Emily Bell and Josh McDonald have been crowned the winners of Gladiators 2026 after a thrilling grand final. Bell, aged 23, and Naomi Church, aged 40, became the youngest and oldest female contenders in the show's history, making history with their appearance in the final.
The final saw Bell gain a decisive advantage on the balance beam and conquer the travelator in a single attempt for the first time this series, securing her victory. Speaking after her win, Bell said: 'I just won Gladiators season three on my 23rd birthday! We've made history as the oldest and youngest female contenders. What a woman, she is such an inspiration and shows that at any age, just go out and do it.'
McDonald triumphed in a dramatic travelator battle against Tyler Spence, dedicating his win to his family. He told host Bradley Walsh: 'We knew it was going to be a close battle and it could have gone either way. I was thinking about my mum the entire time, this win is for my family.'
Bell, who also holds a degree from Cambridge, said she never wants to attempt the travelator again. She added: 'I don't think I will fully comprehend for a long time what I've accomplished... That beautiful G trophy is going right next to my framed Cambridge degree.'
