Vogue Williams among celebrities taking part in Gladiators special
Wicks and Williams will take on the Gladiators alongside former boxer Nicola Adams and radio presenter and former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson on the BBC game show.
Williams said: "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.
"But I can't quite process how I'll actually face these amazing Gladiators. I'm just delighted to be a contender."
Wicks, who rose to fame when his PE With Joe YouTube channel amassed millions of followers during the Covid lockdown, said: " Gladiators is one of the most iconic shows of all time, and I'm absolutely buzzing to be taking part.
"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."
In the special edition of the show, celebrities will take on challenges such as Duel, The Wall and The Eliminator to be crowned champion.
Adams, who has won two Olympic gold medals for boxing, said: "I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of the Gladiators: Celebrity Special.
"It's such an iconic show and growing up I loved watching the epic battles and strong personalities.
"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."
The show will see Gladiators Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel and Viper all return to the arena in Sheffield.
Thompson, who recently completed a 260-mile run to transport the Soccer Aid match ball from London to Manchester, said: "Just when I've finished one challenge I'm on to the next, and this time I'm up against real-life Gladiators.
"Bring it on and get me up that travelator! But on a serious note, I genuinely can't wait to take part, I'm so excited. I grew up watching the show, so to now be taking on the Gladiators in real life is really cool."
An air date is yet to be announced for the show.
Last year's edition of the show was won by TV presenter Joel Dommett and comedian Ellie Taylor, who beat presenters Rob Beckett and Louise Minchin respectively.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Repair Shop host Jay Blades charged with two counts of rape and faces court next week a year after quitting hit BBC show
Blades is currently awaiting trial on a separate charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against his estranged wife - which he strongly denies STAR ACCUSED Repair Shop host Jay Blades charged with two counts of rape and faces court next week a year after quitting hit BBC show REPAIR Shop star Jay Blades has been charged with two counts of rape. Police confirmed the allegations against the 55-year-old dad of three from Shropshire. Advertisement 4 Jay Blades has been charged with two counts of rape Credit: BBC 4 Police confirmed the rape allegations against the 55-year-old Repair Shop star and father of three Credit: BBC Blades fronted the hit BBC show for seven years before stepping back last year. King Charles appeared alongside him on a special episode in 2022. West Mercia Police confirmed charges against the dad of three, with a magistrates' court date set for next Wednesday. A spokesperson said: 'Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape. Advertisement "He is due to appear at Telford magistrates' court on 13 August 2025.' Blades was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to craft while King Charles appeared on the Repair Shop the same year. The TV star is currently awaiting trial on a separate charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen, which he has denied. Blades was arrested in May 2024 - on the same day fitness instructor Lisa announced her decision to end their 18-month marriage. Advertisement In September Blades was charged. His actions allegedly caused Lisa 'to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against her'. The presenter pleaded not guilty to the charge — which relates to the period between January 1, 2023 and September 12, 2024 — at a court hearing last October. He is due to attend Worcester crown court today for a pre-trial review regarding the charge. Advertisement Blades, who married Lisa in an intimate ceremony in Barbados in November 2022, took a break from filming following his arrest. Sources said the decision was also linked to the death of his uncle Richard Braithwaite, 72, in North London in March. A neighbour has been charged with murder. Blades was also dropped from The Repair Shop's live show, Secrets From The Barn, and quietly removed from promotional material. Advertisement His Repair Shop co-star, horologist Steve Fletcher, revealed in March he had visited Blades while on a break from the live tour. Steve shared a photograph of himself with Blades on Instagram with the caption: 'In a break from our 'Secrets From the Barn' Tour, I popped in to see Jay the other day for a cup of tea and a lovely chat. 'It was great to catch up. Hope to see him again soon.' The BBC later replaced Blades with Roman Kemp for the Christmas special of the popular series. Advertisement Blades also resigned as chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University 'with immediate effect' following the initial charge. It said: 'We thank Jay for his loyal service to the university and will be making no further comment.' As well as fronting The Repair Shop since 2017, Blades also hosted BBC shows including Money For Nothing and Jay Blades' Home Fix. He also appeared as a contestant on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special and fronted a special BBC documentary, Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51. Advertisement 4 King Charles appeared alongside Blades on a special episode in 2022 Credit: BBC/Ricochet/Ian West
Irish Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Meghan Markle's birthday 'snub' from royals as Prince Harry 'makes fuss'
