On December 26, 2025, households across the UK tuned in for a Boxing Day treat as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire returned with a celebrity Christmas Special, this time featuring rugby union star and The Celebrity Traitors participant Joe Marler. The episode, aired on ITV, promised festive fun, high stakes, and a healthy dose of Marler’s signature wit—all in the name of charity.
Joe Marler, aged 35, is no stranger to pressure, having faced down some of the world’s toughest rugby opponents. But even for a seasoned athlete, the Millionaire hot seat can be a nerve-racking place. Marler’s goal was as ambitious as it was noble: to win up to £1,000,000 for CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health support. The stakes were high, not just for Marler, but for a cause close to many hearts.
The episode kicked off with host Jeremy Clarkson at the helm, ready to guide Marler through the infamous money ladder. Things, however, got off to a surprisingly shaky start for the rugby star. Before even reaching the £1,000 safety net, Marler found himself stumped on a seemingly straightforward £500 question. According to The Sun, Clarkson asked, “Which snake shares its name with a type of long scarf often made from feathers?” The options: Adder, Python, Cobra, and Boa.
Marler confessed with a laugh, “I’m not a big scarf man. I am gonna have to use a lifeline on this one. I am going to put my faith in the audience to help me with this one.” With the “Ask the Audience” lifeline activated, it was the studio crowd’s turn to shine. Their verdict was overwhelming: 93% chose “Boa,” with only a smattering of votes for the other options. Marler trusted their wisdom, selected “Boa” as his final answer, and breathed a sigh of relief as Clarkson confirmed it was correct. The journey continued, but the moment was a reminder that even the most confident contestants can be caught off guard by the show’s famously unpredictable questions.
With the early wobble behind him, Marler regained his composure and began to climb the money ladder. Each question brought him closer to his goal, and the tension in the studio was palpable. As the sums grew larger, so did the pressure. Marler’s blend of humor and humility kept the audience engaged, and social media buzzed with support. One viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I love Marler. He’s always top quality #whowantstobeamillionaire,” while another suggested, “please @BBC and @ITVX someone give Joe Marler his own show. Love him.” Clearly, Marler’s appeal extended well beyond the rugby pitch.
The game reached its dramatic peak as Marler secured £64,000 for CALM. The next question, however, threatened to topple his run. Clarkson presented a real brainteaser: “Which of these multiple winners of the Wimbledon men’s singles title has NOT been victorious in consecutive years?” The options: Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. For a sportsman, it might have seemed a manageable hurdle, but Marler was candid about his limitations. He admitted, “I wouldn’t even know how to try and work it out. I love my sport, I love a bit of tennis, but I’m not a hardcore fan of it and I wouldn’t be able to work this one out.”
Faced with the risk of losing a substantial sum for his charity, Marler made a bold decision—to walk away. “I want to leave. I want to leave immediately, if not sooner,” he declared, prompting Clarkson to clarify the rules. Marler confirmed, “I want to leave immediately, if not sooner. Final answer.” It was a moment of both relief and regret, as the audience applauded his honesty and strategic thinking.
Clarkson, never one to let contestants off the hook without a twist, asked Marler what his answer would have been. Marler admitted, “I’d have probably said, A, Pete Sampras, because the other three were so prolific in their domination and I don’t actually want to know the answer, so all the best.” But Clarkson insisted on revealing the truth: “If you’d have said Pete Sampras, you’d now be leaving here with £32,000. The wrong answer. The correct answer is Rafael Nadal.” The revelation was met with groans and laughter, but the outcome was clear—Marler was leaving with a hefty £64,000 for CALM. “It has been great fun having you here, ladies and gentlemen. What a man. What a contender. Joe Marler!” Clarkson concluded, summing up the mood in the studio.
Throughout the episode, Marler’s journey was marked by moments of vulnerability, quick wit, and a willingness to trust others. His use of the audience lifeline on the £500 question was a humble reminder that even celebrities can stumble over the basics. Yet his decision to walk away rather than gamble with charity money showed a deep sense of responsibility. It’s not every day that a quiz show contestant’s choices resonate so strongly with viewers, but Marler’s approach struck a chord. As one fan put it online, “£64,000! A nice win for Joe! #WhoWantsToBeAMillionaire.”
The Christmas special was more than just entertainment; it was a showcase of the power of community, both in the studio and at home. The audience’s guidance helped Marler avoid an early exit, and their cheers spurred him on as the questions got tougher. For CALM, the £64,000 windfall will go a long way in supporting their vital work, especially at a time of year when mental health challenges can be particularly acute.
Boxing Day’s episode of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire may not have produced a new millionaire, but it delivered something arguably more valuable: a reminder of the importance of humility, teamwork, and charity. Joe Marler’s performance—equal parts entertaining and inspiring—left viewers smiling and, perhaps, a little more inclined to pick up the phone for help when they need it most. For Marler, the hot seat may have been daunting, but he left with his head held high and a significant sum for a cause that matters.
