Latest news with #Gladiators2025
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I won it for Warrington' – Gladiators 2025 winner on being crowned champion
'I WON it for Warrington' – the Gladiators 2025 champion has opened up about the nail-biting final episode and what it means to have her childhood dream come true. Yesterday, Saturday, Amanda Wah was crowned this year's Gladiators champion after a nail-biting grand final. The 36-year-old, from Lymm, has been going from strength to strength in the series, breaking records as she progressed. After watching the show as a child, Amanda dreamt of putting on the iconic Gladiators outfit and was just excited to be involved. But it all suddenly felt very real when she caught sight of the trophy at the beginning of the final. The 36-year-old gym owner filmed the series back in August (Image: Alex Hughes) 'It was all fun and games until the trophy got wheeled out at the start,' she said. 'My girlfriend, Natalie, literally text me 'you can't come home unless you bring that trophy home'. 'She's never been competitive in her life until that moment, so when I saw a new light in her, I knew it was game time.' The gym owner put in as much preparation as she could ahead of the final but ultimately felt as though she had been training for this moment her whole life without knowing it. 'Every hardship, every stressful situation, it didn't matter what I came against, I had already felt it before,' she said. 'So when everyone says 'what are you training for', apparently I was training for Gladiators and didn't even know it.' Amanda feels as though she has been preparing for Gladiators her whole life (Image: Alex Hughes) It wasn't an easy ride for Amanda, who was put through her paces by the Gladiators and her competition, Aneila Asfar, and found herself behind for the first time in the series. 'I had tried so hard for all the events, and they just didn't go my way,' she said. 'It got to the point where I thought maybe today's not the day, somebody has to lose. 'I was panicking a bit.' It was as she was preparing to head out for the final round, The Eliminator, that Amanda miraculously found the final push she needed in the shape of a Gladiator called Diamond. 'I was stood waiting to go out on the floor and I'd drunk about four different energy drinks to try and find something to give me the kick,' she said. 'This was at the end of two weeks of filming, and I felt done but Diamond walked behind us and came over and was like, 'what are you doing mate, you look dead'. 'I said I felt like I needed someone to punch me in the face, at which point she said okay and slapped me with both hands on my arms and legs and starting pushing me. 'At that point I was ready to run through a wall, and it was by chance she was even there and gave me the slap I needed. ' It wasn't an easy ride for Amanda, who fell behind for the first time in the series (Image: Graeme Hunter) When Amanda took to the floor, she felt ready to give it everything she had left, and took a final moment to think of her mum, who passed away from early onset dementia two years ago. 'There was a cameraman at the top of the cargo net with a little red light on his camera,' she said. 'Every time I was on the start line it felt like a beacon to my mum. I never ask her for anything, I'm not a big believer in all that, but in that moment I was behind and under pressure. 'I looked and thought, 'if you're going to do something mum, this is the time'.' Despite the fact it was a race against Aneila, Amanda confessed it felt as if she was also racing against herself in a final push to victory. 'You have good events and you have bad events, there are a couple of decisions that don't go your way and it's hard to stay positive,' she said. 'But, ultimately, The Eliminator wasn't a race between me and Aneila, it was a race against myself. 'As soon as I jumped on the cargo net and started climbing, I was like 'I've got this'. By the time I got to the top of the rope I was ahead, and the excitement set in.' Amanda sprinted to victory in the final round, The Eliminator (Image: Graeme Hunter) Amanda absolutely smashed The Eliminator, setting a new record for the event – a record that was also previously set by her – and was declared this year's Gladiators winner. 'The elation I felt as I looked across to my family and friends – everyone was crying,' she said. 'It was just the icing on the cake of the emotional journey that we'd been on, especially for them. 'It wasn't my win, it was our win. It was a bigger thing than just me, it was never about myself. 'For me, it was my gym family, my friends, my family, everyone I've taken on the journey with me – we all came out as winners.' Surrounded by more than 100 of her friends and family, Amanda relived her crowning moment with a huge screening at her gym and burst into tears as she celebrated with her loved ones. Amanda relived her winning moment surrounded by her family and friends (Image: Alex Hughes) Amanda has been vocal about the fact that she wants to use this experience and platform to help inspire others, and has even started kid's classes at her gym to show children that you don't have to be good at sport to be fit and strong. 'It's mad, [being on the show has] had more of an impact than I thought,' she said. 'I think just hearing the impact I've had and having people reach out and email me, it's so heartwarming to know that you can make such a difference by just being you. 'Everyone's been like 'thank you for going on TV and representing' and ultimately, I've just been myself. 'I'm at a point in my life where I'm ready to run with this. I want to make a difference. 'I want to make an impact, and this has allowed me to have a platform for people to reach out to me, and for me to reach them.' The gym owner has been spurred on by the support she has received from not only her friends and family, but the town itself and is proud to have gone on to win for her hometown. 'It's the best TV show around,' she said. 'You have to be tough, you have to be strong and I feel like I did it and showcased it and won it for the town of Warrington. "It's a dream come true."
