- 21 hours ago
It's the grand final! Hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh welcome back the four remaining, fantastic Contenders as they return to the arena to do battle one last time against the superhuman Gladiators, and each other. Over five punishing events, and then the iconic Eliminator, we will find out who has the speed, the strength and the heart to be crowned Gladiators Champion 2026. Who will have the will and the skill to conquer the dreaded Travelator one last time and claim the ultimate prize? In the final, Viper leaves the Gladiators gobsmacked, Bradley races Electro on the track, and much to Guy Mowbray’s surprise, Legend tries his hand at commentary.
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00:00Sheffield, the time has come.
00:04This is the grand final of Gladiators.
00:09Please welcome your hosts, Bradley and Barney Walsh.
00:13MUSIC PLAYS
00:25Well, hello and welcome to the grand final of...
00:30Gladiators!
00:32Come on!
00:34Yes, we have our four finalists who are all hoping to lift the Gladiators trophy.
00:39The question is, are they ready?
00:44Sheffield, are you ready?
00:46Yes!
00:48CHEERING
00:52Let's meet the female finalists hoping for Gladiators glory.
00:56It's Naomi and Emily!
00:59MUSIC PLAYS
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01:15At the start of the series, ten female contenders took on the Gladiators and each other in the ultimate competition.
01:23Now only two remain as Naomi and Emily compete for the title of Gladiators Champion 2026.
01:30MUSIC PLAYS
01:3140-year-old Naomi is a business consultant and hockey player who's also mum to two Gladiators superfans.
01:38Competing in Gladiators isn't just a personal goal, she entered the arena to make her family proud.
01:45Naomi won her heats, gaining maximum points on the edge.
01:48You've got ten points for Naomi, everybody!
01:51In the quarters, Naomi was victorious on crash course.
01:54Ten points!
01:55And raced her way to victory.
01:57I just think so, I can't believe it.
01:58In her semi, Naomi became the first contender to win on suspension bridge.
02:02Naomi, you're absolutely brutal.
02:04She eliminated Ella to secure a place in the final.
02:07You watch the show with your kids, and now their mum's in the final of Gladiators!
02:12And Naomi's opponent in the grand final is 23-year-old sales consultant Emily.
02:18A Cambridge graduate with a flair for languages, Emily's an avid rugby player,
02:22but she's stepped out of a team environment and her comfort zone to take on the Gladiators by herself.
02:28In an impressive heat, she became the first contender to last 30 seconds on duel with Cyclone.
02:34If you make it to the quarters, I'll be there.
02:37In the quarters, she took on Cyclone again and blew her away in Unleashed.
02:42I'm so glad I got this flag!
02:44Emily finished second in the Eliminator, but her time of 81 seconds was more than enough to see her into
02:50the semis as the fastest runner-up.
02:53In her semi, she conquered Everest again, beating Sabre.
02:56You're undefeated!
02:57I love this new game!
02:59She took a five and a half second lead for the Eliminator and never looked like losing it as she
03:04stormed through into the final.
03:08Emily, you are a Gladiators finalist!
03:11It's business consultant Naomi versus sales consultant Emily for the title of Gladiators Champion 2026.
03:20Welcome, Naomi.
03:25And let me tell you and everyone else, you are the oldest female finalist in Gladiators.
03:31So that is unbelievable. Seriously, that is extraordinary.
03:35It just goes to prove, don't give up because of your age or any other barrier in your way.
03:39Just push through it and keep going and see what happens.
03:43Lastly, can you win Gladiators?
03:47Starting to believe I can!
03:48Yes!
03:49Good luck!
03:51Give it up for Naomi!
03:55Emily, welcome back. You're on the final of Gladiators!
03:58I don't believe it!
04:02How do you feel? Are you nervous? Are you excited?
04:05All of the above is a once in a lifetime experience and I'm very grateful to be here.
04:09And look, I've got to say, you're the youngest female contender ever to make it to the final of the
04:14show.
04:15How do you feel about that?
04:16Honestly, it's absolutely amazing. As some of you may know, I started this process when I was 22,
04:21but it's actually my 23rd birthday today.
04:24It's her birthday today, everyone!
04:28My last question to you is, can you be the Gladiators champion?
04:31I reckon I can.
04:32It's time to find out. Good luck! That is Naomi and Emily!
04:37There we have our female finalists, and they're now ready to take on their first event.
04:43Unleash.
04:47Unleash. Track Noodle.
04:49As if this event couldn't get any harder for the grand final,
04:53contenders have lost a second from their head start.
04:56They'll now have just two seconds before the Gladiators unleashed.
05:00Take into the track for the female contenders. It's Emily!
05:10Contender, you will go on my whistle.
05:12And then the Gladiator will be unleashed. Contender, ready!
05:21Emily's got every right to be confident, having beaten Cyclone in the quarters.
05:25But look who's coming. It's the fastest female Gladiator, Fire, who is in hot pursuit.
05:32Emily crosses through the wall as if it was barely there, and she's round the bend to take on the
05:37steps.
05:38Fire getting closer, Fire getting oh so close, but Emily's gonna do it!
05:44She takes the flag, and maximum points.
05:49Fire was gaining on the steps, but Emily had enough in the tank to claim another Unleash maximum.
05:57Let's go!
05:58Oh my gosh! Thank goodness!
06:02Oh, I'm so glad I have this beautiful flag!
06:05It was so close, Fire. Great contender, really quick.
06:09Absolute pocket rocket. She is small, but she is speedy.
06:13Thank you to Emily and Fire!
