As this year’s exhilarating competition comes to a close, Bradley and Barney Walsh host as four grand finalists take on the superhuman Gladiators before going head-to-head in the gruelling Eliminator one last time. The Contenders have tasted victory in the heats, battled in the quarters and survived the semis, but now it all comes down to the final! The arena is set, the Gladiators are waiting in the wings and only five brutal events stand between them and the ultimate Eliminator, which will determine who will be crowned Gladiators champion 2025.
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:00This is the grand final of Gladiators!
00:05Please welcome your hosts, it's Bradley and Barney Walsh!
00:17Hello and welcome to the grand final of Gladiators!
00:23The excitement in the arena is incredible.
00:27This is the grand final of Barney Walsh,
00:30after ten weeks of gruelling competition,
00:32as tonight the coveted Gladiators trophy is up for grabs.
00:34Barnes, you ready?
00:35Oh, I'm ready.
00:36But the question is, Sheffield, are you ready?
00:38Yes!
00:40Oh, yeah, I think they're ready, mate.
00:42I think they are too.
00:43Well, before we get going, we've got some sad news
00:46about one of our finalists who is unable to compete tonight.
00:49She's a real warrior, so please welcome Xavier!
00:57Oh, my goodness.
01:04Xavier, remind everyone in the semis what happened there.
01:07I got a bit of a bad tackle in Powerball.
01:09I'm on the mend now, but it's just not enough time
01:12for me to get back into it today, so...
01:14Life goes on!
01:15You know, this is the best experience I've ever had in my life.
01:18I'm so happy that I've got to experience it,
01:20so thank you so much for having me!
01:24You've been absolutely incredible.
01:26The Xavier, everybody!
01:27Yes!
01:33With that news, it does mean we will be bringing in
01:36the fastest runner-up from the semis.
01:38Say hello, it's Anila and Amanda!
01:42Amanda!
01:58Taking part in honour of her late mum,
02:00Amanda sure knows how to raise the bar.
02:03In the heat, she shook off Dynamite's clutches
02:06to scale the wall.
02:07Come on!
02:08The quarter-final was a dress rehearsal
02:10for tonight's grand final as she faced Anila.
02:13Amanda ran Sabre absolutely ragged
02:16to score maximum points on the edge.
02:18That was absolutely phenomenal!
02:21In the semi-finals, Amanda blasted her way
02:24to the highest score ever in Powerball.
02:26I do love a cuddle, so this one's definitely made for me.
02:29Giving her a seven-and-a-half-second lead
02:31in the eliminator, more than enough
02:33to power her way through to the final.
02:35Dreams really do come true, and here we are.
02:39Supply teacher and mother of two, Anila's journey
02:41to the final has been far from textbook.
02:45In the heat, her toughness was a talking point.
02:47I've never seen strength like it.
02:49The game's called Hang Tough, right?
02:52And her speed spoke for itself in the quarters.
02:55The fastest female to complete unleash.
02:57Anila, you did it!
02:59And she wasn't just breaking records either.
03:03Me being here as a woman in the hijab,
03:05it's breaking so many barriers.
03:07She just lost out in the eliminator,
03:09but got to the semis as the fastest runner-up.
03:13After a titanic effort in gauntlet,
03:15she was narrowly beaten in the eliminator by Xavier,
03:18but comes to today's final again as the fastest runner-up.
03:23Will Warrington's warrior or Manchester's taekwondo queen
03:27become our female gladiators champion 2025?
03:31Welcome, welcome, Anila.
03:37You're in the final!
03:39What an unbelievable turn of events.
03:43What a journey it's been for you.
03:45It's been such a rollercoaster,
03:47and I'm so honoured to be representing Xavier here today.
03:50I've actually got some of her gems on.
03:52Oh, that's lovely, that's lovely, that's brilliant.
03:54Yeah.
03:55I'm so excited.
03:56I actually can't believe it.
03:57This is the final and I'm here!
03:59Anila, everybody!
04:05Amanda, welcome to the final of Gladiators!
04:08What a journey this has been.
04:11This has been absolutely wild,
04:13and what a better show to be on.
04:15Well, we're wishing you all the very best of luck.
04:17That is Anila and Amanda, everybody!
04:20Well, they're clearly more than ready,
04:22so let's get things going.
04:25The Edge.
04:29Grand finalists, prepare for liftoff.
04:35As we get things underway 30 feet in the air.
04:39Our first event will push the contenders to their limits.
04:44One false move or one huge gladiator tackle
04:48will send them plunging into the abyss.
04:51The long march to victory starts at the Edge.
04:59Taking to the Edge for the female contenders,
05:02it's Amanda.
05:04After first meeting in the heat,
05:05it's time for a rematch against Fury.
05:10Fury's background in rugby and tackling
05:12gives her the edge on this event.
05:14Watch out, Amanda.
05:15You could be about to get knocked down again.
05:22Contender!
05:24Ready!
05:28Gladiator!
05:30Ready!
05:31Three!
05:35Two!
05:37One!
05:39Oh, you can feel the excitement in the arena
05:41as Amanda darts down the side to get two points straight away.
05:45Now Fury's in position.
05:47The next run back will not be quite so easy for our contender.
05:50Look at Fury go!
05:51Not quick enough though!
05:53Amanda's there to score four now.
05:56Trying to get back down that far side again,
05:58but Fury so quickly across.
06:01And now the game of tactics begins.
06:04Who's going to make the first move?
06:06Who's going to score the decisive move?
06:08Oh, Amanda's stumbled!
06:10This is Fury's chance!
06:12She's got a hold of the contender!
06:14Surely now a matter of time!
06:16But look at Amanda, she's digging in!
06:18She's holding on!
06:19I don't think we've seen a game of the edge quite like this!
06:23This is quite incredible!
06:25Amanda will not be wrestled free!
06:28She's not going to make that drop!
