Celebrity Traitor star Joe Marler recently opened up about his battle with depression and the regret he felt after being involved in a controversial incident with a fellow player. Marler, a former England rugby player, who is currently appearing in the BBC’s star-studded adaptation of The Traitors, had a successful career with nearly 300 appearances for Harlequins.
Despite his on-field achievements, Marler struggled with mental health issues that led to heated confrontations during matches, impacting his personal life. Speaking on The High Performance podcast hosted by Jake Humphrey, Marler revealed that he faced dark moments and described himself as “quite bipolar.”
Marler admitted to racially abusing a Welsh player during a match between England and Wales, which left him feeling lost and unsure of his actions. This turmoil led him to withdraw from the England tour to Australia. Over time, Marler found himself experiencing similar emotions even without triggering incidents, resorting to aggressive behavior on the pitch.
The rugby player also shared a poignant moment when his wife, Daisy, tearfully implored him to seek professional help after witnessing his destructive behavior at home. The couple, married since 2017, have four children together.
Marler recounted a distressing episode where his mental health struggles spilled over into his home life, leading to destructive outbursts. He vividly remembers the heartbreaking sight of his pregnant wife in tears as he spiraled out of control. This moment marked a turning point for Marler, prompting him to seek therapy and medication to address his issues.
Reflecting on his journey, Marler expressed gratitude for the support of his family and the realization of what truly mattered in his life. The Celebrity Traitors series featuring Marler airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
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