06:21Ready to run for the female contenders. It's Naomi!
06:41It's Naomi's first time on the Unleash track, and it's Electro who storms out after her.
06:47It's the first time that Naomi's gone head to head against her, but look at the distance she's got in
06:52front.
06:53The wall doesn't stop her. The bend doesn't stop her.
06:56She's gonna charge up the steps, and Electro is not even in the picture.
07:02Naomi flies through for a comfortable 10.
07:12Wow, what a start from Naomi. She powered her way through that. No stopping her.
07:19So quick up against Electro. How do you feel?
07:22I didn't want to give off that. I was worried about that, but obviously, I think I can run,
07:25but this really shows whether you can or not, and I'm really pleased with myself, honestly.
07:29Yeah, I bet. You look like you was fired out of a cannon halfway around the track there.
07:33Electro, great sprinter, I've got to say.
07:35She is a great sprinter. You know what I'm thinking though, Brad?
07:37What? We'll get you a little white helmet and get you on this game.
07:41I'm not, no, I'm not doing it.
07:43No, no, no.
07:48Well, we've not seen this before.
07:52Presentor, ready! A very different kind of chase for Bradley.
07:58On he goes then, and immediately bends the rules by going off the track.
08:03Not sure about that style. One step at a time.
08:07Oh, he's getting quicker, but overtaken by Electro, and he bails out.
08:11Well, wasn't that just all entirely predictable?
08:19I've got to be honest, I've got to put that hat on.
08:22This hair cost me nearly six grand.
08:24But Naomi, ten points, everyone!
08:29Brilliant!
08:31What a start for our female contenders, both on ten points after their first event.
08:40Please make some noise for our male finalists, Tyler!
08:45And Josh!
08:58We started with ten male contenders entering the gladiators arena.
09:03Now only two remain, and tonight, Tyler and Josh will fight it out to be crowned gladiators champion 2026.
09:1230-year-old Tyler is a computer science teacher who swapped the classroom for the arena to compete in the
09:18gladiators heats.
09:19There he won on Destruction, Gauntlet and the Eliminator, smashing his way through to a place in the quarter-finals.
09:27Yes! Come on!
09:29In the quarters, he won Destruction again, beating Nitro.
09:32It's all your third time lucky.
09:34But despite a six-second head start, he was beaten in the Eliminator.
09:39I had nothing else to give.
09:41Tyler thought his gladiators' journey was over, but he returned in the semis as the fastest runner-up when Moe
09:47had to retire through injury.
09:49And went on to beat Finn in the Eliminator in 69 seconds, the fastest time of any contender this series.
09:56You're in the final, our gladiators!
09:59And taking on Tyler in the grand final is 27-year-old sales manager Josh.
10:04Josh was on track to graduate as a Royal Marine Commando, but had to step back from his military career
10:10to care for his terminally ill mum, and later became guardian to younger brother Max.
10:15He never let his army fitness slide, though, and has now put that training to use as a gladiators contender.
10:21In his heat, Josh defeated Viper in duel, and legend on the edge.
10:27You spelled generational hero wrong.
10:30But lost out to Finn in the Eliminator.
10:32Back he came, though, into the quarter-finals to replace the injured Mark, and this time won his Eliminator.
10:39Ham's overwhelmed. Got another opportunity. Let's go. Let's smash it.
10:42In the semi, Josh smashed collision.
10:44You know you're doing something right when Mark Clattenburg says excellent mid-game.
10:48Cheers, man.
10:48And overtook Sean at his four-second head start to win the Eliminator, and secure his place in the final.
10:55Come back. Head is here.
10:57Teacher Tyler and sales manager Josh go head-to-head, but only one can take the title. A gladiators champion
11:042026.
11:07Great to see you, Tyler. Welcome back, mate. You know what? You're in the final. Come on!
11:17What about that? What's your experience on gladiators been like?
11:20Well, I could sum it up perfectly. It's a bit like the big one at Blackpool. Up and down.
11:24There's been some highs and some lows, but do you know what? I wouldn't change the experience for the world.
11:28It's been fantastic.
11:29Brilliant. Good for you, mate.
11:30Any messages at all for the people at home or, indeed, the kids at school?
11:35If you want to do something, do it. Don't let anyone tell you you can't, because what's the worst that
11:39can happen?
11:40Absolutely. Couldn't agree more. And can you win this competition?
11:43I'm in the final, Brad. Why not? Let's go. Let's go. Wish you well. That is Tyler, everyone. Great job.
11:50Josh, welcome back. You're in the final of gladiators.
11:53I know. Of course I feel.
11:56What's your gladiators experience been like?
11:58You couldn't have up my story. I feel blessed to be here. I feel privileged.
12:02I'm excited to take on the gladiators, take on the games. Got my mum looking down on me.
12:06I've got my support group up there, and I'm absolutely buzzing to be here.
12:09Your brother, Max, he couldn't be here tonight, could he?
12:11No, unfortunately not. I was face-tating him yesterday. He was gutted he couldn't be here,
12:15but he's with me in here.
12:16Well, actually, we've got a very special message for you. Let's take a look at that now.
12:19Hi, Josh. It's your best bro here. You're doing me and the family. Very, very proud.
12:23Go out there and smash it, and good luck.
12:26Lovely message from Josh's brother, Max, there. Anything to say back to Max?
12:30He's going to watch his big brother on the final of gladiators.
12:32And your big brother's going to win it?
12:34Yes!
12:36Let's see it happen. Sheffield shows some luck for Tyler and Josh.
12:40Our male finalists are raring to go. They're heading into their first event.