BBC News
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
New Gladiators king Joe Fishburn hails 'best moment of my life'
The newly-crowned champion of Gladiators has described winning the show in front of his beloved grandmother as "the best moment in my life".Joe Fishburn, a 24-year-old Team GB gymnast from Scarborough, beat Mus Dumbuya in Saturday's final to be named the ultimate winner of series Fishburn, who was raised by his grandmother Christine after his mum died when he was two, had previously said he hoped his life story would give people "faith and hope when they face a challenge"."I can't tell you how amazing it feels," he said of his victory. The gymnast was cheered on by friends and family, including his grandmother, throughout his time on the show."There have been so many times where I have competed abroad and she's not been able to travel," he said."For her to see me winning, even in the first round, going through the paper and getting to see her and everybody loving her - it was genuinely the best moment of my life." Mr Fishburn said seeing his family "come together" had been his highlight from the Gladiators 2025 experience."It was really incredible to have an occasion, not necessarily a sad one, where everyone can get behind you and get together," he explained."Family is incredibly important to me."Ahead of taking on the Gladiators challenge, Mr Fishburn trained at Scarborough Gymnastics devised a programme specific to the show under his coach Roddy Mackay, a former contestant in the original TV Mackay said Mr Fishburn's victory was "amazing - I knew he could win it"."His gymnastic abilities and his rugby abilities are just the perfect match for Gladiators," he Fishburn's achievements had helped inspire the next generation of gymnasts at Scarborough Gymnastics Academy, Mr Mackay said."Joe has just been an absolute dream to work with," he added."He sets the most amazing example to these kids. It will have motivated them."Mr Fishburn said there were "definitely" some future contenders at the academy. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gladiators 2025: Winners crowned after grand final
Warning: This article contains spoilers The winners of Gladiators 2025 have been crowned after Saturday night's final on BBC One. Gym owner Amanda Wah and gymnastics coach Joe Fishburn were the victors - beating fellow contestants Aneila Afsar, a supply teacher from Manchester, and Mus Dumbuya, a youth worker from east London. Wah, a gym owner from Warrington, beat her fellow North-West contender despite Afsar having a 1.5-second head start in the final challenge, the Eliminator. Fishburn, a gymnastics coach from Scarborough, had a six-second head start on his fellow finalist and finished the course in a record-breaking 0.55 seconds, according to the programme. The 24-year-old Team GB gymnast paid tribute to his grandmother, Christine, who brought him up after his mother died when he was two. "I never had a father figure present and she's done everything for me. I hope you're proud," he said. Despite Afsar's advantage, Wah managed to catch up, and she dedicated her victory minutes to her late mother. Speaking to co-host Bradley Walsh, Wah said: "That one's for you, Mum. This has been the best experience of my life – unbelievable." She said "everyone has been exceptional, especially Aneila who was a great contender". Wah added that it was mentally challenging for her rival "to come in as the fastest runner-up" following the withdrawal of Zavia Hill, a personal trainer from Manchester, who had to leave before the final due to an injury. Afsar previously said she had broken barriers by being the first Muslim woman on the show. Wah said that the 11 weeks of being tackled and pushed by the "superhuman" gladiators was like being on "work experience". She called them the "biggest, fiercest, strongest people but also extremely supportive". She added: "They are professionals and they don't want to hurt anyone. They care and it's amazing." Fishburn said he would put the trophy on his "grandmother Christine's mantelpiece" and called the experience "definitely the best thing I've ever done". He added: "We were in an amazing final, and I felt like I already won coming into this process but obviously it's always nice to complete the whole thing and take the win. "Mus is an amazing opponent, contender, friend, everything he does is so amazing and it was an honour to be in the final with him." Cheering on Fishburn was Roddy Mackay, a contender from 1993, and his family, while Wah on was her girlfriend, two children, friends and family. Gladiators was revived last year on the BBC, with Army officer Finlay Anderson and personal trainer Marie-Louise Nicholson crowned 2024 champions. The show ran on ITV for eight years until 2000 before it was axed, and was then on Sky for a short run from 2008 to 2009. This year, the Gladiators Live Tour will make its global debut across UK arenas. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. 'Being on Gladiators has changed my life' Excitement for all-North West Gladiators final 'Nothing we can't do': Gladiators' first hijabi contender aims to inspire 'Working in a prison is great preparation for Gladiators'
BBC News
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Gladiators: Joe Fishburn and Amanda Wah win 2025 competition
