Behind The Scenes With Joe Marler: Family, Fights, And Finding Balance

From Rugby Star to Detective

Joe Marler has been turning heads on Celebrity Traitors with his sharp detective skills, casting suspicion on fellow celebrities like Jonathan Ross and Alan Carr. Although his theories haven't always hit the mark at the Roundtable, Joe is now flying solo after his comedic partner, Joe Wilkinson, was 'murdered' by the Traitors. With Wednesday night's episode on the horizon, fans are eager to see if Joe can finally unmask a Traitor.

Family Life Away from the Spotlight

Off-screen, the 35-year-old is a devoted family man. Married to Daisy since 2017, the couple shares four children: Pixie, Maggie, Felix, and Jasper. Their youngest, Jasper, arrived in June 2021, and Joe made headlines for catching a helicopter to a game shortly after his birth. The Harlequins rugby club even celebrated his dedication on social media, praising him as a "Super Dad."

Despite retiring in 2024, Joe has always credited Daisy for helping him juggle family and rugby. "My wife, Daisy, is very good at helping me balance the two," he revealed to FQ magazine. The emotional pull of family ultimately influenced his decision to retire, as he shared on social media: "I can’t keep talking about my family being my priority unless they actually are."

Navigating Mental Health Challenges

Joe has been candid about his mental health journey, using platforms like his podcast to open up. In a raw interview with The Guardian in 2020, he recounted a moment of shame after an argument with Daisy led him to "smash up" their kitchen. "I snapped. We got home and I just spiraled and lost control," he admitted.

"I didn't recognize who I was any more," Joe confessed, reflecting on the incident as a pivotal moment in his life.

Despite the turmoil, Daisy reassured him of her support, emphasizing the strength of their partnership. Joe’s battle with depression led him to therapy and medication, after a self-inflicted injury caught a doctor's attention.

Advocacy and Healing

Joe continues to be an advocate for mental health, partnering with the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). In a 2021 video, he encouraged men to speak openly about their struggles. "The more I've spoken openly with my friends and family about my issues, the stronger I've felt," he shared. His journey serves as a reminder that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.