- 1 week ago
S02 E00 Celebrity Christmas Special 2025
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00:00Merry Christmas and welcome to Gladiators Celebrity Special!
00:05Sheffield Arena, make some noise for your ho-ho hosts, Bradley and Barney Walsh!
00:25Hello Sheffield!
00:30Hello, what a crowd! We are back for a very special episode of...
00:34Gladiators!
00:37Yeah!
00:38Tonight we have four famous faces taking on the Gladiators for a chance to be crowned our Celebrity Champion.
00:45But are they prepared to get whacked on the head with a massive lollipop?
00:49Let's not keep them waiting any longer and meet the first of tonight's star contenders.
00:54I'm Sam Thompson, I'm from London and I've done too much but I'd say I'm a podcaster.
01:01The only thing I can correlate to doing something like this is the UNICEF Challenge where I ran from London to Manchester, 260 miles in five days.
01:10That was different because in your mind you just have to go, I can't fail this, like I have to keep going forward because I'm just going to let too many people down.
01:19The only person I'm going to let down on this is me.
01:22I'm 5'8".
01:23Hammer's like ten foot tall.
01:25Do you know what someone said to me? I'm going to aim for the head. How?
01:32I tell you what, the bad ears better watch out.
01:35Because I'm going to be up and down this corridor begging you to not go too hard on me.
01:43I'm Joe Wicks. I'm 39 years old from EPSA in Surrey.
01:48I think most people will remember me and recognise me from the PE with Joe work as I did during lockdown.
01:53Keep jumping.
01:54In all honesty, I'm living a childhood dream here.
01:56I was born in 1985, so through the 90s, this show on a Saturday night was the biggest thing on TV.
02:00And I've got so many positive memories of just sitting there watching this.
02:03So to be here taking part as a contender is unbelievable.
02:08I can't pretend that I'm not scared.
02:10I have no idea if I can take a hit, to be honest.
02:12I've never really like, you know, been in a fight or had a punch up or had like a 20 stone bodybuilder come at me with a big cotton budge.
02:18You know what I mean? I don't know what's going to happen.
02:20Please welcome Joe Wicks and Sam Thompson!
02:41Sam, welcome to the show. Say hi to Sheffield!
02:44Hello Sheffield! Come on! Yes!
02:49Now look, Sam, you're a sporty guy, aren't you?
02:52It's all smoke and mirrors, mate.
02:54What events do you not want to take on?
02:56The duel, it just looks so scary.
02:59I weigh about 70 kg.
03:01A gust of wind would blow me off.
03:03I'm terrified.
03:04I think actually I want to do the wall because I'm quite nimble, mate.
03:07Who would you want to face on the wall?
03:09Who would I want to face? Someone big.
03:11I reckon like Hammer.
03:12Give me Hammer on the wall because he can't be that quick on it, surely.
03:15That's fighting words from Sam, guys.
03:17Okay, if you were a gladiator, what would your name be?
03:20I'm the Cockroach.
03:25You can't get rid of me.
03:26You don't know where I'm nesting and I'll always return.
03:29You can't stand me out, baby!
03:34Not even the hammer can get me!
03:36Ladies and gentlemen, it's the Cockroach!
03:39Welcome, welcome to the show and into your arena, Joe.
03:45Please introduce yourself to Sheffield.
03:48I'm Joe Wicks, 39 years old, and I'm a fitness coach from Epsom!
03:52Come on!
03:54Now, you got the nation through the pandemic.
03:57Talk us through that, come on.
03:58It was a difficult time and I always say, you know,
04:00my proudest achievement in life is getting all them people,
04:02families and kids, moving.
04:04We've got to focus on exercise and looking after our mental health.
04:07So this is why I'm here, I want to inspire people.
04:09Yeah, that's exactly it.
04:10All right.
04:11Talking of families and friends.
04:13Is your family here with you?
04:14I'm so excited to see my mum, my dad, my brothers.
04:17I've got me little boy, Marley, over there!
04:19Love you, Marley!
04:20Yes!
04:21All the families here, it's all happening.
04:22And if you were a gladiator, what would your name be?
04:24I am...
04:25Activate!
04:26Activate!
04:27Okay.
04:29It's wonderful to have you on, gladiators.
04:32Have you any last words?
04:34I mean, have you ever...
04:35Have you got a message for the gladiators?
04:37I'm known as the nation's PE teacher.
04:39So today, I'm going out there and teach every single one of them gladiators
04:42a lesson they're never going to forget.
04:44Yes!
04:45Joe Ricks, everybody!
04:52Well, I tell you, they've trained, they've stretched,
04:54they've practised their fighting talk,
04:56but can they take on 130 kilos of pure muscle?
04:59Good luck, celebs!
05:00The first event starts now!
05:03Duel!
05:05The first event male celebrity is on the dual podium.
05:08It's Sam!
05:09And he is up against Giant!
05:10How's this for a Christmas present?
05:24Giant's back!
05:25Not sure he'd fit under my tree, though.
05:27A bicep injury meant he missed most of last series,
05:30but he's here now and stronger than ever.
05:33Giant says the celebrity he'd most like to duel against is The Rock.
05:38Sam, maybe more of a pebble.
05:41Sam hosts the Staying Relevant podcast.
05:44In Duel, it's more about staying upright.
05:50Over to the referee team, led by Mark Clattenburg,
05:53who, as always, is joined by Sonia McLomer and Lee Phillips.
05:58Contender ready!
06:01Gladiator ready!
06:10En garde!
06:20Three, two, one!
06:22A very smiley Sam has the first couple of hits at Giant,
06:26who blocks them as casually as you like before biffing Sam with the first hit of his own.
06:32Sam managed to withstand it, and he's doing really well up there.
06:36Not sure his hits are actually hurting Giant,
06:39but he might have a chance of going the distance here.
06:42Rocking backwards, but staying on the podium.
06:45Eight seconds, seven!
06:46Go on, Sam, you can do it!
