Celebrity Gladiators Christmas Special: Sam Thompson Interview
Celebrities ready? Four famous faces take on one of the toughest gameshows on telly, as they battle against the formidably fearsome Gladiators.
Filmed in the Sheffield Arena and hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, this one hour Celebrity Special sees four famous faces take on the Gladiators for the chance to be crowned Celebrity Champion.
Taking part are the nation's PE Teacher, Joe Wicks MBE versus Presenter, Sam Thompson and boxing legend, Nicola Adams OBE going up against Podcaster, Vogue Williams.
All four of the star contenders will face the ultimate test of speed, strength and skill against the mighty Gladiators before going head-to-head in the iconic Eliminator but who will emerge victorious? Let the battle begin!
Sam Thompson
Why did you want to take part in Celebrity Gladiators?
Who wouldn't want to take part – it’s such an iconic, nostalgic show! Celebrity Gladiators is a bucket list item ticked. I used to watch the show when I was a young kid and I think young Sam would not believe I am doing this, so I am over the moon to be taking part.
Which event do you think you will be the strongest at?
I think The Wall is going to be my best event and the reason being is that I'm quite nimble and I'm as light as a feather – soft and agile [haha]. Having said that … if a Gladiator catches my leg, I'm gone!
When you walked out in the arena for the first time how did that feel?
Walking out for the first time was great. There are thousands of people in the arena and a lot of them are children – so lots of cheering and screaming which is epic! The audience also get behind you with their banners which is so lovely. It gives you such a powerful adrenalin rush - it’s brilliant.
Are there any particular Gladiators you would not want to face?
Giant, I wouldn't want to face him, he's a big, big, big boy, you know, I feel like his pecs have pecs. It’s going to be tough with Giant for sure.
What is your favourite event?
It would be The Wall or Unleash because I'm quite quick. Those would be the two that I think I'd do OK at.
When you found out you were doing the show, how did friends and family react?
All my friends and my family thought I was going to get crushed! They literally said “big guy, you're not so big, you're going to get absolutely hammered!” And to be honest I needed that, because the only way is up from there, isn’t it?
Has anyone given you any tips or advice on taking part?
I like to go into things on a wing and a prayer, and that's what I'm going to be doing for this.
What would your Gladiator name be?
The Cockroach! You just can't get rid of me; I would survive a nuclear winter! You never quite know where I'm nesting and you can't stamp me out. No matter how much I'll get stamped on doing the show, you can never quite stamp me out.
Watch the Gladiators: Celebrity Special on iPlayer and BBC One on 25 December from 3.35pm