06:30In fact, she's got to the platform to score again!
06:36This is remarkable!
06:38Time's going to beat her as she goes back to try and score again.
06:42But that is a phenomenal way to start the grand final.
06:47CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
06:50Nobody escapes a Fury tackle!
06:53Not even at ground level, never mind 30 feet up in the air!
06:56This was something else from Amanda!
06:59What a start!
07:00That was phenomenal!
07:02I've never seen a wrestle on the edge before!
07:04You held on for dear life and got the points!
07:07With Jodo along, I love a cuddle!
07:10Nothing more than up there with this girl!
07:12What dream this is!
07:13I've just got to apologise to Amanda's missus for that!
07:17LAUGHTER
07:19That was the craziest game ever!
07:21And I honestly didn't think...
07:23I thought I was going to go off, Amanda was going to go off!
07:26Honestly, credit to you, that was just amazing up there!
07:28Yeah!
07:29Truly well done!
07:30That's Amanda, everybody!
07:31And, of course, our gladiator, Fury!
07:38Oh, what a battle!
07:39Amanda, without doubt, is the best contender I've ever come across!
07:43Do you reckon?
07:44100%!
07:45She's just fearless, not scared of contact, just goes 100% and just does not back down.
07:50And that's deadly!
07:51Just dig in deep and remember that she's not here to play and neither are we!
07:58Next on the edge, it's Anila!
08:04And she's dodging Sabah!
08:09Last time out on the edge, Anila failed to score a single point!
08:13And you can be sure that Sabah means business tonight!
08:17There'll be no horsing around!
08:22Contender, Rene!
08:27Gladiator, Rene!
08:33Three, two, one!
08:37And they're off!
08:39With Anila trying a different sort of tactic, but there's the check back and there's the tackle from Sabah!
08:44Sabah!
08:46Anila has gone to the platform, Mark Klanberg says, yes, you've scored two!
08:50And now she's scored four!
08:52Or only just!
08:54She nearly came a cropper and fell down a great big hole!
08:58Drama from the start for Anila's grand final!
09:02And she takes deep breaths and goes again!
09:05But this time Sabah has got her claws in!
09:11Wow, what an eventful start for Anila!
09:14And what about this?
09:15For a tackle from Sabah!
09:16A flying start!
09:17How do you feel?
09:18My legs were shaking before I even got up there!
09:19So it was just about trying to take some deep breaths and do my best mentally just to go for it!
09:24Yeah, no, I don't blame y'all!
09:25Sabah!
09:26Bit of an illegal tackle in the corner there, trying to trap her against the scaffolding!
09:27Oh, me!
09:28Definitely not!
09:29The contenders are great, but sometimes you've just got to remind them, I've got the eye of the tiger!
09:30Thanks, of course, to Sabah!
09:31More importantly, two crosses, four points from the start!
09:32Thanks!
09:33And the best!
09:34And the best!
09:36To Sabah!
09:37What do you feel?
09:38My legs were shaking before I even got up there!
09:39So it was just about trying to take some deep breaths and do my best mentally just to go for it!
09:40Yeah, no, I don't blame y'all!
09:41Sabah!
09:42Bit of an illegal tackle in the corner there, trying to trap her against the scaffolding!
09:46Oh, me!
09:47Definitely not!
09:49The contenders are great, but sometimes you've just got to remind them, I've got the eye of the tiger!
09:56Thanks, of course, to Sabah!
09:57More importantly, two crosses, four points from the start!
10:00Anila!
10:06So after one event Amanda has the narrow lead. She's on six, Anila on four.
10:14Time now to meet our male finalists, please. Welcome back, Joe and Mouss!
10:30SCARBRA GYMNAS Joe is as strong as he is rapid. In the heats, he escaped Apollo in Unleash before flying through to the quarter-finals, setting a new record eliminator time.
10:53In the quarters, his trademark speed saw him leap to victory on the edge, getting the full ten points in 19.7 seconds. Yet another record.
11:03I've never seen anything like that. That was a hell of a show.
11:06Back on the wall in the semis, he left steel in the dust, before blazing to victory in the eliminator, ensuring that Grandma Christine is back for tonight's grand final.
11:17Goal!
11:19London youth worker Mus describes himself as an urban athlete. He took some serious knocks in the ring, but that didn't stop him scaling the wall in record time to spark a rivalry with legend.
11:31In the quarters, he came out swinging to see off his old pal in Hangta.
11:36Been waiting all my life to do that.
11:39Onto the semis, where a grudge match on the wall saw Mus fly to the top, breaking his own record.
11:44It's pathetic.
11:47And with a record-breaking eliminator time, he clinched his spot in the final tonight.
11:51You're in the final, Gladiators!
11:54So it's North versus South. Will it be Joe or will it be Mus to be crowned Male Gladiators Champion 2025?
12:07Joe!
12:09You're in the final!
12:10Right, I can't believe I'm here.
12:11It is definitely a pinch me moment.
12:15Now we have to say hello to your grandma, your man, who you call your mum, of course.
12:20There you are. Hi she is. Christine, lovely to see you again.
12:25Oh, smashing. Thoughts on tactics at all?
12:28I mean, this guy's super fast. I know what I have to do. I know I have to beat my personal best.
12:33And I'm going to do it. I'm going to go all out. Goes blazing.
12:35Good for you, mate. That is Joe, everyone!
12:38Good right, Joe.
12:42Mus, welcome. You're in the final, my friend. You've got to be happy.
12:49I think I'm absolutely grateful that I actually get to do it, not once, but four times.
12:53And it even gives me more of an opportunity to continue to inspire all the young people that I work with as well, and other young people who want to aspire to come on the show.
13:02Do you fancy your chances tonight?
13:04100%, 100%.
13:05Well, listen, all the best to luck, miss. That is Joe and Muss, everybody!
