The legendary BBC game show Gladiators is stepping up the stakes with a thrilling celebrity special as four accomplished public figures prepare to take on some of the show’s most formidable competitors. Joe Wicks MBE, Sam Thompson, Nicola Adams OBE, and Vogue Williams will don their athletic gear to face off against the iconic Gladiators in a series of demanding physical challenges designed to test their strength, speed, and endurance.
The Star-Studded Lineup
Joe Wicks MBE brings his fitness credentials and YouTube fame to the arena. The PE with Joe phenomenon, whose channel amassed millions of followers during the COVID lockdown, has expressed his excitement about participating in an iconic show he grew up watching. “Gladiators is one of the most iconic shows of all time, and I’m absolutely buzzing to be taking part,” Wicks said. “I grew up watching it, so to now step into the arena myself is going to be an incredible experience. I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”
Nicola Adams OBE, a retired Olympic boxer and two-time gold medalist, enters the arena with her own legacy of competitive excellence. Adams recognizes that while she has conquered the boxing ring, the Gladiators arena presents a unique challenge. “It’s such an iconic show, and growing up I loved watching the epic battles and strong personalities,” Adams stated. “Now, getting the chance to step into that arena myself, it’s a whole new kind of challenge. I may be a champion in the boxing ring, but this is different. I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”
Sam Thompson, reality television personality and winner of I’m A Celebrity, rounds out the celebrity competitors with his own brand of enthusiasm and determination. Thompson’s television experience and adventurous spirit make him a compelling addition to the lineup.
Vogue Williams, the accomplished TV presenter and model married to former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, completes the foursome. Williams has harbored a childhood dream of appearing on Gladiators and expressed her emotions about the opportunity. “This is wild. I have loved this show since I was little and I’ll be living out my childhood dream just stepping into the arena,” Williams shared. “But I can’t quite process how I’ll actually face these amazing Gladiators. I’m just delighted to be a contender.”
The Challenges Await
The celebrity contenders will face three of Gladiators’ most iconic challenges: Duel, where competitors face off in a one-on-one battle of strength and skill; The Wall, a test of agility and speed; and the legendary Eliminator, the show’s signature final round that combines endurance, determination, and athletic prowess. Each challenge is designed to push the celebrities to their physical and mental limits as they go head-to-head with the show’s super-strong Gladiators.
A Triumphant Return for Gladiators
The Gladiators reboot has proven to be one of the BBC’s greatest entertainment successes in recent years. The first episode of the revived series attracted 9.8 million viewers within 28 days, making it the BBC’s biggest entertainment launch in seven years. The show has maintained impressive viewing figures, averaging 8.3 million viewers across the series, demonstrating audiences’ enduring appetite for the high-octane action and the dynamic between the contestants and their formidable opponents.
The roster of contemporary Gladiators includes fan favorites such as Legend, Comet, Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper. These athletes have quickly become beloved by viewers since the show’s successful return.
Broadcasting and Viewing Details
The Gladiators: Celebrity Special aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 6:00 pm GMT, kicking off the new year in spectacular fashion. The hour-long special was filmed at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, the same venue that has hosted all Gladiators action since the show’s contemporary revival.
The special is hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh, who bring their charismatic energy to the proceedings. For those who missed the live broadcast, the episode remains available on BBC iPlayer for catch-up viewing.
For more information about the show and to catch up on episodes, visit the official BBC website: BBC Gladiators
