Celebrities ready? Four famous faces nervously lace up their trainers as they compete in one of the toughest gameshows on earth, Gladiators, on BBC One and iPlayer.
Hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, this one-hour special sees comedian Rob Beckett versus TV presenter and comedian Joel Dommett, and TV presenter Louise Minchin versus comedian and Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor, as they face the ultimate test of speed and strength up against the power of the Gladiators, before going head to head in the iconic Eliminator.
Q&A with Joel Dommett
Why did you want to take part in Gladiators Celebrity Special?
It’s a dream come true. It’s the TV show you watched when you were a kid and it’s such an amazing, iconic studio and course. I just can’t wait to do the Travelator at the end because firstly IT’S THE TRAVELATOR and secondly it means its over, it’s the end of the show.
You mentioned the Travelator, is there a particular event you think you’ll be quite good at?
I’ve realised since being here that my level of fitness doesn’t really apply to anything that’s in Gladiators. I’m not really that strong, I’m not very good at heights and I’m not very good at fighting so its basically everything I’m bad at.
How did you feel when you walked out into the arena for the first time?
It’s unbelievable. You have a few of these moments in your career where you go woah, I’m in the telly. This is one of those moments, when you’re in the outfit, the Gladiators are in front of you, the course is up and you’re standing there holding the pugil stick. It’s amazing and I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to do it because it is just amazing.
How’s the reaction been from the crowd?
It’s so cool, it gives such a buzz to the whole thing. The first series was such a success its like getting a ticket for a Taylor Swift concert, people are desperate to be here and it’s so wonderful. The arena is full to the brim of families that love the show, it’s great.
Which Gladiator would you not want to face?
Giant, I mean he’s Giant, he’s absolutely huge so he’s impossible to hit. To be honest all of them are impossible to face, and it’s so difficult up close as they’re all just incredible specimens of human beings and it makes you realize how small you are. You’re just absolutely tiny. You could fit me and Rob Beckett inside of Giant.
Do you have a favourite and least favourite event and why?
Powerball is a really fun one because you get to run about and hopefully you can avoid being tackled. It’s on the floor as well, which is good. Anything high up is just a bit scary, I’m not so good at the high stuff. I’m also excited to do Gauntlet, it looks so much fun but will see how far I get.
Has anyone given you any tips or advice on taking part in the show?
Not really no. The Gladiators keep themselves to themselves. They are very competitive people, so they don’t give us any advice, but me and Rob are trying to help each other. There’s a great team behind giving us a few tips and tricks. But I’ll be honest, it all just goes completely out the window as soon as you’re up there, it all falls apart.
You’ve mentioned Rob there, do you have any words for your fellow contenders?
Rob is an unbelievable contender and a wonderful adversary, he’s so powerful. You might look at Rob and think, ‘he’s not going to be good at this thing’” but he’s unbelievable. He’s got strength in his legs, its like he’s got 10cm long legs and 10cm teeth! His leg strength gives him a good base and he can be just so explosive in the events whereas I’m like a ballerina, exactly the wrong build for power events. But if there was an event to see who could run 20km the quickest then I could be in with a chance.
What did your friends and family think when you told them you were taking part in Gladiators?
They were so excited, it has become such an iconic show and to be involved is so mad. It’s funny as other people have done it for their kids, but my son is only 10 months old so I’ve done it eight years too early.
What would Gladiator name be and why?
I’m a bit asthmatic, so I think my Gladiator name would be ‘The Inhaler’ because I feel like I need one.
And finally do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
New Year’s resolutions I think are to double in size, come back to Gladiators and absolutely smash it.
The Gladiators Celebrity Special will air on New Years Day from 6pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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