12:46Unleashed.
12:48In position on the track for the male contenders, it's Tyler.
12:59Contender, you will go on my whistle, and then the gladiator will be unleashed.
13:06Contender, ready!
13:13Off goes Tyler. Just a two-second head start, and oh, look at Nitro.
13:18He has burst out of the tunnel. Even by his standards, that is impressive.
13:24A little stumble from Tyler, and Nitro takes the tag.
13:29Well, in his heat, Tyler got around the course in a super-quick time.
13:34This time, he couldn't get around the final bend.
13:38Nitro can't half-move.
13:41Well, Tyler might have thought he'd got through the wall unscathed, but that stumble cost him any chance at all.
13:49I set off fire, a pretty good start. We got to the wall, I could see him behind me.
13:53I'm sick of seeing him. So I've got to raise the game just like they have.
13:56Yeah, absolutely. Okay. Nitro.
14:00I've never won that unleash. So fast.
14:05Sadly, no points on with the next one. That is Nitro and Tyler.
14:13Okay, so on the track for the very first time, it is Josh.
14:23Contender, you will go on my whistle.
14:26And then the gladiator will be unleashed.
14:31Contender, ready!
14:38Well, Josh is quick, and we've heard that Josh is very confident,
14:42and it'll need to be both those things with Phantom tearing after him.
14:46But look at Josh go. How about the wall?
14:48What wall? Straight through it, and onto the steps already.
14:53Phantom only just getting round the final bend.
14:56Josh with two arms in the air, and a flag in his hands.
15:01He celebrates 10 points.
15:04Josh was so quickly off the mark, and then a perfect leap for the flag, and the perfect start.
15:12Congratulations, massive 10-pointer there.
15:14Oh, yeah, I know. I've been looking forward to doing this event since I signed up.
15:17So, turned up winning matters. Let's go!
15:19Yeah, absolutely.
15:21Josh, you are so fast, man.
15:24Thank you to Josh and our gladiator Phantom.
15:29If Phantom says you're fast, you're fast.
15:32Josh races into the lead. After one event, he's on 10 points. Tyler yet to score.
15:38Our next event requires tactical thinking and intelligence.
15:41I'll be good at that.
15:42And you also need to be super fit.
15:44Spoke too soon.
15:45It's our next event!
15:47Destruction.
15:49Destruction.
15:50Activating.
15:513, 2, 1.
16:03Destruction.
16:05Playing Destruction for the female finalists in red, it's Naomi.
16:10And in blue, it's Emily.
16:16And they are going to be taking on Cyclone.
16:22Cyclone's record on destruction is played 1-1-1, destroyed everything.
16:28Watch out, there's a storm coming.
16:33Contenders, ready!
16:39Gladiator, ready!
16:44Contenders, you will go on my first whistle.
16:47Gladiator, you will go on my second whistle.
16:513, 2, 1.
16:54It's Emily in blue, storming through barrier 1, followed by Naomi in red.
16:59And here comes Cyclone, straight away hammering away at barrier number 2.
17:05Emily trying to get through, she hasn't scored any points in two previous goes of destruction.
17:11And I think Cyclone's in the lead here.
17:13She's already taking on barrier number 3.
17:15The contenders aren't far behind and there is nothing between those two.
17:20The question is, can they get the speed and the power to overtake Cyclone?
17:25She's faced with her final barrier now, but so are the contenders.
17:30Naomi bounces off with a stagger.
17:33This is so close, they could all get through together.
17:36Cyclone does get through.
17:38Oh, who got the button first?
17:40It might have been Cyclone, it might have been Naomi.
17:44Has that slight hesitation cost Cyclone?
17:51Naomi was last through barrier 1, but caught up and reached the button at the same time as Cyclone.
17:58It's the closest finish to destruction we've ever seen.
18:01What a battle that was!
18:03We have the results.
18:05Yep.
18:05The winner of destruction is Cyclone.
18:10Whoa!
18:12So, as Naomi was in second place,
18:16I can award her five points.
18:19Thank you very much indeed.
18:21It looked like you made your way through the wall and all of a sudden,
18:24Cyclone realised you were there and thought, hang on, I better go for this.
18:27Yeah, I was surprised to see it.
18:28I thought she was already through to be honest.
18:30We've got the moment here, let's have a look at this.
18:33Oh, that was so close!
18:36I did not see her coming at all, but fair play to Naomi.
18:40I knew she'd be past this game, so I knew I had to be on my A game as well.
18:43Well, an incredible gladiator, unbeaten on destruction the entire series.
18:50That is Cyclone!
18:55Cyclone undefeated, but a great effort from Naomi sees her smash into the lead.
19:00It's 15-10.
19:02Playing destruction for the male finalists in red, it's Tyler.
19:08And in blue, it is Josh.
19:12And they are smashing against Giants!
19:16Well, he'll be fired up for this.
19:19Back in the heats, Tyler beat Giants in destruction,
19:22so the big man will be out for revenge tonight.
19:28Contenders, ready!
19:34Gladiator, ready!
19:40Contenders, you will go on my first whistle.
19:43Gladiator, you will go on my second whistle.
19:46Go, Tyler!
19:47Three, two, one!
19:50Tyler in the red, racing into action, and it's a good start from Josh as well.
19:55No surprise that Giants is through Barrier 1 with ease.
19:59Tyler has played 2-1-2 in destruction.
20:02Maximum points for him in this event.
20:04Josh, well, he hasn't got any points from him previously.
20:08Giant attacks Barrier 3.
20:10Tyler's there as well.