06:48Giant trying to finish the job now.
06:50Sam is wobbling, and with one second to go, he's down!
07:01Two mighty blows to finish him off.
07:03Sam was cooked.
07:05Like the Christmas turkey!
07:07Flame grilled!
07:10If you'd have stayed on one second more, we had one second left,
07:14you'd have scored five points.
07:17Yes!
07:18Do you know what?
07:19It was not even the head hitting, it's the tiredness.
07:22Yeah.
07:23Dude, I'm so tired!
07:24I've got to go for like a right.
07:26It just hits like something, and he just looks at me as if,
07:29is that what you've got?
07:32He was toying with you.
07:33I know!
07:34100%.
07:35A little bit, but I'll tell you what, he's been eating his turkey, Brad.
07:37Here are some strong hits, so a round of applause for Sam.
07:40Yes!
07:41Great job.
07:42Sadly, no points.
07:44Onward and upward to the next event.
07:46That is Sam, everyone!
07:47Sadly, no points.
07:48And of course, Giants!
07:57Next to duel, it is Joe!
08:02And he is going to battle with Viper!
08:14Well, it's good to see that Viper hasn't changed,
08:19and a little bit scary to see as well.
08:23I expect Viper got a lump of coal in his stocking this year.
08:27Same as last year, and the year before, and the year before.
08:31And he's taking on our national treasure of a PE teacher,
08:35Joe Wings, a.k.a. Activate.
08:38Please try not to break him, Viper.
08:43Contender, ready!
08:50Gladiator, ready!
08:57En garde!
08:583, 2, 1!
09:10Viper with the first hit, but did it come before the whistle?
09:13Joe is down, and Viper celebrates!
09:16But I suspect that will be looked at closely by Mark Clattenberg.
09:21You can hear what the arena thinks as Viper hurls his gloves down
09:25and defeated Joe.
09:29Two hits from Viper to break Joe's heart.
09:33But did they come before the start?
09:37I'm seeing stars, boy!
09:38That was really hard.
09:40I was gonna...
09:41So, I just weren't ready for it.
09:42When that first thing is inside your head, you just...
09:44Everything... Well, I felt like I was upside down.
09:46I'm going on the opposite side.
09:48Yeah, stay away from Viper, that's why I'm all the way over here.
09:50Sure.
09:51Viper went before the whistle.
09:55What does that mean? What does that mean?
09:57Therefore, I'm disqualifying you.
09:59Oh!
10:01So I can award Joe five points.
10:04Put it there, bro.
10:06We'll have that all day long.
10:08Honestly, I cannot believe how it did felt a bit quick,
10:10and I landed on my head as well to make it worse.
10:12Look, two, one, you see that?
10:14Yeah, yeah.
10:15You see, the number was still on the screen, number one.
10:17It wasn't ready.
10:18And there's your evidence, you can't deny that.
10:19Look, it's there.
10:20You're out of order, mate.
10:21You're out of order, mate.
10:22You're out of order.
10:23Vipes, the footage doesn't lie.
10:25Joe Wick, you like teaching kids.
10:29I hate kids.
10:32Rogers, every single one used.
10:37Whoa!
10:38He's nuts.
10:40That's an angry little man.
10:43He needs a cuddle.
10:44He does need a cuddle.
10:45Well, look.
10:46Five points to you, Joe.
10:48Put it there, mate.
10:49Vipers definitely still on the naughty list,
10:53but he's gifted Joe the lead.
10:55After the first event, he has five points.
10:58Sam yet to score.
11:00Let us meet our next pair of celebrity contenders.
11:04I'm Nicola Adams, I'm 42, from Leeds.
11:09I was the first ever women's Olympic boxing champion.
11:12I defended my title in 2016 to win gold again.
11:16Turned professional, became WBO world champion,
11:19and now I'm an actor.
11:21I retired from boxing in 2019.
11:24I still work out, still stay in shape,
11:26still like to go into the gym, you know,
11:28keep the guns looking good.
11:30I'm very strong, fast on my feet,
11:34very good hand-eye coordination.
11:37The gladiators are very professional,
11:39so I'm sure they're not scared,
11:41but once they see me perform out there,
11:43they will be.
11:45What is losing?
11:47I'm never lost in my life.
11:49I'm a two-time Olympic boxing champion.
11:51I retired a few years ago.
11:53But you know what?
11:54I can still pack a punch.
12:00My name is Vogue Williams.
12:02I am 39.
12:04I'm from Dublin in Ireland,
12:06and I'm a podcaster.
12:08And I actually thought it was so funny that I was like,
12:10I'm not actually going to tell you that.
12:12Nice to see you,
12:13but did you really have to kiss me in front of my...
12:15Stop!
12:16The reaction of my family when I tell them
12:18I was going to be a contender in gladiators
12:20was severe jealousy.
12:22It is something we grew up watching.
12:23I loved it.
12:25My upward body strength is embarrassing.
12:32The one thing I'm really concerned about is the rope,
12:35because I can't lift myself up,
12:36because most of my weight is down the lower half of my body.
12:39I want to do well in everything.
12:41I want to compete.
12:42I want to try to win.
12:44And if I don't win,
12:45I'm just going to rob you blind of costumes,
12:48and that was true.
12:50Give a warm welcome to Nicola Adams and Vogue Williams!
13:13Welcome to the show, Nicola.
13:15Introduce yourself to the arena.
13:17I'm Nicola Adams, I'm 42.
13:19from Leeds,
13:20and I'm an actor,
13:21an Olympic champion!
13:22Yes!
13:24Olympic champion!
13:26The first ever
13:27female
13:28gold medal
13:29boxing champion!
13:31What a bummer!
13:34What events are you looking to take on?
13:36I'm really looking forward to the gauntlet.
13:38Oh, yeah.
13:39Bit of you, that.
13:40Yeah, yeah.
13:41I want to test the gladiators.
13:43Any gladiators you fear?
13:46I fear no one.
13:50Let's hear it for Nicola Adams!