Meghan Markle hits a special milestone - today is her birthday. The former Suits star is celebrating turning 44 as she continues to develop her As Ever lifestyle brand, with a new wine launching this week. The last year has seen significant changes for Meghan, particularly since the start of 2025, with the debut of her new Instagram account, lifestyle brand, and her Netflix cookery show. Yet, one constant remains - Meghan and Prince Harry's ongoing estrangement from the Royal Family following their high-profile exit from the Firm. This comes amid reports that Harry will 'never be forgiven' by two senior royals despite hopes of reconciliation. Royal commentator Jennie Bond, while acknowledging Harry's desire to make his wife's birthday memorable, doubts the rest of the Royal Family will share in the sentiment. Speaking to the Mirror, the ex-BBC Royal correspondent said: "I definitely thought that being 44 was a bit of a nondescript birthday, not particularly worthy of a special celebration. But I'm sure that Harry will want to make a fuss of his wife on her special day.", reports the Mirror. "As far as I can see, he is still head over heels in love with Meghan and will probably organise a romantic dinner or perhaps a beach party with friends and lots of children to celebrate their happy family life in California. Maybe a sunrise yoga session would set the day up rather nicely!". "I don't think Meghan should hold her breath for birthday messages from the Royal family, though it may well be that Princess Eugenie - and possibly Beatrice- will send a present or a card." Harry and Meghan with the royals before quitting their royal roles (Image: AFP via Getty Images) Meghan Markle (Image: JENNA PEFFLEY/NETFLIX) Meanwhile, Meghan's birthday arrives as she has remained relatively quiet on her Instagram account in recent weeks, with infrequent posts. Nevertheless, her lifestyle brand, As Ever, maintains its presence on the platform, announcing last week that she will be releasing another batch of her rosé wine. Jennie remarked: "I think Meghan deserves to be pretty happy with how this year has gone so far. Whatever she does or says gets slammed in the media, but she has built up a substantial social media following in very little time, the products that she endorses or sells seem to do exceptionally well, and her TV and podcast shows - although clearly not ground breaking – – are perfectly watchable, however much her critics like to pan them." Regarding her Instagram presence, Meghan previously explained to Emma Grede during a podcast conversation: "I think if part of it is just being able to authentically share in real time the things that are happening that I think someone might be able to last with, or enjoy or be inspired by." She expressed her desire to share content that wasn't "not overproduced". Discussing a twerking clip she posted in June, which featured her dancing to the Baby Mama song whilst attempting to induce labour with Lili, Meghan characterised it as a glimpse into her "real, authentic fun life". The Duchess expressed how freeing it feels to return to social media, where she can now share content on her own terms. Meghan remarked, "That wasn't yesterday. That was four years ago, so it's also a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there's still whole life, a real, authentic, fun life that's happening behind the scenes," and added, "I'm just grateful that now, being back on social as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Two queens of British TV join forces for thrilling new ITV drama
Meanwhile, Adrian Dunbar is hoping to do a TV travelogue with a Line of Duty co-star TEAMING UP Two queens of British TV join forces for thrilling new ITV drama SURANNE JONES and Jodie Whittaker have teamed up for a thrilling new heist drama called Frauds. The two queens of the small screen star as duo Bert and Sam, whose intertwined past resurfaces in the setting of Southern Spain after a decade of separation. 4 Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker have teamed up for a thrilling new heist drama called Frauds Credit: ITV 4 Suranne, pictured in Doctor Foster, are pals in the series Credit: BBC Press Handout 4 Jodie as Doctor Who Credit: BBC Bert, played by Suranne, is fresh from a spell in a Spanish prison but hellbent on one final, multi-million-pound art heist so calls on old pal Sam (Whittaker). The six-parter, which will air later this year on ITV, was filmed in Spain in January and also stars Karan Gill, Christian Cooke and Talisa Garcia. It was created by Suranne and Maryland's Anne-Marie O'Connor, who wrote the script. Suranne said: 'We took the idea of toxic female friendship and turned it on its head to give the heist genre an emotional heartbeat. "I have always wanted to work with Jodie, and now I am. I hope you love Bert and Sam and all they get up to as much as we do." LoD PALS ARE TREK MATES? 4 Adrian Dunbar is hoping to do a TV travelogue with his Line of Duty co-star Neil Morrissey Credit: ITV Handout ADRIAN DUNBAR is hoping to do a TV travelogue with his Line of Duty co-star Neil Morrissey. The pair – pals since drama school 40 years ago – filmed an episode of ITV's DNA Journey together in 2023, which saw them tour the UK exploring their family histories. Adrian told the White Wine Question Time podcast: 'Hopefully we might get on the road again, because we have such a good time together. Of Line Of Duty returning he said: 'We're all kind of waiting on the BBC to say 'Yay, it's all happening, let's go'. They'll make some kind of statement sometime. But he admitted: 'I'll need to lose a bit of weight to get back into the uniform.'