20:11It's neck and neck between them.
20:13Josh still with work to do to catch up.
20:17Giant hauls himself up and over Barrier 3.
20:21And look at Tyler!
20:22He's doing the same!
20:23This is going to be mightily close!
20:26Oh, a stagger!
20:27That took it out of Giants and Tyler!
20:30Number 4 takes some shifting, and it's allowing Josh the chance to catch up, baby!
20:36They're all giving it everything, and Tyler's found a hole!
20:39And he dives through for 10 points!
20:42Can Josh get 5?
20:44He just might, you know!
20:45He has!
20:46He beats Giants at the button!
20:49Those points could be big for Josh!
20:52This is incredible!
20:54The first time that both contenders have beaten the Gladiator to score points on destruction!
20:59What a grand final this is so far!
21:02You've played destruction three times now, and every time you've got 10 points!
21:06Yeah, this is uh, I'm king of destruction!
21:10Yeah!
21:11Next year when they want someone to do it, give me a call!
21:13Yeah!
21:15Josh, it's the first time you've scored on destruction!
21:17This is Tyler's game, no one's got him on this!
21:19That's for me, five points to his aim, five points to what I got!
21:24Fourth wall, what went wrong there?
21:26I feel like they reinforced it, Brad!
21:28I just want Tyler to come here a sec!
21:30Come and sit next to me!
21:35This, this image, this is what Gladiator is all about!
21:39David versus Goliath!
21:40I want to give him all the respect in the world, these both, both these guys deserve it!
21:44Oh, what a lovely thing to say!
21:46Thank you so much, Giants, Tyler and Josh!
21:52Both contenders pick up points as Tyler eats into Josh's advantage, but the Scotsman still leads 15-10!
21:59In our next event, the finalists need bravery, courage, and a chiropractor!
22:06It's Gauntlet!
22:11Taking on the Gauntlet for the female contenders, it's Naomi!
22:19And she is up against the power of Comet, Electro, Fire, Dynamite, and Cyclone!
22:35What a ferocious line-up for a final!
22:40Never mind Nick Carter, Fire's out to crush both contenders tonight!
22:46On her 15th appearance in this event, you'd have to say Electro is a Gauntlet specialist!
22:51She'll be looking for a contender shutdown!
22:56A formidable opponent, a mighty Gladiator, but catch up on a roast?
23:01Wrong!
23:02Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!
23:07Contender, ready!
23:13Gladiators, ready!
23:17Three, two, one!
23:20Only 15 seconds for contenders in the final, and Naomi takes a big hit from Electro!
23:26She's done well to recover so quickly!
23:29Now faced by Dynamite, but she's got around and she's into the final zone, and she's got past Cyclone!
23:35And gets the job done!
23:38Oh, that was really impressive! Naomi's first ever runner gauntlet! Magnificent!
23:46That was epic to watch! You completed it with three seconds left!
23:50Oh wow! That is amazing!
23:54Yeah, I've never run the gauntlet, and it's one of those childhood 90s games, I was like,
23:58I want to do that one, I want to do that one!
23:59Yeah!
24:00It's tough, but it's so fun!
24:01You absolutely smashed that, gave it your all, and it paid off, because that's 10 points!
24:06Next to run the gauntlet, it's Emily!
24:13Contender, ready!
24:18Gladiators, ready!
24:22Three, two, one!
24:25The reduced time was not a problem for Naomi, how about Emily?
24:29It's a really impressive start, she's already into zone three and not there for long,
24:34she's past fire, she's past Dynamite, and takes on Cyclone, and gets under for the full points!
24:42No fear, Emily, powering headfirst into every gladiator!
24:47What a way to run the gauntlet!
24:49First time you've played this?
24:50Yeah, absolutely, first time for me, looking forward to it as a rugby girl,
24:54if you wanted to get full send, great fun!
24:56What sort of a contender have we got here?
24:59Well, honestly, Emily is the kind of contender that we dream about coming up against, to be honest,
25:04because not only she's tiny, she's powerful, she represents a lot!
25:08That was a tough gauntlet for you, so well done!
25:11Emily, everyone, and the gladiators, thank you so much!
25:14The finalists bringing out our contenders A Games, maximum points again for both,
25:20means Naomi's on 25 points, Emily 20!
25:23Taking on the gauntlet for the male finalists, it's Tyler!
25:29And he'll be facing these five!
25:32Hammer, Steel, Viper, Phantom, and Apollo!
25:43I don't know about reigning men, it's going to start raining blows in a minute!
25:49Phantom's got a degree in history and economics!
25:51He'll be looking to make contenders history here!
25:56MUSIC PLAYS
26:00Covering his chocolate in chilli, no wonder Viper's always in a bad mood, he's not sweet enough!
26:07MUSIC PLAYS
26:11Hammer would like to be a lion, well, he's halfway there, he's got a killer instinct and a massive hairy
26:17mane!
26:17MUSIC PLAYS
26:21Contender, ready!
26:27Gladiators, ready!
26:31Three, two, one!
26:35Five gladiators, 15 seconds in the heat, Tyler completed gauntlet in ten, and look at him go!
26:41Limey is nearly through already, only Apollo can stop him!
26:45Well, he did what he could, but he couldn't do enough!
26:49Ten points, Tyler!
26:51MUSIC PLAYS
26:53Rugby-playing Tyler showed the gladiators who was boss, easily converting his try into a win!
27:01Just seeing you go through there, it was just like a knife through butter, the first three zones just slipped
27:05the gladiators!