13:11Never mind the nerves, they're raring to go, and it's their turn to face...
13:16The Edge.
13:20First up on the edge for the male finalists, it's Joe.
13:27And he is hoping to avoid...
13:30Legend!
13:31Just look at Legend's numbers. A perfect record on the edge, which works for him.
13:40Perfect is his favourite word.
13:47Contender, ready!
13:52Gladiator, ready!
13:54Three, two, one!
14:02Away goes Joe, skipping down the side.
14:06Legend quite happy to give up that first score.
14:09And now the game really begins.
14:11A push from Legend, but Joe kept his balance.
14:14And look at him, high-stepping his way across the edge to score again.
14:18Another big jump, another tap from Legend, and Joe now is hanging on.
14:24Legend comes over to finish the job.
14:27One hand off. Sorry, Christine.
14:30Your boy's going down.
14:31And Legend, legendary form on the edge continues.
14:41Once more, you've got to hand it to Legend.
14:45One hand, two hands.
14:47See ya!
14:48That is absolutely electric to watch. It really is, mate.
14:55Yeah, when you have somebody called Legend hunting you down.
14:59He plays it very well tactically as well.
15:02He's really at home up there, to be honest.
15:04Gotta say, coming to you, sir, you have brought your A-game to this final.
15:08Correct.
15:16OK, that was rather enlightening.
15:20Next to take to the edge, it's Muss.
15:23And he's facing Apollo.
15:25These two met on the edge in the heats and Muss only managed two points.
15:30Can he improve on that tonight?
15:32Or will Apollo find his form up in the goths?
15:34Contender, ready!
15:40Gladiator, ready!
15:45Three, two, one!
15:51Muss goes for the tried and tested way to start a run across the edge.
15:57And he tried to dart down that side quickly again, but Apollo was ready this time.
16:01Well, make a move, buddy. I'll dance for a bit, man.
16:04And Apollo is chatting away to the contender.
16:07He's trying to break him down psychologically before making that hit that will prove decisive.
16:13Look at the eyes of Muss. Oh, he's seen his chance now.
16:16Puts the brakes on just in time.
16:18Apollo went across really sharply to stop any chance of Muss getting there.
16:23And here's the Apollo grab! And down he goes! Hello! Abyss calling!
16:40Again, just two points for Muss on the edge, but it's ten out of ten for Apollo.
16:44A great defensive play from the Gladiator.
16:50Muss, you faced Apollo in the heats, you got two points, you faced him again tonight, still two points.
16:56Yeah, yeah. It's not easy. No.
16:59Especially against Apollo as well. But such a huge wingspan, it's like...
17:03He's got the goalkeeper genetics, for sure.
17:05Apollo, it's hard to get around you up there. You're just so big, mate.
17:10Buy me a drink first, Barney.
17:12That is two points to Muss, everybody!
17:17So, one event in and Joe edges into the lead on four, Muss just behind on two.
17:24Next up, it's Unleash, our new event where a mystery Gladiator bursts out of a cloud of smoke to give the performance of a lifetime.
17:31Where's he gone now?
17:32Tonight, Barnes, I'm going to be Shirley Bassey. Wrong show.
17:38This is Unleash!
17:40Unleash.
17:44Unleash.
17:46Track loading.
17:47On the track with no idea which Gladiator is about to be unleashed, it's Anila!
18:04Contender, you will go on my whistle. And then the Gladiator will be unleashed. Contender, ready!
18:18Anila sets off, and sets off very quickly. And here comes Electro, flying out of the gates. She caught Anila in the heat. Can Anila escape this time? Well, she's putting in a really good shift, but the wall has really slowed her down. Round the bend, a little bit of a stagger from Electro. Now, one at a time. Anila scampers up those steps, and takes the ball.
18:36She's done it!
18:54Electro's first ever defeat in Unleash. She's been unplugged. Anila was supercharged!
19:00That was epic! You were so fast!
19:03She caught me once, she wasn't catching me again!
19:07Electro, you're one of our fastest Gladiators. You're unbeaten on Unleash right up until the final. How do you feel?
19:12You know what? I want to blame you, actually, Barnes, because the last time I came back out here, she was like, you're unbeaten. I said, I don't want to get gassed too quickly. So it's your fault.
19:22I'm so sorry.
19:24Give it up for Anila and our Gladiator, Electro!
19:28And our Gladiator, Electro!
19:33Next on the track and ready to run, it's Amanda!
19:42Contender, you will go on my whistle, and then the Gladiator will be unleashed. Contender, ready!
19:51So Anila has set the marker for Amanda, and it's Fire who emerges from the smoke, and it's another Unleash rematch. Fire caught Amanda in the heat, and she's closing the gap already here. Amanda through the wall. Look how close Fire is now. The steps will be key. One at a time goes Amanda. Here comes Fire! And she's burned her again.
20:10Amanda took the flag. Fire had already taken the tag. Strictly speaking, this has to be her best event.
20:29Amanda, full of determination, but got stopped on the steps by the always friendly Fire.
20:36I think, to be fair, Fire toying with you up the stairs. Come round Fire. Come round, come round.
20:44Get back. Bit of toying around. A tiny bit. I'm like one of the fastest spinners in British history, and she's literally running for her life. And then at one point I looked up and I was like, oh, it's just right there, because I've got a really long reach if you didn't notice.
20:57Yes, you do have Fire. You do, thank you very much.
21:00Amanda, sadly no points. Thank you Fire. And Amanda, everybody. Thank you.
21:09So after the second event, the lead has changed hands. Anila has raced in front on 14. Amanda stays on 6.
21:18On the track now for the third time in the competition. He's never been caught. Can he do the triple? It's Joe!
21:25Contender, you will go on my whistle. And then the gladiator will be unleashed. Contender, ready!
