Celebrity Gladiators line-up: Meet the contestants
Do they have what it takes?
Ahead of the success of the first ever Celebrity Gladiators last year which was meant to be a one-off, the show is BACK for another Celebrity special this festive period.
As always, Bradley Walsh and son Barney will be hosting the episode which airs on Christmas Day as the celebs are paired up and go up against 18 superhuman athletes to test their strength, speed and agility
So, who are the celebs agreeing to take this challenge on? Here are the stars appearing in the Celebrity Gladiators special.
Who is in the line-up of the Gladiators Celebrity Special?
Joe Wicks MBE
Age: 40
Job: Fitness coach
Instagram: @thebodycoach
Everybody's favourite fitness coach who rose to notoriety for his at-home work outs during COVID is excited to take part in The Gladiators after watching it since he was a child. If he can't complete the challenge then honestly who can?
He 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."
Sam Thompson
Age: 33
Job: TV personality and podcast host
Instagram: @samthompsonuk
Of Made In Chelsea fame and 2023 King of the Jungle, Sam Thompson speaks frequently talks on his social media and podcast about his love of keeping fit and running so he's a perfect contender for Gladiators.
"Just when I've finished one challenge I'm onto 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," he said.
Nicola Adams OBE
Age: 43
Job: Former professional boxer
Instagram: @nicolaadams
Honestly, there's no one better suited to take part in Gladiators than a real life Olympian. Please enter former professional boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist Nicola Adams OBE.
Speaking of taking part, Nicola 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!"
Vogue Williams
Age: 40
Job: Media personality and TV host
Instagram: @voguewilliams
Vogue Williams is fresh from the I'm A Celebrity jungle where viewers saw her working out in camp everyday and putting her abs to good use in the extremely physical Wrecking Balls of Rage trial. A warm up for taking part in Gladiators which Vogue described a dream come true.
"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!" she said.
Gladiators Celebrity Special 2026 airs Christmas Day (25th December) at 3:35pm on BBC One.
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Authors
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.