13:55Vogue, welcome to the show.
13:56Say hi to the arena.
13:57Hello, champion!
13:59Legends!
14:01Now, listen, Vogue, I've got to ask you.
14:03Are you sporty?
14:04I would like to say I'm a little bit sporty.
14:06Probably not that sporty, but sporty in my own way.
14:08Do you think you can survive this?
14:10I think that I'm really good at beating Olympians, actually.
14:14That was who I beat in Bear Grylls, yeah!
14:17Yeah, you beat two Olympians in Bear Grylls.
14:19I know, and I like to collect them, so I'm looking for a third!
14:22Some fighting words here!
14:28Okay, that being said, what do you want to take on?
14:30What do you not want to take on?
14:31I'm a bit worried about the climbing wall, upper body strength not there.
14:34Not mad about being chased by anyone, particularly a gladiator.
14:38Imagine doing the Eliminator, like, I've always, I've wanted to do that since I was eight, so yeah, all of it.
14:43Well, look, you're gonna do the Eliminator, that's guaranteed at the end of the show.
14:46Yeah, I can't wait.
14:50Massive round of applause to Nicola and Vogue!
14:54Well, those are our female celebrities, so now it's time for them to take on...
14:59Duel!
15:02Oh yes, playing duel for the female celebrities, it's Nicola!
15:08And she is up against... Fury!
15:22She's back, and just as ferocious as ever!
15:29If Fury could be an animal, she says she'd be a koala bear, because they're so friendly.
15:34Well, let's see about that, shall we?
15:38Undefeated in the pro boxing ring, but will Nicola make it through gladiators without losing?
15:47Contender, ready!
15:53Gladiator, ready!
15:55En garde!
15:56Three, two, one!
15:57One-on-one combat, just how Nicola likes it, but she's not enjoying these blows from Fury, and falls onto her podium, which means it's over, before she even got started.
16:16With boxing gloves, the best!
16:17With boxing gloves, the best! With a pugil stick, second best! I'd say, that's a knockout!
16:33Oh, Nicola, I've got it for you!
16:37I am as well, I was a little bit off balance when she caught me, and then that was it.
16:41Well, I guess you're used to getting hit around the head, but not with a pugil stick.
16:44Yeah, no, it was very, very different, but you know what? Another Yorkshire person, you know, I don't mind, I don't mind.
16:51And not only that, I was very excited for this, because you're both great British athletes at the top of your field, so this was about and a half.
16:57Well, I've got to be honest, Nicola, if you told my 12-year-old self that I'm going to be on the podium with my childhood hero, I won't believe you.
17:09Yeah, and I remember, 12-year-old me, I was watching you at 2012 Olympics, you were so powerful, so physical.
17:17Thank you for inspiring me when I was little.
17:20That is Nicola, and of course, our gladiator, Fury.
17:32Next on the podium, pugil stick in hand, it's Vogue!
17:37And she is taking on Sabre!
17:50On Christmas morning, Sabre likes to rip up all her paper, knock over her tree, and hide in a cardboard box. All totally normal.
18:03Vogue says she has most of her weight in her lower body. Good, good. A stable base is exactly what you need to stay on that podium.
18:11Contender, ready!
18:19Gladiator, ready!
18:25En garde!
18:35Three, two, one!
18:37Vogue is a very confident contender. Sabre's going to try and knock that out of her, and knock her off the podium. Very quickly, indeed.
18:48Sabre is on Vogue. Vogue is on the floor.
18:57No gifts from Sabre, even at Christmas. She shows no mercy.
19:02Sabre, do you know what? You're a snake. You are a snake. She stood up there and she goes,
19:09I'm only going to go a little bit hard. Straight to the face.
19:12Girl, that was only a little. That was 10% of what I got.
19:15That was straight in the face.
19:19Did anyone notice that little sly dig to the head there, right before the whistle?
19:23Oh, I tell you what, I think that was right on the button.
19:26Right in the button, babe. I wouldn't do that. I'm not a cheat, okay?
19:28That last shot of mine was right on the button too, wasn't it, maybe?
19:32Yeah.
19:33Can I have a go at your ears, please?
19:35Watch this.
19:37Wolverine.
19:39It's great. It's great.
19:42Better luck in the next event, Vogue sagging no points, but Sabre, everyone! What about that?
19:46Can you smell that?
19:49Whilst Vogue and Sabre settle their differences outside the arena, let's take a look at the scores, which won't take long.
19:56Both contenders still working off their Christmas dinner. It's scoreless.
19:59Now, last series. One of our gladiators was left cheering on from the sidelines.
20:08But, this year he's back, fighting fit and faster than ever.
20:12Fully charged and ready to go.
20:14Sheffield, go wild for the one and only, Nitro!
20:18Come on! I'm back! Are you ready? Are you ready?
20:31Come on! Woo! Come on!
20:36Now that's what I wanted for Christmas. Nitro's back and raring to go.
20:41We'll see him very soon.
20:48I think it's safe to say we're so happy that he's back.
20:52Look, our celebrities are all high-flyers in their chosen field.
20:55So are the gladiators.
20:57And when you're at the top of your game, you have much further to fall.
21:00A bit like our next event. It's...
21:02Collision!
21:05Collision.
21:06Playing collision for the male contenders. It's Sam!
21:12And he needs to avoid Phantom and Apollo.
21:21Never one to ghost the competition?
21:24Phantom is set for a full-on collision with our celebrity contenders.
21:28Apollo's favourite Christmas film is Elf.
21:32He's no cotton-headed ninny-muggins.
21:34And facing him might be bad for our celebrities.
21:37Elf.
21:40And opposite them will be these two.
21:45Bionic wants human emotions.
21:47Well, he's programmed to win,
21:49so I'm sure he'll unwrap some euphoria very soon.
21:52Steel firmly believes that Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
21:56Now there's a debate.
21:58Another time, maybe.
21:59He's got work to do.
22:02Contender!
