Rugby legend Joe Marler had viewers howling during Thursday night’s dramatic Celebrity Traitors roundtable, when his icy glare at Jonathan Ross sparked theories of a real-life feud bubbling beneath the surface.
The episode saw yet another Faithful fall as national treasure Sir Stephen Fry was banished, despite Joe’s ongoing crusade to expose the real threat: Jonathan Ross.
With suspicions mounting and tensions boiling over, Joe once again doubled down on his belief that Jonathan is a Traitor.
Joe Marler’s reaction on Celebrity Traitors sparks rumours of feud with Jonathan Ross
“I’m going to go for Jonathan,” Joe announced boldly at the table. “He’s the wolf of the Traitors. Time’s up for Mr Ross.”
The roundtable quickly escalated. With Jonathan attempting to defend himself and Joe refusing to back down, things took a sharp turn.
“So you think it’s me?” Jonathan asked, noting the way Joe was glaring at him. “Looking at me like that.”
Joe calmly retorted: “I’m trying to find a Traitor.”
“We’re all trying to find a Traitor, Joe,” Jonathan responded.
But Joe wasn’t having it. “We’re not all trying to find a Traitor, are we?” he shot back.
As the accusations flew, Joe presented his case. Ruth Codd had been murdered after accusing Jonathan of being a Traitor, and Joe believed someone as clever as Jonathan would use that suspicion as a double bluff.
Jonathan, clearly rattled, eventually snapped: “I don’t like you anymore.” But just as it looked like Joe might be voted out, Nick Mohammad revealed that he had sabotaged a recent mission, earning Joe some credibility. The admission swayed Jonathan’s vote at the last minute, and it was Stephen Fry who ended up banished with four votes.
Fans react
Joe’s reaction to Stephen’s exit said it all. As the votes were revealed, the former England rugby star looked visibly furious, and fans were quick to pick up on it.
One posted a gif of Jack Nicholson’s deadly stare in The Shining, captioned: “Joe Marler at the roundtable staring at Jonathan Ross after Stephen went.”
“Why is Joe Marler looking at Jonathan like he’s absolute scum?” another wrote. “I’m screaming.”
“Joe just looked so fed up when Stephen got banished and they were YET ANOTHER FAITHFUL DOWN!”
Others also joked that Joe was ready to go to war. “Joe M really said ‘right, you’ve killed my bestie, you’re finished!’ and torpedoed at Jonathan.”
“Joe M looking at JR,” one also wrote, sharing a glowering Pingu meme.
“Convinced Joe Marler hates everyone there,” another quipped.
Some even questioned whether a real-life rift was at play. “Joe looked absolutely furious. Great stuff, I think he actively hates Jonathan,” one viewer posted.
“Starting to see why Jonathan’s been giving interviews saying he didn’t enjoy the pressure as the show went on. Imagine that version of Joe gunning straight for you.”
Despite surviving the vote, Jonathan’s days may be numbered.
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