21:42Joe hasn't been caught so far. And it's Hammer who's been given the task this time. Over the first hurdle, Joe maintaining a solid lead. Can Hammer reel him in?
21:53Best of luck, Hammer, because Joe is an absolute flying machine. Here he goes. The steps can be tricky. Hammer races up.
22:02And Joe just manages to stay out of his reach. It was so close. But once again, it's the Joe Show.
22:13Well, Joe had a little glance back over his shoulder and saw Hammer right behind him. A scary sight to make him take flight.
22:21That was sensational. Wow. That game is terrifying.
22:29When I catch a glimpse of this guy, he is massive and he's rapid. And that's really hard.
22:36Hammer, I've got to ask you, how was that for you, mate?
22:39I'm a 6'6", 19 stone gladiator. No wonder he wanted to run away from me.
22:44Massive round of applause for Joe. He's got ten points! Joe, everybody!
22:50CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
22:52Next, he really doesn't want to get caught on the track. It's Muss!
22:56CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
22:59Contender, you will go on my whistle. And then the gladiator will be unleashed. Contender, ready!
23:09CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
23:12Only Muss's second time on the unleashed track. And it's Phantom who bursts out, charging after him.
23:18Disqualified against Muss in the heat. He's out for revenge. But Muss, he's doing everything he can to keep that gap a healthy one.
23:28He keeps on looking at Phantom, and Phantom is getting closer, but not close enough!
23:33Muss takes maximum points!
23:36CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
23:39Well, having powered through the wall, Muss couldn't stop looking back at Phantom. Was it anxiety? Or maybe even a touch of arrogance?
23:49Were you showboating at the end there? I was just checking my back.
23:54Yeah, right, I look like you again.
23:56FANTOM, he was extra quick today. It's the final after all.
24:02Oh, no, he's definitely rapid. He's probably the fastest contender we've had to date.
24:06Well done, Muss, man. Yeah, well done.
24:10Ten points! And Phantom!
24:15With both male contenders scoring ten points in Unleashed, Joe has moved on to 14, Muss still behind on 12.
24:23It's a tight race as we go into Event 3.
24:26The Wall.
24:30Climbing the wall on the left-hand side in red, it is Anne Neela.
24:37And on her heels, it's Diamond!
24:44Diamond couldn't catch Anne Neela on the wall in the quarter-finals.
24:47You can bet she'll be looking for a blockbuster performance tonight.
24:53On the right-hand side, in blue, it's Amanda!
24:56And coming for her is Athena!
25:04Athena is merciless on the wall.
25:07Her last three challengers have all fallen to the namesake of the goddess of wisdom, warfare and handicraft.
25:14Weird.
25:15Montenders, ready!
25:16Contenders, ready!
25:18Montenders, ready!
25:22Contenders, you will go on my first whistle.
25:24Gladiators, ready!
25:29Contenders, you will go on my first whistle.
25:32Gladiators, you will go on my second whistle.
25:36Three, two, one!
25:40Will Anila escape Diamond in the heat?
25:42Athena, an unknown entity for Amanda,
25:45and she's leaving her trailing in her wake here.
25:48Diamond has a hold of Anila's foot.
25:50She's wriggled three once, but now she's got the hardest.
25:53I think it's game over for Anila now.
25:55She's clinging on as Amanda makes her way steadily
25:59towards the top on the right-hand side,
26:01and Anila's down, but Amanda is over!
26:08Diamond was straight on to Anila to exact revenge,
26:11whilst Athena never got close to Amanda.
26:15Amanda, once again, you make it to the top of the wall!
26:20Yeah, I do! Let's go!
26:24You're such an experienced climber at this point.
26:26Four times you've done the wall,
26:27and all of those times you've got to the top.
26:29Nothing makes you move faster than someone like that chasing you.
26:32That's Amanda, everybody, ten points!
26:35Athena, what have you got to say?
26:37Amanda, I've got to give it to you on this one.
26:39It's the final, you've got your A game.
26:41Well done.
26:43I've got to say, you didn't go after the greatest start.
26:46I was a little bit slow, but I also think Diamond's got quicker.
26:49I think she's been going up and down the wall since I got away.
26:53That's Anila, Amanda, Diamond and Athena.
26:57And it's switched again.
26:59What a final this is shaping up to be.
27:01Amanda now in the lead on 16 points, Anila 14.
27:05Time for the male contenders now.
27:09On the left-hand side, in red, it is Joe.
27:15And on the right-hand side, in blue, it's Muss.
27:22And they are hoping to get away from Apollo and Legend.
27:27So here we go.
27:45Oh, perhaps we don't.
27:47Where's Legend off to?
27:49Hang on one second, everybody.
27:51Where's Legend going?
27:53Legend?
27:54I'm not doing it.
27:55You're right.
27:56Legend, what are you doing?
27:57You're right.
27:58Right, listen.
28:00Twice now, I've had Muss on the wall.
28:02And twice, I've had to watch his smug face celebrating up at the top.
28:07After being given a massive head start.
28:10So let me ask you this.
28:12If Muss is so fast on the wall,
28:14why don't we remove the head start and go one-on-one in a straight race?
28:21Who wants to see that?
28:22We're going to have to ask our official Mark Clattenberg.
28:27Mark, will you come in and let us know?
28:30Yeah.
28:31It's the grand final.
28:32Yeah.
28:33I'm happy to accept it's a race.
28:36Therefore,
28:37Muz,
28:38Joe,
28:39if you beat the gladiator to the top,
28:41I'll award ten points.
28:42Are you happy with that challenge?
28:44Well, this is a turn up for the books.
28:46It's down to the contenders whether to accept.
28:48Legend, once again, wants to play his own game.
28:52You guys are happy?
28:54Well, this has never been done before, guys.
28:56But it sounds exciting.
28:58I guess we're going for it.
28:59It's a race.
29:01The wall,
29:03the race.