27:06Yeah, yeah, love it, love the physicality, and so, yeah, pleased with that one!
27:11Yeah, guys, have we seen a better gauntlet than that?
27:13What a run!
27:15Yeah!
27:15Right, I'll tell you, he is the best to come down the gauntlet, there is no doubt about it, you
27:20can get a handshake!
27:22Unbelievable, my man!
27:24MUSIC PLAYS
27:24Massive ten points to Tyler!
27:26CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
27:30Next to run the gauntlet, it's Josh!
27:35CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
27:36Contender, ready!
27:42Gladiators, ready!
27:46Three, two, one!
27:49It's Josh's first time on gauntlet, and he felt the force of hammer straight away, no problem from Steel or
27:56Viper, Phantom holds him up, he has to let go though, and it's a dive past Apollo, through to the
28:02finish, for ecstatic Josh!
28:05An early hammer blow could have spelled the end for some contenders, but not Josh, that was an incredible performance!
28:12CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
28:13You've never played this before?
28:15Not, never played it, we've been looking forward to it!
28:17Well, let me tell you, just over ten seconds on that, that was pretty quick mate, I've got to say,
28:22what a wonderful run!
28:24CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
28:24Viper, any words?
28:32CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
28:41Check to see how many fingers you've got there!
28:44Great performance Josh, ten points!
28:47CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
28:50These contenders are leaving it all out there tonight, maximum points for the men, sees Josh remain ahead by five,
28:57he leads Tyler, 25 points to 20.
28:59CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
29:01Hey Dad, how are you heights?
29:02You know me Barnes, can't stand them, I once got a nosebleed standing on a footstool.
29:07All right, well unfortunately our finalists don't have that luxury, this is...
29:10The Edge!
29:12The Edge!
29:14The Edge!
29:17Contender and Gladiator are about to face off on this formidable steel structure, suspended 30 feet above the
29:24arena floor, one slip up, one wrong move, and it's a devastating drop down to defeat.
29:30Can they conquer it, or will they be cast off the Edge?
29:34CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
29:37On the Edge for the female contenders, it's Naomi!
29:41CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
29:44And she's hoping to avoid, she loves it up there, it's Sabre!
29:48CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
29:53Sabre's a specialist on the Edge, so Naomi will have to find some extra bite at height to take on
29:58this cunning cat.
30:03Contender, ready!
30:09Gladiator, ready!
30:14Three, two, one!
30:17No fear, Naomi, scored maximum points on the Edge in the Heats, and look at that!
30:23No problem right from the start!
30:25A puff of air, to celebrate Naomi's achievements, 30 feet in the air!
30:30Ooh, and a bit of gameplay with Sabre beckoning her to come onto her!
30:34Sabre does that, Naomi wriggles free, but she didn't get far away!
30:38What a contest this is!
30:40Naomi doing her own version of the worm up there!
30:43I just wonder whether Sabre might regret that opportunity to finish this off!
30:47She seemed to back away!
30:49She's enjoying herself though, and engages again now, and takes on Naomi!
30:54It's a strong tackle, and down they go!
31:03Naomi's attack on Sabre was a brave move, maybe foolish, she only scored two points, but it was a decent
31:10effort!
31:10I know when it's shut down!
31:12That was actual cat and mouse!
31:15What was going through your mind?
31:16I think, um, credit to Sabre, she covered the space really well, and they just have to look really big!
31:20Okay, uh, you love it out there, don't you?
31:22Yeah, I do, um, and I just want to tell you, you're the woman that we all need to look
31:27up to when we're little!
31:31And I hope your girls have had a great time here, and you're a wonderful contender!
31:35That's a lovely thing to say, Sabre!
31:38That is a wonderful thing to say!
31:40Big round of applause, Naomi, and of course Sabre!
31:46Next up on the edge, she scored maximum points in the heats, it's Emily!
31:56But tonight, she is up against...
31:59Fury!
32:03There's nothing fishy about Fury's record on the edge, when it comes to tackling, she's up there with the best!
32:14Contender, ready!
32:18Contender, ready!
32:20Gladiator, ready!
32:25Three, two, one!
32:28It was a maximum for Emily, last time she was on the edge, and she's really sure-footed as she
32:34gets past Fury for her first score, and Fury nearly fell through!
32:38Emily's flying up there, and she's gonna get across for another two points, she's under six!
32:43This is mightily impressive from Emily, Fury goes the right way this time, and engages, but it's the Gladiator who
32:51falls!
32:54Fury into the net, this is huge for Emily!
32:57She's gonna get the maximum ten, there it is, and that means she goes into the lead!
33:02She hasn't heard the klaxon, she wants to continue, but it's not gonna get her any more points!
33:08Ten it is, but ten, oh, that'll do!
33:12A role reversal, as Contender attacked Gladiator, Fury forced off, it's Emily's second maximum on this event!
33:23Great job on the edge, Emily!
33:24I honestly can't believe it, like, this is not my game for me, I don't like heights, but to go
33:29out there and do that again is an unreal feeling!
33:31Well, look, that's a massive ten points to you, congratulations, that is Emily!
33:38Another maximum haul sees Emily edge ahead, she leads Naomi by 30 points to 27!
33:44Hello?
33:45Alright, Guy?
33:46Legend, what are you doing here?
33:47Firstly, that's rude, secondly, I've heard your commentary downstairs, and it's even worse than normal, so I'm gonna give you
33:53a hand!
33:54I don't get this from Alan Shearer!
33:56Who?
33:56I literally have to do everything around here!
33:58Tyrone, such a rubbish contender!
