Celebrity Gladiators confirms Strictly and I'm A Celeb stars for new special

Gladiators has confirmed the new line-up for its celebrity special - and fans can expect famous faces from Strictly, I'm A Celebrity and Lorraine to take on the iconic challenges. The hit BBC One show will be back later this year with four new stars tackling Duel, The Wall and the legendary Eliminator challenges.

The BBC announced today that fitness star Joe Wicks MBE and I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! winner Sam Thompson will be taking part in Gladiators: Celebrity Special. They will be joined by boxer and Strictly alum Nicola Adams OBE as well as TV presenter Vogue Williams.

Joe Wicks MBE says: “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." Meanwhile, Sam said that just when he's finished on challenge, he's onto the next.

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"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 admitted that she was "absolutely buzzing" to be taking part in the special, adding: "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!"

While Vogue added: "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!"

They'll be taking on the likes of Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper - the Gladiators who will be returning to the physically-toned cast. The news comes just a month after the BBC announced that Gladiators would be back after the rating success of the last series.

Hosted by Barney and Bradley Walsh, Gladiators will film once again at its Sheffield arena and promises to be hotter than ever.

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