble, and smart – give this man his own show NOW! #WhoWantsToBeAMillionaire”

The tension peaked on a fiendishly tricky tennis question worth a potential game-changer: “Which of these multiple winners of the Wimbledon men’s singles title has NOT been victorious in consecutive years?” Options: A) Pete Sampras, B) Roger Federer, C) Rafael Nadal, or D) Novak Djokovic.

Marler’s face said it all – pure panic. “I want to leave immediately,” he declared, drawing roars of laughter from the crowd. Clarkson, grinning like a Cheshire cat, leaned in: “You sure? That’s a lot of charity cash on the line…”

In a heart-stopping moment, the rugby ace locked in his answer – and walked away with £64,000 safely banked for his chosen cause, believed to be linked to mental health support, a topic close to his heart after opening up about his own struggles during his playing days.

Clarkson wrapped up with glowing praise: “Listen, you’re leaving with £64,000. It has been great fun having you here – what a man, what a contender!”

Viewers were unanimous: “£64k is very good – well done Joe!” one cheered. “Congrats Joe Marler for winning £64k for charity! Legend!”

Marler’s journey from rugby rogue to reality TV darling has been nothing short of meteoric. Once known for on-pitch controversies – including that infamous “gypsy boy” slur that earned him bans and fines – the prop reinvented himself as a mental health advocate, podcast host, and now bona fide telly personality.

His Celebrity Traitors stint catapulted him into the mainstream, forming an unlikely alliance with Ted Lasso’s Nick Mohammed and nearly derailing Alan Carr’s treacherous masterplan. Though banished in the final, Marler’s detective skills and deadpan humour won hearts nationwide.

Post-Traitors, the offers flooded in. He revealed earning £30k for the BBC show (“a no-brainer”), reunited with castmates for festive lunches, and even launched his own YouTube series, Joe Marler Will See You Now, promising to make celebs “uncomfortable” with raw chats.

But rugby hasn’t let him go entirely. Now serving as England Player Welfare Manager, Marler bridges the gap between stars and bosses, ensuring workloads don’t break bodies or minds – drawing on his own experiences of the game’s brutal toll.

Wife Daisy, who’s stuck by him through thick and thin (including fuming over past on-field outbursts), must be beaming. The couple share four kids, and Marler’s net worth – estimated at £3.7million from rugby, endorsements, and property – dwarfs many Traitors rivals.

Katherine Ryan, his fellow contestant, brought her own fire, but it was Marler who stole the show. Fans are now demanding more: “Someone give Joe Marler his own show – he’s hilarious!”

As 2025 draws to a close, one thing’s clear: the big, bearded ex-prop isn’t done conquering screens. From Traitors betrayal to Millionaire millions (well, £64k), Joe Marler’s living proof that nice guys – with a bit of edge – finish strong.

Watch the full episode on ITVX now. Who knows – maybe next year he’ll be hosting…