29:04So the chase becomes a race.
29:07If the contenders get up the wall first, it's ten points.
29:11But if they lose, but still get to the top within 20 seconds,
29:15they'll claim five.
29:16And it's Joe against Apollo to kick things off.
29:19Contender,
29:21ready!
29:25Gladiator,
29:26ready!
29:29You will both go on my whistle.
29:32Three,
29:33two,
29:34one!
29:36Away they go then.
29:37And Joe starts very strongly with a leaf onto the wall.
29:41And look at him go.
29:42Apollo a little more steady, but still making good progress.
29:46He's going to have to go up a gear though.
29:49Because look at Joe.
29:50He's nearly gone all the way up.
29:52He's going to win the race.
29:54And there he goes.
29:55Easy as you like for Joe.
29:58What a climber.
30:00And what an effort for Apollo.
30:03Joe, how do you feel?
30:05It's not really my event.
30:06I've found that I'm better than I thought I'd be at it.
30:08And he's a fast guy again.
30:09These guys were against elite level athletes.
30:12He's massive, but he's fast up the wall as well.
30:14So it was a great race.
30:15You've got to remember,
30:16he's halfway up the wall without even leaving the ground anyway.
30:18So,
30:19ten points Joe.
30:20Congratulations!
30:22Who's ready for race number two?
30:28It's Mus
30:29versus Legend.
30:31Time for the grudge match.
30:32It's Mus two, Legend nil on the regular wall.
30:35How will it be in race mode?
30:37Contender!
30:38Ready!
30:39Gladiator!
30:40Ready!
30:42You were fourth, go on my whistle.
30:47Three, two, one!
30:50Mus hits the wall first.
30:51But look at Legend go on the left-hand side.
30:52Mus has lost his grip.
30:53And Legend has all the lead that he needs to put some demons to rest here.
31:06And now he will taunt his opponent over the top.
31:09Oh!
31:12Well, now we know why he changed the rules.
31:16But in fairness to Legend, that was a faultless climb.
31:20Oh, Mus!
31:21How was that climb for you?
31:24I think it's a bit different when you don't have someone chasing you.
31:26Yeah.
31:27I think I normally perform better under pressure.
31:29Do you know what?
31:30I'd go again.
31:31Double or nothing.
31:33Double or nothing.
31:35Legend, tell me what have you got to say?
31:39Well, well, well.
31:44Mus, this series, you've been unbelievable, mate.
31:47Honestly, I would never normally do this.
31:55But to commemorate your performance over the series,
31:58I want to give you this.
32:01What is that?
32:03Obviously, I'm joking.
32:06There's only one person that deserves this medal.
32:10And that's me!
32:11There you have it.
32:17It's a wonder he went over his head.
32:20Is that real or chocolate?
32:23If he was chocolate, he'd eat himself.
32:25After three events, Joe's extended his lead over Mus.
32:28It's 24-17.
32:31Our next event is Atlasphere's crash course.
32:35Named after Atlas, the Greek god of roadmaps.
32:38Strength and endurance.
32:39And what but a way to pay our respects
32:41than the gladiators bashing the contenders
32:42while trapped inside giant metal balls.
32:44That's what he would have wanted, Barnes.
32:46This is Atlasphere's crash course.
32:49Potholes.
32:51Crash course.
32:53In this game of super speed and strength,
32:56contenders in their Atlasphere's
32:58must race two laps around the track,
33:01blocking their path are two gladiators,
33:03each guarding their own zone,
33:05determined to smash them off course.
33:06The winner gets ten points.
33:09The remaining contender then has ten seconds
33:11to complete the course.
33:13Finish before the time runs out for five points
33:16or roll away with zero.
33:19In the Atlasphere's tonight,
33:21it's our female finalists.
33:23In red, it's Anila.
33:24And in blue, it's Amanda.
33:29And ready to crash into them, it's Cyclone.
33:35Got it! Let's go!
33:38This is the third time Anila's met Cyclone's force.
33:42Can she weather her storm tonight
33:44inside a destructive steel atmosphere?
33:46And Comet.
33:47Comet's daring attitude is perfect for crash course.
33:57She'll be looking to flex her skills by chasing down contenders.
34:03Atlasphere's ready!
34:06Contenders, you will go on the green light.
34:20Let the good times roll.
34:22Anila in red, Amanda in blue as they get onto the crash course
34:26in a game that's all about trying to predict how to avoid those gladiators
34:30when they enter their zones.
34:33And here comes Cyclone.
34:35And she's a gladiator on a mission.
34:37A direct hit on Amanda.
34:39And as the two spin around,
34:41it means that Anila has a free run around the corner
34:45and can take a really good lead here.
34:48Now Comet comes crashing in.
34:51And that stopped Anila in her tracks.
34:53In fact, she's down on the floor.
34:55And look at this.
34:56Amanda might have finally got free of Cyclone,
34:58but Comet is coming for her.
35:01Head-on collision. Boom!
35:03Amanda knocks sideways once more.
35:06She's taking some treatment in there.
35:08And look at Anila.
35:10A very busy little hamster.
35:11She's completed one lap
35:13and she's already charging down the other side here.
35:16Having a look because she knows Cyclone's coming.
35:19Just a glancing blow.
35:21But a really good recovery from Anila.
35:24She's not really been delayed by that at all.
35:26Amanda's supporters trying to cheer her on to close the gap.
35:30And Anila just has to beat Comet.
35:33I say just. It's not that easy, is it?
35:35As Cyclone tries to pin Amanda to the wall,
35:39making her work that atmosphere even more.
35:41And those balls are heavy.
35:44Anila now has the finishing line in her sights.
35:46And she steps over it for ten points.
35:49The question is now,
35:51can Amanda complete the course in time to get five points?
35:55Three seconds left, two seconds left.
35:57She's done it just.