22:04Ready!
22:07Gladiators!
22:09Ready!
22:13Three!
22:14Two!
22:16One!
22:17Okay, Sam, what have you got?
22:18Because I think we know what you're going to get.
22:21He's providing his own soundtrack as he tries to dodge the swinging gladiators.
22:25Puts the brakes on nicely and goes again.
22:28Mark Klanberg will have a word and tell him to keep moving,
22:30but he has at least made his first score.
22:33Two points on the board for Sam.
22:35Well, he does call himself a cockroach, so crawling is one way across.
22:39If they steal nicely there and gets in for another two points,
22:45Sam's getting the hang of this now.
22:46Or maybe he's too confident.
22:47There's a shout of move from the ref.
22:50And the showboating didn't last much longer.
22:53You don't do that to gladiators and get away with it.
22:56Down you go, Sam.
22:58Oh!
23:04A gutsy run from Sam, but once he got the one, two, three from Bionic,
23:10his legs wouldn't compute anymore.
23:13That was class!
23:15That was so much fun!
23:17Wow!
23:18He's enormous!
23:19They're all enormous, they're all enormous!
23:20I gotta say as well, one of you was hanging there. I was just looking you in the eyes going, I don't know what to do, he's so big.
23:28I really panicked. To be knocked off the bridge by someone like you, mate, weirdly is a pleasure.
23:33I think that's the first time a contender's ever said that. Bionic, you were the one that got him off.
23:39He launched himself at me like he wanted a cuddle.
23:42And I've never seen anyone so happy on collision in my entire life.
23:48We've got a cuddle in the end, didn't we?
23:50We've got a cuddle in the end, oh look, that's four points for Sam!
24:02Next to face, collision. It's Joe.
24:08Contender, ready!
24:14Gladiators, ready!
24:18Three, two, one!
24:22Now I don't know about you, but I'm expecting Joe to be really nimble across the collision bridge.
24:28And he's nicely past the first two gladiators trying to knock him down to the floor.
24:33Phantom's knocked the ball from his hands so he can't score with that one.
24:36Has to take a fresh red ball and go back the other way.
24:39Impressive swerving from Joe who's got really good core strength with that wobbly bridge beneath him.
24:46He throws that ball into the net for his first two points.
24:50Now Joe seems to be getting the hang of it, but he's in a spin here.
24:53Almost knocked off.
24:55Phantom swings and misses.
24:57Joe gets in to make it four.
24:59Now how many more could he score?
25:02He's given Phantom the slip again.
25:04But then a bit of a stumble from Joe.
25:06He's trying to make the best of it by crawling his way underneath the gladiators swinging feet.
25:11Look at Sonya giving him some real encouragement.
25:14Oh, Joe's dropped the ball again.
25:16He'll have to go across the bridge and I don't think he's going to have any time to score any more points.
25:21No, the game is up.
25:23Joe is left stranded on six.
25:26But a great effort to at least stay the course.
25:31He took blows from Bionic.
25:33He had brushes with steel.
25:35He was dropping the ball.
25:37It was all happening for Joe.
25:39That's exhausting.
25:42So much harder than it looks.
25:43Yeah.
25:44So much harder than it looks.
25:45Three balls in.
25:46Six points.
25:47Brilliant stuff.
25:48You happy with that?
25:49I'll take it.
25:50I'm happy with that.
25:51No, absolutely.
25:52It's a good start.
25:53Good contender.
25:54Absolutely.
25:55I'm going to crown him as not-so-average Joe.
25:57But I've got to say as well.
25:58How good is it?
25:59We are back.
26:02Well done, Joe, everyone.
26:03Good one up for Joe.
26:05After two events, Joe activates a seven-point lead.
26:08He's on eleven, while Sam has four.
26:13Look at this side.
26:15What?
26:16This is better than our best, man.
26:17This is sick.
26:18Oh, my ice cake.
26:19Who's this?
26:20Steel.
26:21Yeah, they're approved.
26:22Have some of them.
26:23They're approved.
26:24I want to see you.
26:25Stick one in their outfits.
26:26See if you feel like a proper bellyache.
26:27I'll put giants on.
26:28Yeah.
26:29It's getting loose, isn't it?
26:30Yeah, it's fine.
26:31Yeah, go straight through.
26:33That's it.
26:34I'll keep an eye on him.
26:36If he comes in, I'm going to smash him.
26:37Oh, Matt, it's a little baggy on the crotch.
26:39Do I look like Giant?
26:42You look good, but you need to pump the chest up, mate.
26:44You need more of a divot, more of a dent in the chest.
26:46Here we go.
26:47That's it.
26:48The thing is, they do walk around like this, don't they?
26:50Yeah, they're definitely tense.
26:51Here we go.
26:52Ready?
26:53Hit it.
26:54Oh!
26:55Oh!
26:56Oh!
26:57Oh!
26:58No!
26:59No!
27:00No!
27:01No!
27:02No!
27:03No!
27:04Put me down!
27:05Get out of here!
27:06No!
27:07That's the most humiliating thing on the head!
27:09Yeah!
27:10Hell yeah!
27:11Play collision for the female contenders.
27:16Give it up for Nicola!
27:18And she's gonna have to dodge Sabre and Electro.
27:25Gladiators form a real power couple.
27:28Electro is a collision veteran,
27:30so these celebrities, well, they're in for a shock.
27:34And joining them are Fire and Comet.
27:40Winter's normally the time to get cosy by a fire.
27:44Just knock this one.
27:48Contender ready!
27:50Ready!
27:53Gladiators, ready!
27:58Three, two, one!
28:01So, Nicola's turn to take on the collision bridge,
28:05or just take it apart.
28:06How easy was that?
28:08Two points scored straight away.
28:11And she's having a chat with the gladiators, a friendly greeting.
28:14It nearly came back to bite and knocked off her feet,
28:17but a good recovery from Nicola,
28:18who is absolutely loving it up there.
28:22Bob and Weave, well, this is all part of a boxer's training.
