Latest news with #TheEliminator
Metro
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Amazon Prime confirms iconic 90s gameshow revival with WWE legend as host
Amazon Prime Video is bringing back an iconic gameshow with a WWE legend as the new host. American Gladiators, which first aired later in 1989 and initially ran until 1996 before returning for a short-lived revival in 2008, is making a comeback with another reboot. The show inspired the UK version and others around the world, and former WWE Champion Mike 'The Miz' Mizanin has been confirmed as host for the new series. The announcement was made on Monday ahead of the annual Amazon upfront presentation, as bosses promised an 'All Star cast of Gladiators for the modern era'. A press release promised: 'The competition will feature brand new events, as well incorporate some classics from the original series like Gauntlet, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator.' Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media, and Big Fish Entertainment said he's 'excited to officially welcome' Miz into 'the American Gladiators family'. 'He's the perfect host for the new era of this iconic franchise,' he added in a statement. 'This isn't just a comeback, it's a cultural revival. Fans, old and new, are going to love this evolution in sports entertainment.' Meanwhile, seven seasons of the original run are available to stream on a newly launched American Gladiators' FAST Channel on Prime Video, which includes UK viewers. Poznick noted that 'the US reboot, combined with our epic success in the UK' and the subsequent tour makes 2025 a great time for the franchise. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In a post on X, Miz admitted his childhood self is 'screaming' at the idea of being at the helm of the revival. He wrote: 'I'm thrilled to announce I'm the new host of AMERICAN GLADIATORS! The 10-year-old me is screaming. 'Huge thanks to MGM & Amazon Prime Video for trusting me with this iconic legacy.' The 44-year-old wrestler promised the new show would be 'honouring the original' as well as 'bringing fresh energy to a whole new generation'. He's also no stranger to TV, having previously appeared on The Challenge as a contestant and host over 17 years. As well as his own reality show, Miz & Mrs., he's appeared on Dancing With The Stars, Fear Factor, and more. More Trending Miz recently missed out on a spot on the WrestleMania 41 card, and admitted while it was 'not easy', he's proud to be a 'utility player'. He exclusively told Metro: 'If the cards don't fall where they may, you better believe I'm trying my best to try to get into a spot, or trying to get to that level of what I feel I can produce. 'And I do feel I can produce at that level still to this day. It's just, you know, sometimes the cards don't fall where they may.' View More » American Gladiators is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Popular TV series that has fans 'screaming' set to return for another season MORE: TV show contestant speaks out after losing $10,000 for fake singing competition MORE: WWE Raw star shades CM Punk over unwanted backstage accolade
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."
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.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gladiators viewers surprised to see Legend change the event rules in final
Tonight's Gladiators final (April 12) saw two contenders run up The Wall with no head start against their Gladiator opponents after Legend called for the change. Referee Mark Clattenburg agreed to the change, as did the two contenders. Joe, a contender in the final, was stripped of his head start against Apollo but managed to win the event. However, Legend beat Mus after a change in the rules – something he's not been able to do in the last two times the pair have raced up The Wall. Fans of the show, took to X to share their reaction to the change. One said: 'one on one, in a straight race this is different. are they going to make this a permanent thing on the wall #gladiators'. Another commented: 'SCENES #Gladiators'. A third said: 'The rules have changed. gladiator Vs contender in a straight race. #Gladiators Come on, Mus, come on Joe.' Amanda, Aneila, Mus and Joe will battle it out for the two trophies but only one male and one female get to take them home. Recommended reading: Gladiators viewers share same complaint just minutes into semi-final Gladiators star makes shock announcement as he's ruled out of series with injury Viewers 'gutted' to see Gladiators contender miss out on final Contender Zavia made a short appearance at the start of tonight's episode to share she wouldn't be able to compete after suffering a leg injury. In her place, Aneila, the fastest female runner-up, takes on the Gladiators in an attempt to take home the trophy. Viewers shared their sadness at Zavia not competing but congratulated Aneila as she impressed them with her performance across several events. In the final, contenders have had multiple attempts to score the highest points to progress through to the last event, The Eliminator.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gladiators contestant 'devastated' as injury forces them to withdraw from final
A contestant has been forced to withdraw from the Gladiators grand final after sustaining a leg injury during the second semi-final. Zavia Hill, a personal trainer from Manchester, was hit during one of the games on the BBC show's semi-final, and at first it seemed like she would continue. She was treated by a physiotherapist backstage and made it to The Eliminator, taking home the win. But Zavia has now been forced to withdraw from next Saturday's (April 12) grand final. Her place will be taken by the fastest female runner-up from the semi-finals, Aneila Afsar, a supply teacher also from Manchester. Aneila Afsar will replace Zavia Hill in the 2025 Gladiators grand final. (Image: BBC/David MacCormack/Hungry Bear Media Ltd/PA Wire) Zavia said: 'Reaching the final felt special, I usually give up when I feel like I've failed. 'After injuring my leg in the Gauntlet, I convinced myself I was out. But at the start of the Eliminator, I thought, not this time. Give it your all, girl.' She also said that during the Gauntlet game, where Gladiators try to prevent contenders passing with the aide of power-pads, she 'knew my time on the show was probably over, I was devastated'. 'I got very emotional after I realised I'd hurt my leg as bad as I did,' Zavia added. 'When I got home and the adrenaline had worn off, I realised I could hardly move my leg but on the plus side, I got to watch the final from the front row and cheer both of my friends on.' Aneila said reaching the final was 'bittersweet' adding: 'Anyone who's been following the show knows how badly I wanted to make it to the final, but this isn't the way I wanted to get there. "At the same time, I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity and so excited for what's ahead.' She also called Zavia 'an incredible contender and an even better person". "It's an honour to represent her and I'll actually be wearing some of her gems in the final," she added. She continued: 'Winning Gladiators would be amazing. I'm a competitive person and a former pro-athlete so I'm always in it to win it. 'But honestly, just getting here is huge. I've already broken so many barriers as the first Muslim woman on the show, and now being in the final is incredible. 'I know that my presence alone will have a positive impact on Muslim women, and that means everything to me.' She will face Warrington gym owner Amanda Wah on the women's side of the draw in the Gladiators grand final. While Scarborough-born gymnastics coach Joe Fishburn and east London youth worker Mus Dumbuya will go head-to-head in the men's final. Army officer Finlay Anderson and personal trainer Marie-Louise Nicholson were crowned Gladiators Champions in 2024. RECOMMENDED READING: Gladiators star makes shock announcement as he's ruled out of series with injury 'Gutted' Gladiators fans say 'series ruined' as star forced to pull out of show How to apply for Gladiators as BBC hunts for 'bravest' contenders for series 3 Hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh as well as the Gladiators will return for the series two final on BBC One and BBC iPlayer next Saturday (April 12). Gladiators: Grand Final will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer next Saturday (April 12) at 5.50pm.
