Celebrity Gladiators kicked off the New Year with its 2025 Special, airing on January 1, where four well-known contestants faced off against the show's resident Gladiators in various physical challenges. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, the celebrity lineup featured comedian Rob Beckett, presenters Joel Dommett and Louise Minchin, alongside actress and comedian Ellie Taylor, each hoping to prove their mettle on the iconic arena stage.
This celebrity edition of Gladiators saw the contenders engage not only with the tough physical challenges but also with the comedic atmosphere Walsh is known for. One of the highlights was when Beckett, showcasing his humorous side, revealed his Gladiator name to be "The Beaver." Upon inquiry from Walsh about his chosen name, Beckett quickly responded, "Ooh... The Beaver!" leading to hilarity as Walsh misconstrued the name’s meaning, prompting outrageously funny banter between the two.
"Tell me Rob, how fit are you?" Walsh asked as they geared up for the challenges. Beckett, ever the witty contender, replied, "Uh, I'm fit enough for a chest pump and this conversation, but apart from [that] I'm already struggling for breath as it is because I'm overexcited, but I'm gonna give it a go and do it for the slightly overweight dads at home watching." His self-deprecatory humor endeared him to those tuning in, echoing the playful tone of the show.
But the challenges themselves were no laughing matter. Contestants faced the likes of Collision, where they navigated obstacles as Gladiators swung from above, dueling during the Duel challenge on the plinths, and racing through the Gauntlet, besieged by Gladiators determined to knock them down. Each contestant had their own narrative leading them, with Dommett jokingly recalling his childhood practice of "running backwards up escalators" to prepare for this moment.
After tackling the initial challenges, Dommett reflected on the overwhelming experience. "It’s way more scary in real life than it looks. It just looks fun on telly... Like, the Gladiators are so massive. Bradley was terrifying, it's like all terrifying!" he said, highlighting the intense physicality of the show and the challenge of facing athletes who seemed superhuman.
The comedic presence of Beckett never waned throughout the competition. He humorously remarked, "This is going to be a catastrophic humiliation in front of the nation," as he competed against the Gladiators, feeling both nervous and excited by the prospect of the fierce competition. His remark struck a chord with many who could relate to the nerves of competing unprepared.
After several rigorous challenges, Ellie Taylor and Joel Dommett emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional agility and strategy. Taylor, holding her title proudly, expressed her disbelief at her performance, stating, "I can’t believe I’ve just done this! I’ve had such a wonderful time with Louise, it’s been brilliant, I’m really proud of myself," showcasing her triumph not just physically but as inspiration to those at home. Having recently had her second child, she aimed to exemplify to other mothers, "We can do hard things."
Dommett also expressed his exhilaration, noting the challenges he had to overcome, especially the fear of heights which plagued him throughout the Eliminator course. "I just feel like we’ve overcome something really amazing," he remarked, referring to his determination to triumph over his fears during the competition. Part of the Eliminator consisted of hefty tasks, including cargo nets and balance beams—each little victory building upon the last.
The untimely excitement of the evening was tangible with memorable events including Beckett’s hilariously disastrous encounter with the Gladiators during the Powerball challenge, where he gave his all yet couldn’t escape their force. Much like the shows from the 90s, the essence of Gladiators remains—gathering strength and humor within the challenges. The humorous and intense interactions shared among contestants and gladiators alike captivated viewers, reminding them of everything they loved about the iconic series.
Looking back at the evening's events, the blend of nostalgia and fresh faces on the Gladiators arena breathed new life and interest back to the classic show. The raw energy and lighthearted spirit embedded the evening with laughter and cheering from the crowd, cementing the return of Gladiators as not just another television event but as heartfelt entertainment for families and fans alike.
With Ellie Taylor and Joel Dommett crowned champions of the Celebrity Gladiators Special, and with laughter echoing across households, it’s clear the legacy of Gladiators continues to thrive. So as the Gladiators franchise gears up for more episodes and celebrity appearances, fans look forward to future adventures and the delightful reunion of familiar faces pushing their limits—after all, who wouldn’t want to revel again among the big foam props and celebratory chaos the show and its legacy encapsulate?