Gemma Atkinson confirms she was asked to take part in Celebrity Gladiators
Sadly she had to turn it down
Last updated 5th Aug 2024
Earlier this year, just after she returned from maternity leave following the birth of her second child Thiago, Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson, was rumoured for the new series of Celebrity Gladiators.
However, Gemma has now confirmed that while she was asked, she can't take part due to childcare commitments. Speaking on her drive time show, Gemma revealed that she was asked to take part in the Christmas special, but was unable to make it, as it's filmed over two days.
When asked by a listener if she was gong to be on the (radio) show on Wednesday (the day they're filming), she explained: "Do you know what I was asked to do it (Celebrity Gladiators), I was asked to take part. It's for the Christmas special, isn't it in Sheffield?
"Yes... No, I was asked to take part, but I couldn't make the date work because Gorka's off gallivanting, dancing, and I’ve got sprogs. I've got no childcare because it's two days."
Back in April, it was announced a Celebrity version had been commissioned, following the successful reboot of the 90s gameshow at the beginning of the year. Although no details have been announced about the series just yet, bosses did ask fans which famous faces they’d like to see appear, and Gemma’s name was very popular!
Gemma is of course known for her love of all things health and fitness, with the 39-year-old often posting videos of herself in the gym alongside her fiancé Gorka Marquez, so there’s no doubt she would be amazing taking on the Gladiators. But it wasn't to be.
Check out which celebs we’d love to see on Celebrity Gladiators:
Gemma Atkinson
Hits Radio host and soap star Gemma Atkinson is no stranger to the gym, sharing her workouts with fans and releasing a number of health books.
Gemma has now confirmed she was asked to take part by bosses, but she was unable to make the date of filming. Could she appear on any future series?
Davina McCall
TV host Davina McCall loves to keep herself in shape, boasting a toned body and a six-pack! She'd be great on the show.
Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott
Hits Radio presenter and King of the Jungle Sam Thompson is the man of the moment right now, and alongside his girlfriend Zara McDermott, the pair could make amazing contestants on Celebrity Gladiators.
Ant Middelton
He used to put people through their paces as Chief Instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins, so could Ant Middleton handle the Gladiators course?
Tom Grennan
Exercise is a huge part of singer Tom Grennan's life, with the 'Lionheart' hit maker doing CrossFit, running or swimming on a daily basis! Last year, Tom was training for a triathlon, so he'd definitely be prepared for Gladiators!
Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright
Married couple Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright are one of the fittest couples around, with ex semi-professional footballer Mark often sharing his workouts with his followers. Michelle also keeps herself fit with a healthy diet and gym routine, so we think these two would do amazing on the show.
Alex Scott MBE
Former England footballer and KISS presenter Alex Scott MBE keeps herself in amazing shape, often hitting the gym, so we think she'd smash the course.
Tommy Fury
Boxer Tommy Fury is no stranger to TV, having found fame on ITV2 reality show Love Island. With his boxing training and stamina, Tommy would be the perfect candidate for Celebrity Gladiators.
Marvin Humes
JLS singer Marvin Humes loves to keep fit, with the KISS presenter keeping his camp mates motivated during last year's I'm A Celeb.
Kate and Rio Ferdinand
Married couple Kate and Rio Ferdinand often do workouts together, sharing their plans with fans, so we'd love to see them take each other on in the course.
Jill Scott MBE
Former England footballer Jill Scott has appeared on a number of TV shows since retiring, and with her sports background, Celebrity Gladiators would be another show she could potentially win!
Jordan Banjo
Thanks to being in dance group Diversity, KISS presenter Jordan Banjo certainly has the fitness and physique to take on the course.
Perri Kiely
Of course, we couldn't see Jordan on the show without his KISS Breakfast co-host and Diversity pal Perri Kiely!
Kirsty Gallacher
TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher has been into fitness her whole life, releasing a number of workouts and advice to her fans, so she'd be a great fit for the show.
Joe Wicks MBE
Joe Wicks is Mr Fitness himself, single-handily keeping the nation fit during lockdown! With Joe's fitness and healthy eating plans, he could go all the way on Gladiators!
Ryan Thomas and Lucy Mecklenburgh
Ryan Thomas and Lucy Mecklenburgh are another couple who love to keep fit together! Lucy has her own home fitness company, so they would be a great match for the Gladiators.
Tony Bellew
We loved seeing the softer side of boxer Tony Bellew on last year's I'm A Celeb, but now we'd like to see him show off his athletic side on Celebrity Gladiators!
Vicky McClure
Actress Vicky McClure is a keen fitness fanatic and often takes on physically demanding roles in shows such as Line of Duty and Trigger Point. She was also part of the coaching team on Soccer Aid last year, so we think Celebrity Gladiators would be right up her street.
Martin Compston
Of course, we couldn't see Vicky on the show without her Line of Duty co-star and BFF Martin Compston! These two are seriously competitive.
Jax Jones
Music DJ Jax Jones recently revealed during an interview with us that he'd appear on Gladiators if he had to choose a reality show... So could we see him sign up?
Gladiators fans were over the moon back in 2023 when BBC bosses announced they had plans to reboot the show. After filming took place at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena in June, the show finally aired between January and March, with record-breaking viewing figures.
Following the final, bosses were quick to confirm the show had been renewed for a second series, as well as a Celebrity edition.
More details about Celebrity Gladiators are expected in the coming months.
How can I listen to Gemma on Hits Radio?
You can hear Gemma on Hits Radio alongside Mike Toolan every weekday from 4pm.
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