Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Chris Ramsey has opened up about his fears after being announced as part of the Celebrity Gladiators line-up. The comedian has signed up for the BBC's Gladiators: Celebrity Special alongside AJ Odudu, George Clarke and Sara Pascoe.
The four celebrities will battle through fan favourite events such as Duel, Unleash and Powerball, before going head-to-head in the Eliminator.
Chris Ramsey's Rehab Concerns
Chris, who turns 40 in August, admitted that he feared ending up in rehab after the stint. He said: "As someone who religiously watched Gladiators as a kid, it’s beyond incredible to be taking part in the show myself! However, a large part of me does wish it could have been while I was in my 20s and not 40… but there you go."
The star, who was a Strictly Come Dancing contestant in 2019, added: "I’m looking forward to the challenge, the excitement, the crowd and going head-to-head with the Gladiators and the inevitable months of rehab and physiotherapy that will no doubt follow."
George Clarke's Joke About Partner
George Clarke, also a former Strictly star who reached the final last year with professional dancer Alexis Warr, joked about the physical challenge. "I was missing the BBC packing me into a small tight outfit, so Gladiators felt perfect!" he said. "Unfortunately, I don’t think I can rely on a partner to carry me through this one. Might have to get training!"
Excitement from AJ Odudu and Sara Pascoe
TV presenter AJ Odudu said it was "so exciting" to be doing the show, as she had wanted to do it when she was a child. Comedian Sara Pascoe joked: "Celebrity Gladiators is the ideal opportunity for me to live out my childhood dream of humiliating myself on national television."
The sports entertainment show was a huge hit for ITV in the 1990s, hosted by Ulrika Jonsson. It was resurrected for a new series in 2024, with The Chase star Bradley Walsh and his son Barney presenting the reboot. Three series have aired so far, and a fourth run is set to air in 2027. Gladiators: Celebrity Special will air on BBC One later this year.