35:59Some bruising direct hits from the gladiators,
36:04but Anila had more luck breaking free.
36:06Amanda struggled, but she caught up well to claim five points.
36:09Could be crucial.
36:13Guys, that's a tricky, tricky event, right?
36:16It's fun, but that game is brutal.
36:18It really hurts when you're getting smashed into.
36:21I think I did like a 360 and landed on my arm
36:23because I think Cyclone hit me that hard.
36:25Cyclone does hit hard indeed.
36:28In fact, Amanda, she hit you really hard
36:30and kept you in place for quite a while there, didn't she?
36:33I felt like a hamster in a wheel rather than in a ball.
36:36I wasn't moving in that corner.
36:38My fair play, she is tough.
36:40Cyclone, you love this event.
36:42I love this event and this event loves me.
36:44And I'll tell you something.
36:46A lot of the female gladiators have been gassing up Amanda.
36:49They say she's so strong, the rugby background.
36:51And my ego being the way it is, I was like,
36:53I want to have a taste of that.
36:55I want to see what she's made of.
36:56And I think I humbled her.
36:59Humbled?
37:00The concept Cyclone doesn't really understand.
37:03After four events, Sunila's back in the lead again.
37:0624-21.
37:07It's close.
37:11Playing Atmosphere's Crash Course.
37:13Our male finalists in red, it's Joe.
37:18And in blue, it's Murs.
37:23And they'll be crashing and smashing against Apollo.
37:26And Vipar.
37:35Here he is.
37:36Contenders, beware.
37:38Our sensitive serpent is about to snake, rattle and roll.
37:41Atmosphere's ready.
37:42Contenders, you will go on the green light.
37:54It's green for go with Joe in the red ball, Murs in the blue.
38:07And look at them go.
38:09It's a race to the first corner where Vipar is about to come out of his snake pit.
38:13And I'm not sure Murs' plan of getting to the front first was a good idea.
38:18Because he's going to take the hit here.
38:21He got himself ready for it, but it stopped him.
38:24And look at Joe.
38:26Easily getting around the bend.
38:28Vipar is just not letting go of Murs.
38:32He's got his prey.
38:33And there's a slip from Apollo there.
38:35Which means that Joe can get around the next corner as well.
38:39Oh, he's got such a lead now as he completes lap one.
38:44Ken must make up this deficit.
38:47He's going to have to go some and he's giving it his all.
38:50He's going to complete his first lap now.
38:52But where's Joe got to?
38:55He's heading for Vipar again.
38:57Oh, and look at those snake hips.
38:59What a move.
39:01He's got past Vipar.
39:02He's slithered by with ease.
39:04Vipar was sold for dummy by some magnificent maneuvering of the atmosphere.
39:09And now only Apollo.
39:11Life between Joe and Victory.
39:14He goes head to head with him.
39:16He takes the bump, but he rolls away.
39:18And he's going to get around the corner before Apollo can catch him.
39:21Joe over the line for ten points.
39:25He passes his atlasphere driving test with flying colours.
39:29Now the countdown is on for Moos, and he's going to do it.
39:33The consolation prize of five points are hit.
39:39A different take on the hare and the tortoise.
39:42The Vipar caught Moos as he haired along,
39:45whilst Joe was the fastest tortoise in town.
39:52Vipar predictably is not happy.
39:56What's he doing now?
39:57It's pure cage rage.
39:59If you weren't sure how Vipar felt Crash Course had gone,
40:03now you know.
40:05What is that about?
40:07Vipar, Vipar, any words?
40:09Words.
40:11Words, hisses, grunts.
40:13He's got nothing.
40:14Apollo, what do you make of our contenders?
40:16Yeah, I think ultimately we have got the best of the best here.
40:19Best two guys from the very start.
40:20They've been good in all the games.
40:22Amazing.
40:23We're four events in now, and Joe's got 34 points.
40:27Mus is on 22.
40:29Jewel.
40:32Well, there's only one way to end this, and that's with the classic Jewel.
40:37Pugil stick in hand.
40:39Contenders have one last chance to grab some points,
40:42and see who can go into the Eliminator with the lead.
40:44Five points for staying up, ten for knocking the Gladiator down.
40:48She managed to stay up on the podium in the semis.
40:52Can she do one better and knock off a Gladiator tonight?
40:55It is Anila!
41:00And this time she's up against Dynamite!
41:11It's wise to dodge Dynamite's powerful pugil blows.
41:14Cannoneela duck, dive and go the distance!
41:22Contender, Freddie!
41:27Gladiator, Freddie!
41:32En garde!
41:40Three, two, one!
41:45It's a scrappy start, but they're going at it now.
41:48Anila with a rowing motion, and she's lost her stick,
41:51which means she's lost the contest.
41:53The rules state, if you lose your pugil stick, it's all over.
41:58Dynamite, once more, gets the better of Anila.
42:02Well, it had only just got going when Dynamite's blow to the elbow there,
42:08made Anila lose her grip completely.
42:10Grip completely.
42:12Anila, I also got it for you. That's such a shame.
42:15Miss, I'm so disappointed.
42:17It started off really well, and I just lost my grip.
42:19I've never seen that before on Duel.
42:21Let's get some words from Mark Klatenberg.
42:23Unfortunately, when you lose your stick, you lose the match.
42:27So therefore, I cannot award you any points.
42:30That is such a shame.
42:32You know, if he'd let me, I would have stayed up and fought without it.
42:36And Dynamite, you're great on Duel, but I suppose you didn't want to win that way, right?
42:40No, I kind of like knocking people off. It brings a bit of a buzz.
42:46That is zero points for Anila. And of course, our gladiator, Dynamite.
42:49Next up on the Duel podium, it's Amanda.
42:57And she is up against Sabre.
43:01This is Sabre's first outing on Duel this series.
43:05So in the grand final, she'll be looking to make an impact.