28:26Six points scored, and surely more to come.
28:29The gladiators have made contact with Nicola a few times,
28:33but she's been more than strong enough to see them off.
28:36And she's certainly quick enough,
28:38and she should be happy enough with her efforts here.
28:40She's got time to make it ten points if she can evade the gladiators once more.
28:46She might even make it twelve.
28:48There's ten!
28:49Go on, Nicola!
28:51Ten seconds left on the clock.
28:53A little more hesitant this time, Nicola.
28:55And she's slowing.
28:57The stumble won't help.
28:59I think she's gonna run out of time now.
29:01That's it!
29:03Ten points scored!
29:04We don't see that on collision often.
29:10There were a few close calls, but Nicola rolled with the punches.
29:14Well, the kicks anyway.
29:16What else could we have expected?
29:20A brilliant performance.
29:22Giving the gladiators a run for the money!
29:25That's exactly what it is!
29:26That's what you've gotta do!
29:28And Sabre, Nicola put you in a right spin.
29:30She really did!
29:31You're probably a bit more used to fist flying at your face and feet,
29:34but you're not in the ring now, babe.
29:35You're in the arena, and we're just getting warmed up.
29:37Yeah, why don't you say that?
29:39You are the undefeated champion of the world here on the collision for us, aren't you?
29:43Oh, can you say that again just to make sure they hear that?
29:46Yeah.
29:47I said the undefeated collision champion of the world.
29:51There you go.
29:52Five crossings, ten points!
29:54Unbelievable!
29:56Nicola Adams, everyone, and, of course, our brilliant gladiators.
30:03Next up on collision, it's Vogue.
30:10Contender, ready!
30:16Gladiators, ready!
30:22Three, two, one!
30:25Let's see if Vogue can last longer on the collision bridge than she managed on the dual podium.
30:30Well, it's not a bad start, is it?
30:32She's huffed and puffed her way across to two points.
30:36Now, carefully studying the gladiators.
30:39Working out when best to time the run,
30:42and it looks as though she's done it.
30:43She's across for four.
30:44Vogue's getting the hang of this.
30:47She's finding a nice rhythm now.
30:49Oh, but she's got to make sure she hangs on to the ball.
30:53If ever you needed reminding of just how difficult collision is,
30:57listen to Vogue's breathing.
30:59This is taking a lot out of her.
31:01She does, though, still have time for more scores.
31:04Evading Electro, fighting fire, all the time keeping an eye on Comet.
31:11Now Vogue has to get back to her feet and go.
31:13Sonya McLaren waving her towards the net.
31:16Two more points scored.
31:17I don't know if she's got the energy to get back one more time.
31:22Three, two, one.
31:24That's it for Vogue.
31:26One last shot for luck.
31:28Well saved, Mark.
31:30Vogue's height meant a lot of time ducking low, but she scored pretty high.
31:38Six is very respectable.
31:40Now to be here up against the gladiators, like, how does it feel?
31:44I mean, genuinely, this is a childhood dream.
31:48We used to batter each other at home trying to be gladiators
31:51and I think it's kind of prepared me for a little bit of a beating in here.
31:55How is she as a contender?
31:56She is absolutely great.
31:58That is six points to Vogue!
32:01Thank you to Vogue and our gladiators.
32:08Finally, some Christmas cheer.
32:10Both celebrities are on the board and not for the first time.
32:14Nicola's ahead on points.
32:16Our next event is The Wall and the key to success here is...
32:20Get a massive ladder.
32:21No, it's strength and determination.
32:23Ladder all day long.
32:25It's The Wall!
32:26I'm getting a ladder.
32:27What is wrong with you?
32:29The Wall.
32:31Climbing the wall for the male contenders.
32:33In red, it is Joe!
32:35And in blue, it is Sam!
32:42And hunting them down will be...
32:45Metro and Hammer!
32:47I hope Hammer climbs better than he dances because he might have something to prove to Sam.
33:07Is he too big to climb fast?
33:09Or has Sam talked too much?
33:11Hammer excels at clobbering contenders, but he can knock out a perfect hem too.
33:18With his size and speed, he's tailor-made for this event.
33:22Back in the streets, all right!
33:26Contenders, ready!
33:29Let's go!
33:32Gladiators, ready!
33:35Let's go!
33:37Contenders, you will go on my first whistle.
33:40Gladiators, you will go on my second whistle.
33:43Three, two, one!
33:46Away they go and Joe in red will have to climb particularly quickly because Nitro's back and this is one of his best events.
33:54It's wonderful to see him back. I'm not sure that Joe will agree.
33:58He's on him already and he's got a hold of the harness as on the other side Sam just keeps out of the clutches of Hammer.
34:04Maybe he was right, he could be about to beat him on the wall.
34:08There'll be no beating Nitro though.
34:11Joe is off!
34:13And that leaves the way clear for Sam to haul himself over the top for ten points!
34:19Sam nails Hammer and the wall.
34:22Joe caught by a re-energized Nitro.
34:25Sam, I've got one thing to say to you, you made it to the top of the wall!
34:28Wow!
34:32I feel like a little whippet.
34:34That was mad, I don't really just fall off things.
34:36Well look, you've done so well there, that's a massive ten points!
34:40Yeah!
34:42Bam on the floor here with Joe, you're up against Nitro.
34:45Once you lose that foot and you lose momentum, he had me, he's a strong guy, he's a unit, I won't get away from him then.
34:51Nitro, how does it feel to be back?
34:54It feels absolutely amazing to be back home in Sheffield.
34:59But look, my guy slips.
35:01And when you slip on this wall, it's so unforgiving.
35:04So I've got to give him massive props, let's hear it for Joe, come on!
35:06Yes!
35:08Sam as well, obviously.
35:10What happened there, mate? What a shocker, if you don't mind me saying.
35:13Yeah, he did go to plan. You know what, his nickname should be Squirrel the way he went up there, you know what I mean?
