The Christmas Day edition ofCelebrity Gladiatorsdelivered a stunning moment when fitness icon Joe Wicks took a powerful blow to the head during a Duel challenge.
Wicks, known as The Body Coach, faced off against Viper – Quang Luong – in the arena, alongside fellow competitors Nicola Adams, Sam Thompson, and Vogue Williams. The intensity of the competition quickly escalated.
During the fast-paced Duel, involving oversized pugil sticks, Viper landed a jarring hit on Wicks just before the starting whistle. The impact sent Wicks reeling, struggling to regain his footing.
“I got a full whack to the head and I couldn’t recover,” Wicks later recounted, describing a disorienting experience. “Everything flipped upside down, I was seeing stars.”
The fall was particularly rough, as Wicks landed awkwardly on his head. Despite the impact, he quickly rose to his feet, driven by the presence of his family in the audience.
However, the damage was done. Wicks admitted to feeling “fuzzy” and disoriented, a testament to the force of the blow. Viper was subsequently disqualified for the premature strike.
This incident isn’t isolated. The recent revival ofGladiatorshas seen its share of injuries, including a knee injury sustained by Gladiator Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeety) during the previous season.
Gladiatorsfirst captivated audiences on ITV from 1992 to 2000, then enjoyed brief revivals on Sky One in 2008 and now on the BBC in 2024, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh. The show continues to draw large viewership, averaging over 6 million viewers in its initial episodes.
A third season is already planned for January 2026, following the success of the Christmas special and the first celebrity edition, which featured stars like Rob Beckett and Louise Minchin. The enduring appeal of the show lies in its thrilling challenges and the raw physicality of the competition.
The Christmas special showcased the high stakes and unpredictable nature ofCelebrity Gladiators, leaving viewers captivated by the dramatic events unfolding in the arena.