43:07Contender, ready!
43:14Gladiator, ready!
43:20En garde!
43:28Three, two, one!
43:31A Sabre smile combined with a steely glare.
43:34And she got Amanda down on one knee early, but it's a really good recovery from the contender.
43:40Sabre is swinging like a wildcat up there, but she's wobbling now.
43:45Another blow to the helmet of Amanda.
43:48She's dodged that one, but she takes another quickly.
43:51Sabre's working really hard here.
43:53Amanda encouraged to get back to her feet by referee Mark.
43:57She's nearly gone all the way here.
43:59A brave performance.
44:01Sabre couldn't have done any more.
44:03But Amanda gets there.
44:06Now that was a proper duel.
44:13Well, Amanda knew that this was her chance to take back the lead going into the Eliminator.
44:18And she was determined to make that happen.
44:21Oh, hang on, there's a review.
44:24Was Amanda down too long?
44:26She needs those points.
44:27Exciting stuff.
44:29That was the longest 30 seconds of my life.
44:32Wowzers, my head is still in that helmet somewhere.
44:35Mr. Klatenberg, the ref's over from VAR.
44:38Amanda, you deliberately avoided any contact by going to your knees.
44:44So therefore I've decided I'm disqualifying you and not awarding any points.
44:49I've got to ask you, honestly, was that the tactic? What happened?
45:01Have you seen how hard she hit? She literally took me off my feet.
45:03But the rules are the rules, apparently.
45:06Sabre.
45:08So does that mean that I win that one?
45:10Because if so, I am currently 100% undefeated on this game.
45:13CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
45:18Very disappointing. I think that's a poor decision.
45:21No points.
45:22Hands together, please.
45:24Amanda and Sabre!
45:30I'd like to thank our referees, Lee Phillips and Sonia McLomer.
45:38And not Mr. Battenberg.
45:40LAUGHTER
45:43And all that means it's a kneeler who goes into the Eliminator in front.
45:47Will she make it count?
45:49Thank you so much.
45:51Playing the duel for the male contenders, it's Joe.
45:56And tonight he's facing the might of Funtum.
46:00I'm going in for the kill!
46:02CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
46:05CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
46:08Contender, ready!
46:12CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
46:15Gladiator, ready!
46:18CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
46:20En garde!
46:28Three, two, one!
46:30Funtum strikes first, and it's all over!
46:34Two seconds!
46:36Well, this is just not Joe's game.
46:39It's the third time that he hasn't made it to five seconds on the podium.
46:43Funtum celebrates.
46:45Joe licks his wounds.
46:47It's supposed to be three strikes and you're out.
46:50Funtum only needed two.
46:55Joe, I'm so sorry.
46:56That was a two-second duel.
46:59Yeah, I was just pathetic, really, wasn't I?
47:04It's a shame, though.
47:05Another great duel from you, Funtum.
47:07Oh, sorry, Joe.
47:09I like this guy so much, but when I'm up there,
47:11there's only going to be one winner.
47:12They call me horse legs for a reason,
47:14because these bad boys ain't moving.
47:16Give it up for Joe, everybody!
47:17And, of course, our gladiator, Funtum.
47:20CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
47:21Next on Duel, it's Murs!
47:27Versus...
47:29Hammer!
47:30I know this shot to go, Hammer!
47:36Contender...
47:38Rennie!
47:42Gladiator...
47:43Rennie!
47:47En garde!
47:48Three, two, one!
47:58Murs not looking too confident.
48:00Hammer jabs away.
48:02And Murs has overstepped!
48:04Uh-oh!
48:06Murs, you stepped onto the gladiator's platform,
48:09therefore you're disqualified.
48:11Time for some MC Hammer!
48:12Hammer!
48:16We've got the real MC, Mark Krattenberg.
48:22Sometimes hammer time takes no time at all.
48:26Break it down!
48:29Murs, you didn't last very long.
48:31Unfortunate, like, these things happen,
48:33but, um, yeah, it would have been nice
48:34to have a bit more of a longer, longer goal out there.
48:37Thank you, Hammer!
48:38Thank you, Murs!
48:40Ah!
48:44After five gruelling events,
48:46Joe heads to the Eliminator with a 12 points lead.
48:49Has Murs got what it takes to come back?
48:51As we get set to find out
48:53who will become this year's champion?
48:58Here we are,
48:59after an exhausting 11-week battle for gladiator's glory.
49:04It all comes down to our final event.
49:07The contenders who finish the course in the quickest time
49:10will be crowned the winners of gladiators 2025.
49:13To claim the title,
49:15they have got to give it everything they've got.
49:18The Travelator is running,
49:20it's time to go hard or go home.
49:22This is...
49:24The Eliminator!
49:26The Eliminator!
49:28This is it.
49:30No gladiators,
49:32just a head-to-head race across this epic course.
49:35Who will make it up the iconic Travelator first
49:38to be crowned this year's gladiators champions?
49:42Any points advantage now converts into a head start.
49:45Anila's three-point lead means she starts just one and a half seconds
49:50before Amanda.
49:51Here we go.
49:52The final test.
49:54Can Anila make it count?
49:58To be crowned gladiators champion!
50:01Contenders, are you ready?
50:03Are you ready?
50:06Anila, you will go on my first whistle.
50:09Amanda, you will go on my second whistle.
50:13Three!
50:15Two!
50:16One!
50:17Off goes Anila, full of focus as she gets over the first hurdle with ease.
50:22And here comes Amanda.
50:24And this looks like a race that's going to have nothing in it all the way through to the end.
50:29But Anila is struggling to get up the rope.
50:32Amanda has made it look like child's play.
50:34And look at the way she's taking on the overhead ladder.
50:38Two runs at a time.
50:40Anila trying to fight back.
50:42But it is advantage Amanda as she leaps onto the cargo net.