35:18My thanks to Nitro, Hammer, Joe and of course ten points for Sam!
35:27Well, well, the cockroach climbs into the lead.
35:31After three events, Sam has 14 points, Joe's on 11.
35:34Time now for the female contenders. On the left-hand side, it is Nicola!
35:42And on the right-hand side, it's Vogue!
35:46And they have got to get away from Dynamite and Cyclone!
35:51Cyclone!
35:52Maybe you're not on your mind, you can lie.
35:56I want to fight you and make you one.
36:01Now that I'll escape, so...
36:04Cyclone straight across to get in Vogue's face, but she's not fazed!
36:08It's time for the All Island Games.
36:11This will be cyclones debut on the wall the wall should be worried
36:19Dynamite is small and mighty, and she's ready to have a ripping time
36:23You will call my first whistle gladiators you will call my second whistle three
36:45Two one upper body strength with Vogue's big concern
36:50We know that won't be a problem for Nicola they're both climbing really well from the start though
36:55But here we go Vogue's been caught by cyclone and dynamite has got a hold on Nicola
37:02How long can they hold on? It's not about the climbing anymore
37:06Oh really good adjustment from Nicola, but Vogue has gone
37:10Now Nicola's clinging on with everything she's got with dynamite hanging off
37:15But that's it it's all over on the wall
37:20With neither of our celebrity contenders scoring any points at all
37:27So it's a record I hear
37:29It's a new record it's the quickest takedown from the wall we've ever seen
37:33I'm so sorry
37:37No don't do that
37:39Sorry, I've got to ask you first though Vogue intimidating tactics from the cyclone in your face
37:45I mean honestly I've never seen such behavior cyclone
37:48Very very quick indeed out of the blocks. What do you think this is actually my wall debut?
37:54Oh
37:56Oh yeah
37:58I don't think anyone would expect a 5'10'96 kilo stallion to be able to move that fast
38:07But clearly I can
38:09Oh
38:11Oh
38:13That might not have been our thing
38:15But wait you see this for the next one you're going down especially you
38:17Oh
38:19Yeah
38:21Oh
38:23See you Vogue
38:25While cyclone sweeps Vogue away let's take a look at the scores
38:29And with nothing gained from the wall Nicola still leads by ten points to six
38:35Next up it's Gauntlet
38:37Next up it's Gauntlet
38:39And this one is very physical
38:41And there's a chance people could get hurt
38:43But what kind of person wants to watch celebrities being battered by a gang of superheroes
38:49It's Gauntlet
38:51Gauntlet
38:53Daring to take on the Gauntlet for the male contenders
38:57It's Sam
39:01And he'll be facing this fearsome 5
39:09Phantom, Nitro, Steel, Bionic and Apollo
39:15Don't stop it
39:17Don't stop it
39:27Having taken down Joe on the wall
39:31Nitro now has the chance to defeat Sam too
39:33Can he stamp out the cockroach for good?
39:37Contender
39:39Ready
39:41Gladiators
39:43Ready
39:453
39:472
39:491
39:51I wonder if ever bouncy Sam will still be cheerful by the end of this
39:59Well he's managed to get past the first two zones
40:03Away from Steel and into Phantom
40:05He's wriggling about in there is Sam
40:07But he's done the job well so far
40:09Now only Apollo to beat and he's got there
40:13A dive over the line from Sam
40:15Who is ecstatic
40:19What a ride
40:23El Cockroach strikes again
40:25Come on the roach
40:27You can't get rid of the cockroach baby
40:31Oh, one second
40:33Our referee Mark Klattenberg has something to say
40:35Oh
40:39Sam, we've looked at the VAR
40:41Unfortunately
40:43Your foot wasn't over the line
40:45No
40:47Therefore
40:49You've only completed
40:51Four zones
40:53And I can only award you
40:55Eight points
40:57No
40:59Sam, how do you feel about that?
41:01What the hell is this game?
41:03What the hell?
41:05I guess Mark Klattenberg has the final word
41:07The rules are the rules
41:09To be honest with you
41:10You always
41:11You always used to do Chelsea dirty
41:12And you're doing me dirty now
41:16That's O'Presteson!
41:19Come on!
41:26Next up on the Gaunt Club run
41:28It is Joe
41:29Contender
41:34Ready!
41:39Gladiators
41:41Ready!
41:45Three
41:46Two
41:47One
41:48Well Joe looks ready for this
41:50One way then the other to get past Nitro
41:52And he's wriggled his way through Steel as well
41:56Phantom's not going to be beaten quite so easily
41:58But there he goes
41:59Joe is into Zone 4
42:01Where Bionic can't fully get to grips with him
42:03Joe there tried to dive underneath Apollo
42:06He's through now
42:07Ten points for Joe
42:09He successfully runs the gauntlet
42:12That was amazing
42:16You've got to be happy with him
42:17What a tactic
42:18Dodge and weave
42:19Dodge and weave
42:20You're brilliant
42:21I just went for him
42:22I'm so glad I finished there
42:23Because I was worried
42:24It's so intimidating
42:25When you look at him down there
42:26You think you're never going to get through him
42:27But I did it!
