Gladiators in chaos as contestant replaced in major shake-up after injury

09 March 2024 , 19:05

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Gladiators in chaos as contestant replaced in major shake-up after injury

Gladiators went through a moment of chaos after one of its contestants was forced to pull out of the physically gruelling competition after suffering a shoulder injury.

Standing beside host Bradley Walsh, it was quite clear to see that Dev was not in competition mode as he was not dressed in the typical leotard uniform or headgear. During the quarter-final, Dev explained that during last week's show, he seriously hurt his shoulder and while climbing up the rope, his shoulder actually "popped out" of his socket twice, which medically ruled him out of taking part in this week's semi-final.

Gladiators contestant was forced to pull out of the competition and was replaced by runner-up Jake

Looking downcast, he told viewers: "I picked up an injury on the last qualifying round, trying to nurse it but it's not any better. During the cargo rope, I actually had it pop out twice and I had to re-pop it back in, it is what it is." And to make matters worse, he was then introduced to his replacement Jake, who stepped forward to compete for the coveted prize.

But in true sportsmanship, Jake told Dev: "This one's for you mate." Jake is a 23-year-old steel worker from Sheffield, South Yorks, and came close to winning the quarter-final but was pipped to the post by Dev at that time. Speaking of his shock return, Jake told Bradley: "This is such an honour to come back and do it again. Let's go!"

But this is not the first time the BBC reboot of the legendary show has been in the middle of a huge shake-up. With just a few episodes of Gladiators left viewers will have to wait for the second instalment of the semi-final as it has been removed from next week's schedule.

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The episode is believed to have been rescheduled due to the FA Cup. The broadcaster is covering the quarter-final between Manchester City and Newcastle United and is due to be on screen from 5.10pm 7.40pm, which takes over the Gladiator's usual slot.

According to the current schedule, Michael McIntyre's The Wheel will air immediately after the football coverage. The host will to be joined by comedian Katherine Ryan, Asim Chaudhry, Vanessa Feltz, Steve Pemberton, Kate Garraway, Ainsley Harriott and Phil Tufnell during next week's episode. The show returned for its reboot in January this year and is hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney.

The original series was broadcast on ITV from 1992 to 2000. TV bosses attempted to being it back on Sky from 2008 to 2009. Following its return, the Mirror spoke to legendary Gladiator Wolf, who said: "I'm very proud of the guys who are the new Gladiators because I look upon them as brother and sister Gladiators. I'm pleased for them. [...] It's time for them to shine now and I just wish them all the best."

Lucretia Munro