50:47And she is extending the lead that she's managed to get.
50:52That net is wobbling.
50:54It's really tricky for Anila down there as Amanda hauls her way up to the top first.
50:59Now at least there's an easier climb for Anila.
51:02But she is going to have to shift now.
51:05Because Amanda is flying.
51:07That was a bumpy landing.
51:09That might just slow her down a little bit.
51:11She's just got the beam and the travelator to go.
51:15And look at the time.
51:17One minute 26 is the record for female contenders in this series.
51:22So 20 seconds to go Amanda.
51:25Deep breaths.
51:26If she gets up first time, she is going to be our Gladiators champion.
51:32And she's done it.
51:35Here's our winner.
51:37In a record breaking time for the series.
51:45Anila gets to the top and takes the acclaim of the crowd.
51:49She's done fantastically over the series.
51:51A wonderful contender.
51:53And she swings through to finish in second.
52:01This is where it happened.
52:04Amanda caught Anila up on the rope.
52:06And she never looked back.
52:09What a winner.
52:10The winner.
52:14Wow, Anila.
52:16You gave it everything you've got.
52:18We've seen you go from strength to strength from the heat.
52:20I think you've got to be really proud of yourself.
52:21I'm so proud.
52:22I'm so proud.
52:24Boy dream.
52:26Coming here like.
52:28As the first competitors ever wore a hijab and breaking so many barriers.
52:33And to make it to the final.
52:35This has been one of the best experiences of my life.
52:37That medal for Anila.
52:39There you go.
52:40Anila.
52:41Congratulations.
52:45We have our gladiators.
52:48Trophy.
52:55There's your trophy.
53:01Look at that.
53:02What a chance.
53:03Fantastic.
53:05Brilliant.
53:07What have you got to say to your fans, your friends, your family?
53:10That one's for you, Mum.
53:12Oh, fantastic.
53:17This has been the best experience of my life.
53:20Unbelievable.
53:21It's been a pleasure having you on the show.
53:23You've been wonderful from start to finish.
53:25Go and see your families, please.
53:27That's Anila.
53:28And our champion, Amanda.
53:33That one's for you.
53:34That one's for you.
53:35That one's for you.
53:36That one's for you.
53:37That one's for you.
53:38That one's for you.
53:39That one's for you.
53:40That one's for you.
53:41That one's for you.
53:42That one's for you.
53:43This is what it means to be a winner.
53:46And now it's time for our male contenders.
53:49Joe's 12-point lead means he gets a full six-second head start on Muzz.
53:53Joe's quick, but Muzz holds the record for the fastest eliminator.
53:57The only thing that's certain is that anything could happen.
54:00To be crowned Gladiators champion, contenders, are you ready?
54:11Joe, you will go on my first whistle.
54:13Muzz, you will go on my second whistle.
54:18Three, two, one.
54:22On the whistle, Joe leaps over the barrier like it wasn't there.
54:26He's made short work of those hurdles.
54:29Here comes Muzz, but Joe is already up the rope and onto the overhead ladder.
54:33And he didn't even bother with the first rung.
54:35He leapt onto number three.
54:37Joe is going for broke.
54:39Just a little delay as he unclipped the trapeze wire there.
54:43That might have given Muzz a bit of extra confidence.
54:46He's not far behind now.
54:47Look at this.
54:48Muzz is closing the gap.
54:49And look at him climb.
54:51He's catching Joe with every stretch of his arm.
54:55Every move up of his legs.
54:57There's nothing in it here.
54:58As Joe goes to the zip wire and he knows that he's got to keep moving.
55:03He can't pause even for a second.
55:06Not even to get full focus for the beam.
55:08And he doesn't need to.
55:10That's one of the best crossings of the beam we've ever seen.
55:14And he's head of the Travelator 2.
55:17Joe takes Gladiator's glory.
55:21And it's a new eliminator record.
55:24It had to be to stay in front of Muzz.
55:27And congrats to Christine too.
55:33As always Joe flew out of the blocks.
55:36And despite a sterling effort from Muzz.
55:38He took his advantage all the way to the finish.
55:42There's our male champion.
55:47Muzz I've got to say what a fantastic effort that was.
55:51Extraordinary.
55:52Catching up was brilliant.
55:53I did say like if I am behind I'm going to put it all in.
55:56And that's literally what I did.
55:58Yeah.
55:59But fair play to Joe.
56:00I'm really happy for him.
56:01Yeah.
56:02I think he deserves this.
56:03And he's been tremendous throughout the entire competition.
56:06And yeah I'm proud to be running out to him for sure.
56:08Yeah but you all have been tremendous let me tell you.
56:10And you're an inspiration to the young people you work with.
56:12That's for sure.
56:13Muzz absolutely brilliant.
56:15Our 2025 Gladiators run over.
56:18There you are.
56:19It's Muzz everyone.
56:21Joe.
56:22You are the Gladiators champion.
56:242025.
56:25How does it feel mate?
56:26I have absolutely no words.
56:27Like I really just want to say I couldn't be happier to be doing it with someone like Muzz.
56:43It means the world to me.
56:44And Christine.
56:45My amazing.
56:46Amazing Christine.
56:47This amazing woman brought me up from the age of two when unfortunately I lost my mum.
56:58And never had a father figure present.
57:00And she's done absolutely everything for me.
57:02So hot to think of her.
57:03And I hope you're proud.
57:04And I hope you're proud as well Claire.
57:07It is so so well deserved.
57:11Joe you are the Gladiators champion 2025.
57:15Yeah.
57:16Woo.
57:17Thanks to the referees.
57:32Everyone concerned with the show.
57:34It's been extraordinary.
57:36What an 11 weeks it has been.
57:38I love this show so much.
57:40And that's what it's all about.
57:41It's about friends, family and the next generation.
57:45It really is.
57:47So we'll see you next year on Gladiators.