42:28Yeah you absolutely did
42:31A quick old shimmy
42:32And he was gone
42:33Mate that little shimmy was lovely
42:34Yeah
42:35I enjoyed that one
42:36I was caught dazed
42:37Ten points for Joe
42:41What a result for Joe
42:43Sam thought he'd scored maximum two
42:45Until Clattenburg the Grinch got involved
42:47Sam still leads
42:48But takes a razor thin advantage into the eliminator
42:51He's got 22 points
42:53Joe's on 21
42:57Taking on the gauntlet for the female celebrities
43:00It's Nicola
43:01And she is up against the power of
43:07Dynamite
43:12Electro
43:13Fury
43:14Comet
43:15And
43:16Cyclone
43:17It wouldn't be Christmas without Comet
43:32And the other reindeer
43:33She's ready to switch it up
43:35From pulling the sleigh
43:36To slaying our celebrity contenders
43:43Contender
43:45Ready
43:50Gladiators
43:51Ready
43:553
43:562
43:571
43:58Well I would think Nicola will do pretty well here
44:00She's straight past Comet
44:01But oh
44:02She takes a bashing from Electro
44:04And she hits the canvas
44:06She's not used to that
44:08Quickly back to her feet though
44:09And into zone 5 in the blink of an eye
44:12Cyclone stops her for a while
44:14But she can't stop her fully
44:1610 points Nicola
44:18We knew that was coming
44:24They really wanted to stop you
44:25Yeah they really did
44:26They really tried
44:27But do you know what
44:28Cream always rises to the top baby
44:31Oh
44:32I love it
44:33We got the shot from Electro that took you
44:35That put you down there
44:36And you got straight back up
44:37Boom
44:38See ya
44:39This is the first time I've ever been down
44:41Do you know what
44:42I got back up on one
44:43Yeah
44:44Electro
44:45You did it mate
44:46To be fair to her
44:47I probably am wearing the biggest pair of boxing gloves she's ever fought again
44:49Absolutely brilliant
44:51Absolutely brilliant
44:5210 points
44:53Gonna be happy on that
44:55Absolutely buzzing with that
44:56Thanks everyone
44:57Let's go
45:00Our next female celebrity to run the gondor
45:03It's Vogue
45:04Contender
45:08Contender
45:09Ready
45:14Gladiators
45:15Ready
45:193
45:202
45:211
45:22As strong as Nicola
45:24Vogue will have to use her guile and skill here
45:26She is into zone 3 though
45:28And she's trying to slide her way past dynamite
45:32Mark Glanberg gives the signal to release
45:35Fury hasn't done any damage at all with that claw
45:38It's left a cyclo to try and prevent Vogue from going all the way
45:42She can't do it
45:43Vogue has done it
45:45What a run that was
45:47Mate congratulations
45:49You made it to the end of the gauntlet
45:51Listen I'm as surprised as everybody else are delighted
45:55Dynamite you were with her at zone 3
45:58And you held her back for quite a while there I've got to say
46:00Yeah I mean fair play for actually coming in and facing us
46:03Because one gladiator is very scary
46:06But five of us you smashed it
46:1110 points to you Blake
46:12Thank you to Vogue and our gladiators
46:19Careful
46:20After four events Vogue has 16 points and is chasing down the Olympic champion
46:28But Nicola maintains her lead with 20 so she's got the advantage for the eliminator
46:33Oh wow
46:35Yeah
46:36What a show thank you so much
46:38Just one final event stands between our star contenders and victory
46:43And victory
46:44It's just like a VIP after party but less champagne and more sweat
46:47Yes and the only thing being popped are hamstrings
46:51Here we go
46:52It's the eliminator
46:54The eliminator
46:55It's time for contender against contender
47:00In a head to head race across this iconic course
47:03Now even more demanding
47:05With an all new tougher balance beam to traverse
47:08Before taking on the legendary travelator
47:11The winner of the eliminator will be crowned celebrity champion
47:16Any points advantage now converts into a head start
47:20So with Sam one point ahead
47:22He takes just a half second lead over Joe
47:27For the celebrity gladiator trophy
47:30Contenders ready!
47:35Sam you will go on my first whistle
47:37Joe you will go on my second whistle
47:39Three
47:41Two
47:42One
47:43So nothing between them at the start
47:45This should be a real Christmas cracker
47:48Look at Sam's enthusiasm
47:50He's been like that all night
47:51He's like that all his life
47:53Oh he's swinging away from the platform there
47:55A little too much momentum
47:58And that allows Joe to just edge into the lead
48:01Oh look at Sam go!
48:03He's whizzed across the overhead ladders
48:05A quick unclip of the trapeze
48:07And he's in front once more
48:10The energy around the whole arena is electric
48:13Joe hurls himself onto the net
48:16And catches up with Sam again
48:18Who's gonna win this?
48:20It's absolutely in the balance
48:22Joe's climbing well
48:24He has the inside run as well
48:26But Sam's there first
48:27And he will jog across to the zip wire
48:30Breathing hard
48:31He knows he's nearly there
48:33I think he's enjoying himself
48:35It's hard to tell
48:36Now for the beam with the end nearly in sight
48:39And Sam has fallen
48:41These beams are more difficult this year
48:44They go up, they go down
48:45You've got to make contact with the red zone
48:47In the middle and at the end
48:49And Joe did that with ease
48:51And now tackles the travelator
48:53He's got the legs and arms pumping
48:55And Joe Wiggs wins
48:58Sam is still toppling and tumbling behind him
49:02But nothing will wipe the smile from his face
49:05Great cheers from all around the arena
49:07He's given everybody a whole load of enjoyment tonight
49:10And Mark Klettenberg claps
49:12And Joe cheers him on
49:14And he has one last go to bounce up that travelator
49:18And swing through the finish in style
49:23Nothing in it until Sam stumble
49:25As Joe raised clear
49:27To be our male celebrity champion
49:30Dude you look so happy
49:32May I'm so chuffed man
49:33Like it is so amazing
49:35Like the crowd
49:36Everybody here
49:37That was so fun
49:39Yes
49:41That is one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life
49:45That travelator
49:46You just flew up
49:48That's amazing
49:49What a great contender
49:50Great partner
49:51Great dancing partner
49:52I love this man
49:53Yeah brilliant
49:54You've been an incredible contender Sam
49:56Are you chuffed?
49:57El Cockroach baby
49:59You can't stamp him out
50:01Give it up for El Cockroach
50:03El Cockroach
50:04Alright
50:05Sam came off the balance beam
50:07Give you the edge
50:08Settled yourself up the travelator
50:10What are you thinking at that time?
