"Awkward Mix-Up: England Star Mistaken for Celebrity Traitors' Joe Marler by Princess Anne!"

ENGLAND prop Joe Heyes was mistaken for Traitors star Joe Marler by Princess Anne — now he is aiming to stab half his family in the back.

The Princess Royal, patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, met both teams ahead of last Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield.

England star Joe Heyes has revealed how Princess Anne mistook him for Joe MarlerCredit: ITV The Princess Royal claimed Heyes was ‘awfully funny on TV’ and he refused to correct herCredit: Getty

She had a long chat with man-of-the-moment Henry Pollock then floored Heyes, 26 by mistaking him for former Red Rose front-rower Marler.

Marler shot to national fame by nearly winning as a ‘faithful’ in the after an international career which included 95 caps and a World Cup final appearance.

And Heyes, who will start at tight-head against on Saturday, was too shy to correct royalty.

But now the Leicester man, whose mum Rachel is an ex-Ireland basketball pro, is set on betraying the green side of his family.

He said: “ thought I was … which was quite upsetting! She said, ‘You’re awfully funny on TV’.

“I do like it when you get to meet the patron of whatever union you’re playing against. It is a very cool experience.

“I was a bit starstruck to start with. Who am I to correct her? I didn’t really know what to say, so I almost went with it!

“I’ve had all sorts of stuff about me looking like Joe Marler — but not from a royal.

Marler shot to national fame during his stint on BBC series The TraitorsCredit: Getty Leicester star Heyes is hoping to help England beat Ireland – despite having Irish relativesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

“I’ve got 21 people coming to Twickenham on Saturday — uncles, cousins, my mum’s friends, my uncle’s friends — and we have well exceeded my allocation.

“There’s going to be a mix and match of who they’ll be supporting, which will be 60-40 to Ireland, to be honest. This game is special for my family, with my mum being Irish.”

Back-rower Pollock will finally get his first start for England this weekend after seven appearances off the bench.

Unlike Heyes, everyone seems to know who the young Northampton star is — with kids turning up at games in Pollock-style head bands.

And Heyes is a paid-up member of the Pollock fan club, stressing there is a proper player behind the bleached hair and brash try celebrations.

He added: “He is very confident, very skilful and very ambitious. He provides a huge amount of energy to the team.

“He’s a hell of an athlete. He’s had a lot of impact and he’s still young.

“You don’t want someone who is full of personality but who does not then provide on the pitch. He gives the team both. He’s a key player.”

Captain will win his 100th England cap this weekend after losing his mother Florence before the started.

And Heyes added: “He is one of the best captains I have played under.

“Even with the personal struggles. he’s a phenomenal human being.”