Celebrity Gladiators line-up revealed - from a viral fitness guru and Olympic boxer to gym-obsessed reality TV heavyweights
The reboot of Gladiators was a smash hit when it aired last year, and a celebrity spin-off was quickly commissioned, featuring comedians and gym lovers.
But this year the casting team have stepped it up and found four stars who can definitely give the Gladiators a run for their money.
The Sun reported on Monday that model Vogue Williams will be joined on the show by fitness guru Joe Wicks, former Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, and gym-obsessed I'm A Celeb winner Sam Thompson.
Vogue won the first series of Bear Grylls: Mission Survive and regularly shares fitness tips and workout videos with her Instagram followers.
Meanwhile Joe dominated British TV screens during Covid thanks to his at-home workout clips, and reality star Sam often shares his gym progress.
Former Olympian Nicola could however prove the one to beat, after retiring undefeated in 2019 and becoming the first female boxer to become an Olympic champion after winning gold at London 2012.
A source told the publication: 'Last year, producers of the debut celebrity version played it for laughs with three comedians taking part — with hilarious results for viewers.
'But this year they've assembled four celebrities who can give the Gladiators a serious run for their money, and serve up a clash to savour.
Filming of the third series of the regular Gladiators is currently underway at Sheffield Arena, and set to air early next year with Bradley Walsh and son Barney returning to host.
Meanwhile the upcoming series of Celebrity Gladiators will come out just before the civilian one.
The first series of Celebrity Gladiators saw Joel Dommett and Ellie Taylor crowned the winners after a tense finale.
The one-hour special saw Joel go head-to-head with comedian Rob Beckett, while Ellie faced a string of challenges with former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin.
After facing the ultimate test of speed and strength up against the power of the Gladiators, the stars faced their fears in the iconic Eliminator.
Reality star Sam, most famous for his appearances on Made In Chelsea, often shares his gym progress
Joel went into The Eliminator with a half second lead on Rob Beckett.
Both managed to overcome their fear of heights and successfully climb up the cargo net but it was Joel who ran to the top of the travelator first, bursting through the paper to become Gladiators Celebrity champion.
Speaking to host Barney Walsh after his win Joel said: 'It was so tough, I knew Rob was there the entire time.
'We've been so scared all day of that cargo net we're both absolutely petrified of heights, the fact that we both did that I just feel like we've overcome something, it's amazing.
'I've dreamed of going up that travelator since I was nine years old and hearing the crowd roar and going up that travelator its likely genuinely a dream come true, thank you so much for having me, it's been a pleasure.'
Louise had a two-second head start on Ellie in The Eliminator, but struggled to get over the first hurdle, so Ellie was able to take advantage and the lead as she swung through the paper to be crowned champion.
On winning Ellie told host Bradley Walsh: 'I can't believe I've just done that, I had such a wonderful time here with Louise, I'm really proud of myself.'
The physically challenging game show was resurrected by the BBC in January, 32-years after its original ITV launch and 16-years after Sky One scrapped an earlier revival.
Louise previously shared insight into filming and revealed she'd been left injured after getting kicked in the face: 'I don't know who cut my nose but there was blood'.
'When they're fighting you, you can't feel the pain. But being tackled by them is like hitting a brick wall. I just had these extra-ordinarily powerful legs kicking out at me. Honestly, they're units!'.
Meanwhile comedian Rob revealed how he did everything possible to leave host Bradley who presents alongside son Barney, 27, in stitches with a string of racy quips.
Elsewhere actress Ellie, who appeared on 2022's Strictly, concluded the Gladiators were much more scary than the BBC dancing show's judges.
She joked: 'I think the Gladiators, because the Strictly judges can't hurt you. They can just emotionally destroy you. It's different levels of pain.'
Ellie, who shares two children with husband Phil Black, also revealed she had a secret girl crush on Gladiator Fury, whose real name is Jodie Ounsley.
'Luckily, she didn't tackle me. I just got a little fireman's carry and I felt like a dainty lady for once. And I got to play bongos on her bum! I love it, it's really fun.'
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