50:11I tell you what
50:12Even though
50:13You know I had a bit of a breather
50:14I still found that travelator hard
50:15It's much harder than watching at home on TV
50:17You know I'm really chuffed that I won
50:18But I think he's been an amazing partner
50:20Absolutely it's been a fantastic show
50:22Absolutely exhausted
50:23I've got one thing to say to you
50:25Joe Wicks
50:26You are our celebrity gladiator champion
50:31Now it's the turn of our female celebrity contenders
50:52Nicola has a four point lead and therefore a two seconds head start
50:56Over to referee Mark Klettenberg
50:58For the celebrity gladiator trophy contenders ready
51:06Nicola you will go on my first whistle
51:10Vogue you will go on my second whistle
51:12Three
51:15Two
51:16One
51:17Away goes Nicola
51:19Straight into it
51:20Over the first and under the second
51:22As Vogue hits a barrier from the off
51:25Nicola's already climbing up the rope
51:27Her opponent might be already on the ropes
51:30That's not for the first time
51:32Don't think I've ever seen a contender
51:34Take on those first hurdles in such unorthodox style
51:37But that's Vogue
51:39She's got her own style
51:40Nicola's on to the overhead ladders
51:42She didn't get up the rope all that quickly
51:44Vogue doesn't look like she's going to get up the rope at all
51:47She did say that she was worried about her upper body strength
51:50And she's getting the ladder out for a bit of help
51:53Nicola was stuck just momentarily on the overhead ladders
51:57But she's over them now
51:59And will swing across to the cargo net
52:01She's got such a healthy lead now
52:03Vogue surely needs a Christmas card
52:05Vogue surely needs a Christmas miracle to catch her up
52:09She'll keep going that's for sure
52:11And there's that upper body strength being called into question again
52:15Those overhead ladders are swinging too
52:17That makes it all the more difficult
52:19She's just got onto the podium now
52:21As Nicola reaches the very top of the cargo net
52:25And wearily hauls herself up
52:27To take on the zip wire next
52:29Vogue looks as though she's really struggling
52:33But Nicola is absolutely flying
52:37And enjoying every moment of it
52:39Vogue's still on the net
52:41Nicola nearly has this in the back of the net
52:44And she wasn't moving very well
52:46As she went across towards the beam there
52:48She's taking this very steadily indeed
52:51There's a bit of a grimace
52:53And oh you can feel Vogue's tiredness
52:57A wobble from Nicola
52:59But she stays on the beam
53:01And here comes Vogue
53:03This might not be over yet you know
53:05Again Nicola slightly wobbly at the end of the beam
53:09But if Nicola does this she's going to win
53:13She's running out of energy
53:15She's going to go backwards in a moment
53:17And Vogue is off the end of the beam
53:19Maybe miracles do happen
53:22Here she goes
53:23Vogue
53:24Oh she can't make it even halfway up
53:26Nor can Nicola
53:28Who's got the desire
53:30The energy
53:31The willpower
53:32To win this epic eliminator
53:35They're still neck and neck
53:37They're going to reach the top together here
53:40Now it's all about the swing
53:42Vogue grabs the rope first
53:44But it is really, really close
53:47That was incredible
53:51Well the trickier balance beam was a problem for Nicola
53:55And then it was a head-to-head race up the Travellator
53:58It's a mightily close one to call
54:00OK
54:04I can now reveal guys
54:06That there was only two hundredth of a second
54:10In it
54:12I can now reveal that the winner
54:14And therefore the gladiators celebrity champion
54:17Is
54:18Vogue
54:20Oh
54:30Unbelievable
54:31I tell you now
54:32It was extraordinary, Nicolás
54:35It was a struggle for you
54:36Yeah, it really was
54:37It really was.
54:38Came down on the zipline and I just landed funny on my ankle
54:42and then I just couldn't get my ankle going.
54:44Oh, but what a fantastic competitor, Nicholas.
54:47OK, leave your line to bring in Nicholas' medal.
54:50There you go.
54:51That was fantastic.
54:52Well done, Nick.
54:53Absolutely sensational.
54:55This is the first silver medal I've had.
54:59Congratulations on Nicholas Adams.
55:01Brilliant.
55:03Vogue, that was a tricky eliminator.
55:05You were quite far behind Nicola,
55:07but you managed to catch up and you managed to beat her.
55:10I honestly cannot believe that.
55:14I've had the best day and the crowd when I was doing so badly.
55:19You were so nice.
55:20Honestly, thank you.
55:21You really like that.
55:22You push us on.
55:24I've got one thing to say to you.
55:26You're our Gladiators Celebrity Champion.
55:30Amazing.
55:31Here comes Mr. Klettenberg with the trophy.
55:33There you go.
55:36Well done, Nick.
55:37Well done.
55:39Congratulations.
55:44Champion Vogue heads over to soak up the adulation of her adoring fans.
55:49She'll be so grateful to them and to that ladder.
55:53Merry Christmas, everyone.
55:55What a night.
55:56What a show.
55:57What a show.
55:57Hey, I wonder how our star contenders are feeling now.
56:00Well, tomorrow they'll be feeling muscles they didn't even know existed.
56:03If you want more action from the arena, then you are in luck.
56:06We have more brave members of the public queuing up to take on the mighty Gladiators.
56:10Oh, yes.
56:10And we'll be back on BBC One and iPlayer very soon.
56:13And here's a look at what is coming up on the smashing new series of...
56:17Gladiators!
56:18We are back.
56:24The toughest game show on telly.
56:28This is going to be incredible.
56:30I came here to fight.
56:33I will always be better than you.
56:35Who is this guy?
56:36Things are about to get brutal.
56:39The show's gone a bit weird there.
56:42Three brand new events.
56:44Yes!
56:48It's truly squeaky bomb time.
56:50Sorry about that.
56:52It's time to turn!
56:55Lock in.
56:56Cheers down.
56:57Smash.
57:03Looks like your airbags have gone off.
57:05Heat rises.
57:07Babes, you've got scorched today.
57:09Well, they say, if you're going to be dumb, you've got to be tough.
57:11And I am very, very tough.
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