Joe Marler, the beloved rugby star, has recently shared his thoughts on his friend and co-star Joe Wilkinson’s latest venture as the star of Waitrose’s new Christmas advert. The two Joes became close friends during the first season of The Celebrity Traitors, a popular reality show that began airing last month. Fans were delighted to see their bond continue off-screen, with Marler even becoming emotional when Wilkinson’s character was “murdered” halfway through the series.
This week, Waitrose debuted their new Christmas ad, featuring Joe Wilkinson alongside the queen of Christmas rom-coms, Keira Knightley. The ad tells a heartwarming festive love story, with nods to Wilkinson’s iconic performance in the beloved film Love Actually. Marler couldn’t help but make a witty comment on Instagram, sharing stills from the ad alongside pictures of Wilkinson in the Traitors castle. He joked, “I knew I’d seen that look somewhere before…” It’s safe to say that their friendship is as strong as ever, even outside the Traitors castle.
But Marler’s friendship with Wilkinson wasn’t the only one that formed on the show. He also struck up a bond with fellow contestant and Ted Lasso actor Nick Mohammed. The two even formed an alliance in a bid to eliminate their rivals, Cat Burns and Alan Carr, from the game. However, things didn’t go as planned, with Mohammed turning on Marler at the last minute and ultimately giving away the entire prize fund to Carr’s chosen charity.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Marler and Mohammed’s friendship remains intact. Mohammed recently appeared on This Morning, where he clarified the status of their relationship since the dramatic Traitors finale. And fans will be delighted to know that The Celebrity Traitors will be back for a second season in 2026, along with the regular show. Rumors are already circulating about which famous faces will be joining the cast.
In the world of reality TV, it’s refreshing to see genuine friendships form between contestants. And Marler and Wilkinson’s friendship is a shining example of this. They may have started as co-stars on a game show, but their bond has extended beyond the screen and into their personal lives.
But it’s not just their friendship that has captured the hearts of viewers. Marler’s quick wit and humor have also made him a fan favorite. His playful banter with Wilkinson and Mohammed added an extra layer of entertainment to the show. And his hilarious Instagram posts only further showcase his charming personality.
As for Wilkinson, his performance in the Waitrose Christmas ad has been receiving rave reviews. The ad perfectly captures the magic of the holiday season, with Wilkinson and Knightley’s chemistry bringing a smile to viewers’ faces. And it’s clear that Marler is proud of his friend’s success, as he playfully pokes fun at the ad’s similarities to their time on Traitors.
Overall, it’s heartwarming to see the genuine friendship between Joe Marler and Joe Wilkinson continue to thrive even after the end of The Celebrity Traitors. And with the show set to return for a second season, fans can’t wait to see what other surprises and friendships are in store. So, let’s raise a glass to the two Joes and their unbreakable bond. Cheers to true friendship, on and off the screen.