Warning: This article contains spoilers The winners of Gladiators 2025 have been crowned after Saturday night's final on BBC owner Amanda Wah and gymnastics coach Joe Fishburn were the victors - beating fellow contestants Aneila Afsar, a supply teacher from Manchester, and Mus Dumbuya, a youth worker from east a gym owner from Warrington, beat her fellow North-West contender despite Afsar having a 1.5-second head start in the final challenge, the a gymnastics coach from Scarborough, had a six-second head start on his fellow finalist and finished the course in a record-breaking 0.55 seconds, according to the programme. The 24-year-old Team GB gymnast paid tribute to his grandmother, Christine, who brought him up after his mother died when he was two."I never had a father figure present and she's done everything for me. I hope you're proud," he said. Despite Afsar's advantage, Wah managed to catch up, and she dedicated her victory minutes to her late to co-host Bradley Walsh, Wah said: "That one's for you, Mum. This has been the best experience of my life – unbelievable."She said "everyone has been exceptional, especially Aneila who was a great contender".Wah added that it was mentally challenging for her rival "to come in as the fastest runner-up" following the withdrawal of Zavia Hill, a personal trainer from Manchester, who had to leave before the final due to an previously said she had broken barriers by being the first Muslim woman on the said that the 11 weeks of being tackled and pushed by the "superhuman" gladiators was like being on "work experience".She called them the "biggest, fiercest, strongest people but also extremely supportive".She added: "They are professionals and they don't want to hurt anyone. They care and it's amazing." Fishburn said he would put the trophy on his "grandmother Christine's mantelpiece" and called the experience "definitely the best thing I've ever done".He added: "We were in an amazing final, and I felt like I already won coming into this process but obviously it's always nice to complete the whole thing and take the win."Mus is an amazing opponent, contender, friend, everything he does is so amazing and it was an honour to be in the final with him."Cheering on Fishburn was Roddy Mackay, a contender from 1993, and his family, while Wah on was her girlfriend, two children, friends and family. Gladiators was revived last year on the BBC, with Army officer Finlay Anderson and personal trainer Marie-Louise Nicholson crowned 2024 show ran on ITV for eight years until 2000 before it was axed, and was then on Sky for a short run from 2008 to year, the Gladiators Live Tour will make its global debut across UK arenas. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gladiators winners crowned after a tense final aired this evening
Gym owner Amanda Wah and gymnastics coach Joe Fishburn have been crowned the winners of Gladiators 2025. Wah, from Warrington, and Fishburn, from Scarborough, beat their female and male contenders to triumph in the final of the competition broadcast on Saturday on BBC One. In the women's competition, Aneila Afsar, a supply teacher from Manchester, had the upper hand in the final Eliminator battle, having earned a 1.5-second head start from their previous events, but was beaten to the finish line by Wah. 'Gutted' Gladiators fans say 'series ruined' as star forced to pull out of show BBC announces Gladiators celebrity special - see the 4 famous faces taking part BBC weather presenter teaming up with borough Gladiators contestant for great cause Speaking to co-host Bradley Walsh, Wah said: 'That one's for you, mum. This has been the best experiences of my life – unbelievable.' Fishburn had a six-second head start on his fellow finalist, east London youth worker Mus Dumbuya, as they went into the Eliminator. The coach set a new Eliminator record in finishing the course in 0.55 seconds, according to the programme. He paid tribute to his grandmother, Christine, who brought him up after his mother died when he was two years old. 'I never had a father figure present and she's done everything for me. I hope you're proud,' Fishburn said. Wah said the 11 weeks of being tackled and pushed by the 'superhuman' gladiators was like being on 'work experience'. She also called them the 'biggest, fiercest, strongest people but also extremely supportive', and detailed their help with cramps and her shoe coming off. 'They are professionals and they don't want to hurt anyone, they care and it's amazing,' she added. However, she quickly managed to catch-up and after finishing the final assault course The Eliminator, Wah dedicated her 'breaking time of 1.18' minutes to her late mother. She said 'everyone has been exceptional, especially Aneila who was a great contender'. She added that it was 'mentally' challenging for her rival 'to come in as the fastest runner up' following the withdrawal of Zavia Hill, a personal trainer from Manchester, who had to leave before the final due to an injury. Afsar previously said she broke barriers as the 'first Muslim woman on the show'. Fishburn said he would put the trophy on his 'grandmother Christine's mantelpiece', and called the experience 'definitely the best thing I've ever done'. He added: 'We were in an amazing final, and I felt like I already won coming into this process but obviously it's always nice to complete the whole thing and take the win. He told co-host Barney Walsh: 'I have absolutely no words, I just want to say I couldn't be happier to do this with someone like Mus, it means the world to me and Christine, this amazing woman brought me up from the age of two when unfortunately I lost my mum. 'Mus is an amazing opponent, contender, friend, everything he does is so amazing and it was an honour to be in the final with him.' Cheering Wah on was her girlfriend, two children, friends and family, while Fishburn was supported by Roddy Mackay, a contender from 1993, and his family. Gladiators was revived last year on the BBC, with army officer Finlay Anderson and personal trainer Marie-Louise Nicholson being crowned champions. The show was on ITV for eight years until 2000 before being axed, and came back on Sky for a short run from 2008 to 2009. This year, the Gladiators Live Tour will make its global debut across UK arenas. Gladiators is also on BBC iPlayer.
