WHEN I asked strapping stars Nitro and Fire to pop along to TV Biz HQ, they didn’t hesitate in saying: Gladiators, ready!
and couldn’t wait to flex their muscles and take over my column ahead of tomorrow night’s final.
Gladiators Nitro and Fire take over The Sun’s TV BizCredit: Simon Jones
In a show first, host Bradley Walsh will take part in a challengeCredit: BBC
I got TV Reporter Janine Yaqoob to get all the behind-the-scenes gossip — and it sounds like we’re in for an explosive night.
In a show first, host will take part in a challenge on the night.
“That’s why this final is a great one because he does something hilarious that you would not have thought he’d do,” said Nitro.
“He actually has a go at one of the events with one of the . I was actually impressed.
“He knew he couldn’t use his physicality in any sense. But he was smart with it.”
Fire agreed: “He used his brain. Sometimes that’s the strongest muscle you have. You’ve got to use what you’ve got. He has a good crack at it.”
Can Bradley Hang Tough? Will he hit a wall on The Wall?
Or maybe he will run out of fuel in The Duel.
Whatever it is, I’m sure co-host and son Barney will have loved watching his dad pushed to his limits, just like in their series on .
Promising an epic final as the show’s third series of the reboot comes to an end, Fire says this year’s contest has been the best so far.
Now, after ten intense weeks, the final four contenders — Emily Bell, Naomi Church, Josh McDonald and Tyler Spence — return to the arena for one final showdown.
Nitro and Fire pose with The Sun’s Janine YaqoobCredit: Simon Jones
Gladiator Nitro in actionCredit: BBC
Fire said: “They have gone through a lot and I think, particularly this series, you see everyone’s backstory played out so well in terms of what people are fighting for.
“ is just a massive celebration of who we are, how far we’ve all come as individuals, as superheroes, as your so-called everyday man or woman.”
Who will come out top in the iconic Eliminator?
Find out tomorrow night from 5.45pm on One.
KELLY Vs. JESS… IT’S DAME ON
Fire reveals how she is trying to get some Olympic legends on the showCredit: BBC
JUST when you thought Gladiators couldn’t get any better, there’s plans for another special.
And Fire and Nitro – both former track stars – are trying to get some Olympic legends on board.
They should be careful, however, as their choices would really give them a run for their money.
“Dame – I keep trying!” squealed Fire.
“Dame Kelly against Dame Jessica Ennis,” Nitro chipped in. “I’ve been trying to convince Jess for a long time.
“They’d be so good,” agreed Fire. “They’re actually similar in a lot of ways. Mentality for sure. They’re both pretty tiny but relentless.
“Even now they’re retired, they are the best.
“People would love to see that because they have been at the highest level. Multiple medallists on both sides, that’d be unreal.”
What a spectacle that would be.
OUR PICKS FOR STRICTLY
AS former Strictly contestants, Nitro and Fire know a lot about the dance contest.
So it’s only right I get their verdict on which of the other Galdiators could salsa up a storm on the BBC One show.
“I’d pick Phantom,” said Fire. “He’s just full of energy, loves a dance, has great rhythm.
“And Comet from the girl’s side as she’s a gymnast, has long legs and is stunning.”
The pair think Giant and Legend would leave their mark too – but in a different way.
“Legend would be useless,” laughed Fire. “I’ve told him this one is not for you.
“Giant is massive. His hips are so stiff, you’d be hearing the creaking.”
Nitro agreed: “For pure comedic value, he’d be hilarious.”
WHEN Gladiators missed out in the Bafta nominations this week, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one left mystified.
But Nitro’s fine with it: “It’s a bit like a Nando’s black card – if you ask for it, you ain’t gonna get it.
“We’re happy doing what we do because of the effect it has around this world.”
COMICS ARE JUST LIKE US
WHEN they’re not working on their game face, Nitro and Fire can’t keep a straight face watching Last One Laughing.
Nitro reckons the comics, including Bob Mortimer and Mel Giedroyc, on the Prime Video show are comedy gladiators.
“It’s a gladiatorial arena,” he said. “They’re going toe to toe and it’s so good to watch. It’s a gladiator’s game of wit. I just have so much respect for it.”
Nitro says he’d love to be in a funny sandwich with Alan Carr and Jimmy Carr.
“I’ve always wanted to sit at a table with those two, they’d rip me to shreds and it would be hilarious,” he chuckled.
“I could be the muscle, but those two, their wit is just amazing. I would love to hang out with them.”
LYCRA-loving Nitro says he fancies a part in ‘s MobLand – so he can put more clothes on.
Taking about the gangster Paramount+ series, he said: “I’d love to get involved to be a bit of muscle. Wear a suit.
“I don’t want to show my chest all the time, I want a double-breasted jacket!”
FIND ME A DATING SHOW
FIRE would like her love life to get as hot as her name – and she’s hoping a dating show could help out.
“I am a stickler for any dating show, Love Is Blind, all that stuff,” she said.
“I’ve already watched to the end of Netflix’s Age Of Attraction. Put me on that show, please. Put me on it now!”
Her fame could prove a stumbling block though as the show pairs up singletons who don’t know each other’s ages. And it would only take quick Google to find out hers.
But Fire’s screen aspirations don’t end there.
In fact, she’s aiming high, dreaming of playing DAVID BOWIE’s Jareth in a remake of 80s classic film Labyrinth.
“That would be my dream role,” she said.
“I want to be the Goblin Queen.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