34:01His name's Tyler, and it's his debut on the edge, and he'll be trying to avoid the mighty steel!
34:06Six foot, that's a lie, he's five foot seven, and his favourite show is Friends!
34:11That's ironic, because he hasn't got any!
34:12Over to Mark Klattenberg!
34:14He hasn't got any friends either!
34:29He hasn't got any friends!
34:43He hasn't got any friends, then he's got any friends!
34:44He hasn't got any friends!
34:45has him, Steele is going to pull him down. That's where it ends for Tyler. Six points on the ball.
34:55Another terrific effort from teacher Tyler, but Steele's top of the class today.
35:00Your first time on the edge? Oh, this is the one I've wanted to do from the very beginning,
35:05so thoroughly enjoyed that one. Yeah, absolutely. Steele. I knew he was going to be absolutely
35:09amazing this game. He's a great contender. I managed to get in the right position and he just
35:13put his head down and tried to run headfirst into me and I was like, I've never had that before.
35:18Six points to Tyler.
35:23Next on the edge, it's Josh.
35:28And he is up against Apollo. Oh, wow, Apollo. What's wrong with Apollo? He looks like an estate
35:34agent. Oh, okay. Nothing about the edge then? Yeah, he's all right at the edge to be fair.
35:38Probably the second best gladiator after me.
35:41And his mum's definitely made that sign.
35:44Contender, ready!
35:49Gladiator, ready!
35:54Three, two, one!
35:57Josh is off and running straight down the side.
36:00In his heat, Josh scored a maximum ten on the edge.
36:04Trying to throw Apollo off there, glancing this way and that. Oh, it's worked! Look at that for a change
36:10of direction! Too quick for the gladiator! And he's looking speedy, he wants more! Oh, Apollo's gone!
36:17Quickly followed by Josh!
36:20Hang on, are you eating crisps? Just do your job, guy.
36:23Well, I am trying, just like Josh, who's got himself four points.
36:27More like no point in me being here. I'm going home.
36:31Fair enough. Short but sweet.
36:34See you later, loser.
36:36Bye, legend.
36:37Always a pleasure.
36:39So close, but a great four points. Are you pleased?
36:41Yeah, that's my favourite game. I absolutely love it up there.
36:44He came past me with some speed. I thought I could slip him and get the full ten there, but
36:47happy with the four. So much fun.
36:49All right, let's talk to Apollo. Apollo, great from you.
36:52You said it, Barney.
36:55I'm always going to play the game the same way. All gas, no brakes, always going to go for it.
36:59Try and give you guys a good show. That's what I'm about, and I love it up there.
37:03Thank you to Josh and Apollo.
37:09Well, that was a weird dream. Tyler now edging closer to Josh.
37:13He's on 26 points. Josh on 29.
37:16No grand final would be complete without one of the most iconic gladiators events of all time.
37:22Not off. Pugil sticks at the ready. It is time for Duel.
37:28Duel.
37:32Playing duel for the female finalists. It's Naomi.
37:40And she'll be taking on a gladiator who's been cheered on all series by her fans,
37:45also known as her Tiny Mites. Sheffield, go wild for Dynamite!
37:58From ten duels, Dynamite has two draws and eight wins.
38:02She's never been beaten. Has Naomi got what it takes?
38:09Contender, ready!
38:14Gladiator, ready!
38:19En garde!
38:27Three, two, one!
38:31Right on the whistle. They both swing together.
38:34Dynamite's going at this hard and fast. Oh, a little topple there from Naomi.
38:39She didn't use the podium for balance, though. She's okay.
38:42And she's giving it all she's got. Dynamite now, they're getting on top.
38:46And this time, the whistle does go. She's overbalanced. She's out of there.
38:54Dynamite delivering some devastating blows, and once the balance has gone like that, it's game over.
39:00Let me ask you, Naomi, what was going through your mind, other than a great big fluffy lullapop?
39:05In my heat. And I was knocked off in the first blow, so it was just, stay longer than that.
39:10Great performance from you.
39:12That was carnage, that whole fight, but it was a proper fight.
39:15And I love it. Like, she's really put us gladiators to the test.
39:18Well done. Thank you so much. Put your hands together now.
39:21And of course, Dynamite!
39:26Next on Duel, it's Emily.
39:31And Emily is taking on Sabre!
39:37In two appearances on Duel, Emily's lost one and drawn one.
39:41Sabre's undefeated on the podium.
39:43Can Emily make it third time lucky?
39:45Or will the cat get the cream once more?
39:50Mantenda, ready!
39:56Gladiator, ready!
40:00En garde!
40:103, 2, 1!
40:13Sabre's so strong at Duel, and she's started really well.
40:18Emily forced into pure defense right now.
40:20She's just managed a couple of blows of her own, then a jab.
40:23But look at Sabre going to work.
40:25There's a reason she's undefeated up there.
40:28Emily's making her work. Oh, Sabre nearly went!
40:31Sabre has gone! For the first time, knocked off the Duel podium.
40:39That's incredible.
40:41Could Emily be dancing her way to the gladiator's crown?
40:48Sabre had a strong start, but Emily absorbed every blow, and ultimately toppled the Tigress.
40:59Oh, wow!
41:00That was epic!
41:02I cannot believe that that just happened.
41:05Like, I cannot believe that she gave some massive hits.
41:07I could see her doing the double tap.
41:08I thought, I'll give that right back.
41:10And saw that wobble and just sort of tried to capture that from the same side.
41:13Yeah.
41:13And the way she flew.
41:14Oh, Sabre, talk to me about that.
41:17I'm fuming!
41:22However, what I will say is, the reason Emily is here is because she is strong.
41:28Yeah.
41:28And she's not afraid to bring it.
41:30You know that moment in a video game when you get right to the end of the big boss,
41:34and you don't know if you're going to beat them.
41:36Well, she's only gone and done it.
41:38She's only gone and done it indeed.
41:41That is 10 points to you. Congratulations.
41:43Thank you to Emily and, of course, Sabre.
41:48Oh, how big is that result?
41:50Emily's opened up a 13-point lead.
41:53She finishes on 40 with Naomi on 27.
41:56That could be crucial in the eliminator.
41:59On the dual podium for the male finalists, it's Tyler.
42:06And he is facing Hammer!
42:19Just look at the difference in stats here.
42:22Tyler giving up a whole foot in height and 36 kilos in weight advantage.
42:27This might be this teacher's biggest ever exam.
42:34Contender, ready!
42:39Gladiator, ready!
42:45En garde!
42:54Three, two, one!
42:57Tyler was beaten by Nitro in his heat on dual, and he's been beaten by Hammer already in the final.
43:05Blink and you missed it.
43:10Well, they say every second counts, but there weren't any seconds to count in that game.
43:15A decisive win for Hammer!
43:18You lasted three seconds.
43:20Better than none, but look at the size of the ball.
43:22He's taller than me kneeling down, so, you know.
43:25Sadly, no points for you, Tyler.
43:27Hammer, anything to say?
43:29Sheffield!
43:30What time is it?
43:32It's time!
43:36Count time!
43:40Count time!
43:41Put your hands together, Hammer and Tyler!
43:47Next up on the dual podium, it is Josh.
43:54And he's up against Nitro!
44:02Here he is, the energy man to close the show for the gladiators.
44:07Let's see if Nitro can deliver a fast finish to Josh.
44:14Contender, ready!
44:19Gladiator, ready!
44:24En garde!
44:33Three, two, one!
44:37Josh knows he's going to have to give this his very, very best.
44:40But all the contenders have done that all night long.
44:44Nitro getting into action now.
44:46Swinging and hitting, but Josh standing firm.
44:49Oh, Nitro nearly lost his balance.
44:51And nearly again the other way.
44:53Oh, what a battle this is!
44:55A proper duel to end the evening!
44:58And that is where Josh's duel comes to an end.
45:02A victory for Nitro!
45:07Another one, another one, another one, another one.
45:09Josh put up a good fight, but when Nitro's firing at all cylinders,
45:14hitting the mat must be sweet relief.
45:16We've looked at the video.
45:17Yeah.
45:17We looked at an issue with a pugil stick of the gladiator, which touched the platform of the contender.
45:24But we believe it wasn't for balance.
45:26This is okay within the rules, and therefore we can award Josh no points.
45:35Certainly no points.
45:36Yeah, I think I'll have to review that footage myself later on, but we'll take it on the chin and
45:41we'll go on.
45:42Nitro is undefeated on this event.
45:43For a reason, it feels like you're getting hit by a truck, honestly.
45:46But look, Nitro at the end of the day, still undefeated.
45:49Still undefeated, which is obviously a great feeling, but look, we're in the final,
45:53and I can say, this guy, he's come with such energy, and he's come so focused today to actually do
46:00a job.
46:01He knew what you wanted to do up there, so everyone, let's hear it for him. Come on.
46:05That is Josh and Nitro!
46:14So we have our final scores for the man, and they're unchanged, with Josh leading Tyler 29 to 26,
46:20and taking a slender advantage into the Eliminator.
46:25After the highs, lows, pain and glory, it all comes down to this.
46:31It is the ultimate end game, and whoever wins will be crowned our Gladiators champion.
46:38Sheffield, buckle up. It's time for the Eliminator!
46:43The Eliminator.
46:46As we head into the Eliminator, any lead is converted into a head start,
46:50each point's worth half a second. So Emily begins with a six and a half second advantage,
46:56in the grand final Eliminator.
47:00To be crowned Gladiators champion,
47:05Contenders ready!
47:10Emily, you will go on my first whistle.
47:12Naomi, you will go on my second whistle.
47:15Three, two, one!
47:19Away goes Emily.
47:21Naomi was faster than her in the semifinals, but Emily's quarterfinal time of 81 seconds is faster than
47:28Naomi has ever run. This could be epic! Emily holds herself up to the platform, having climbed up the
47:36rope, but look at that! The gap's closing already! Here comes Naomi! Emily doesn't need to look back.
47:43She will sense that her rival is nearby. An effortless swing across onto the cargo net,
47:50and this is where it could really close up. It's all about the climb.
47:55Look at the way that net is wobbling for both contenders, and I'm sure their nerves are jangling as well.
48:02They've got to keep the power in those arms and legs. Emily's still going to have a slender lead as
48:08she gets to the top. Oh goodness me, this is close. They're going to swing down the zip wire almost
48:15together before they take on the dastardly balanced beam, which has done for many an
48:22eliminator lead of this series. Emily looks concentrated, focused, and most importantly balanced,
48:28and she's raced across the beam. Naomi's wobbling. Now it has come unstuck. She's got to start again.
48:35Here goes Emily. She's never got off the Travelator first time, but when it matters most of all,
48:42she gets there and is our female Gladiators champion.
48:49Naomi's still got her pride to race up that Travelator for, and she does it and says thank you to
48:56her
48:56family to daughters Aurelia and Naomi. Brave effort from Naomi, a gallant runner-up.
49:08Naomi did so well to catch up with Emily on the cargo net, but the balance beam was her downfall,
49:14whilst Emily beat the Travelator first time for the first time ever, and she's our champion.
49:20What a final that has been. Naomi, you closed the gap. You were neck and neck,
49:25I promise you. Balance beam. Balance beam. You know, my nemesis,
49:31but in all honesty, I'm just so happy. Like, Emily, what an athlete, what a woman to represent
49:40to young people. Who she is, what she is, everything about this girl is a winner,
49:45and I'm happy to be in the final with her. That is amazing. Naomi, everyone! Extraordinary!
49:54Emily, best birthday ever?
49:59No words. Unforgettable. I just, I just want glad it is season three on my 23rd birthday.
50:05Yeah, she did.
50:07What? You can't like that. I mean, I could not imagine being here with a better person.
50:12Like, obviously, we've made his three oldest and youngest female contenders, but like, what a woman.
50:17She is such an inspiration that shows her at any age. Just go out and do it. Just go out
50:21and do it.
50:23And your family, week after week, they've come here to watch you perform.
50:27Any words to your friends and family over there?
50:30Like, I don't have the words. You know what this means to me.
50:33You know what I'm like. I could not be here without you.
50:36To have the people that I love most right here with me.
50:39I love each other one of you infinitely and forever. Thank you.
50:44It has been the most extraordinary show.
50:48Naomi, please receive the runners-up medal from Leigh.
50:52Congratulations.
50:53Naomi, everybody!
50:57Thank you so much.
50:59Emily, without further ado,
51:01You are our Gladiators Champion 2026!
51:16Can't see your friends and family. Inspirational, you really are.
51:30So Emily is female Gladiators Champion 2026.
51:36And now it's the men's turn.
51:38Josh has a three-point lead, so we'll start just one and a half seconds ahead of Tyler
51:42as they race for the title.
51:44For one last time this series, it's over to Mark Glattenberg.
51:50To be crowned Gladiators Champion.
51:54Contenders, ready!
51:58Josh, you will go on my first whistle.
52:02Tyler, you will go on my second whistle.
52:05Three, two, one!
52:08For the first time all series, Josh isn't playing catch-up on the Eliminator.
52:13He sets off first, and he's got to make sure he stays in that position.
52:17It won't be easy.
52:19Tyler is the fastest across the Eliminator all series at just 69 seconds.
52:25Well, they've both made short work of the overhead ladders.
52:28In one movement, Josh swings across and leaps onto the cargo net.
52:32But look at Tyler! He's overtaken him!
52:35Oh, that was wonderful! What a move that was from the teacher from Wigan.
52:40He's taken full advantage of Josh getting himself into a tangle, and he's struggling to get out of that mess.
52:46Climbing well now, but not as well as Tyler, who gets to the top first.
52:51As with the female contenders, this is shaping up to be a fittingly close Eliminator to finish with.
52:57It's going to be Tyler versus the beam first.
53:01That slip won't do much for his confidence.
53:03All normal, that wobble.
53:05Josh overtakes him, but he's gone.
53:07Josh goes back to the start, and Tyler will have to do the same.
53:11Ordered back by Mark Kladenberg. He didn't finish the beam.
53:16Oh, take three for Josh. Take three for Tyler.
53:19The beam is doing its worst. Calm down, contenders.
53:24Nerves settled. They're both a lot more balanced this time, and they're going to take on the Travelator together.
53:30Oh, Tyler's gone! Josh gets to the top and wins.
53:35That was for you, Max. You have watched him win.
53:39Over to Tyler to finish. You can see the effort and the disappointment in his face,
53:44but he's got much to be proud of. They know it. He knows it. And we've all just seen it.
53:57Oh, deep breath. That has to be one of the most dramatic Eliminators of all time.
54:02But it was Josh who came out on top to become our Male Champion 2026.
54:09I've never seen anything like it. Tyler, what do you say? Talk us through it.
54:14Oh, we knew it was going to be a tight race. Third play to Josh. He's been knocked down.
54:19He's come back up. To get second on the show is an achievement in itself.
54:25And, yeah, I'm really proud of myself.
54:32Josh, how much does this mean to you?
54:35I was thinking about it before he came out. We knew it was going to be a close battle.
54:39It could have been either way. And if I had lost, it couldn't have been to a better guy.
54:43Well, let's hear it for Tyler, everyone.
54:49Your family are so proud of you. And I know, look, you've got your brother's message at the top of
54:54the show.
54:54How much did that mean to you? Did that spare you on?
54:57Massively, massively. Honestly, it caught me completely off guard.
54:59So I had that extra little boost. I was thinking of my mum the entire time.
55:03You guys are loud, Sheffield, but if my mum was here, I think she would out-steam the lot of
55:07you, to be honest.
55:08So this win is for my family.
55:11Tyler, here you are. You are the Gladiators 2026 runner-up.
55:17There you are, Tyler, everyone, but that's another Tyler.
55:20What a race he's been on. What a series he's had.
55:25Josh, without further ado, you are the Gladiators champion 2026.
55:45Go and see your friends and families. Well done, Tyler. God bless you, mate. Well done, Josh.
56:08That was awesome. Unbelievable. What an incredible finish. What a finish.
56:14I don't want it to end. Can't we do it all over again? Best of three? I wish.
56:18That's it for this series. Our champions are off to celebrate.
56:21So am I with a bubble bar and a bit of Barry Manilow. Don't knock it till you try it.
56:26Thanks for watching and we'll see you soon for more Gladiators!
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