Saturday night’s episode of Gladiators was filled with drama as contestant Nikki suffered a painful injury during the fourth event, ‘The Edge’, against Gladiator Dynamite.
After being caught by Dynamite, both fell into the safety net, leaving Nikki visibly in pain. The BBC commentator expressed concern, saying: “There’s some concern from Dynamite, Nikki looks like she’s got herself injured.”
Upon replaying the incident, he added: “Well it looks like there was something in the landing, let’s hope Nikki is okay.” Host Bradley Walsh had to pause the show reports the Mirror, instructing Nikki to get checked off-camera by the medic.
As the show resumed, Dynamite was asked for her thoughts on Nikki’s performance, to which she responded: “She smashed it.” She praised Nikki’s efforts, saying: “She’s done absolutely amazing and no matter what happened up there and how she’s probably feeling up there right now, she’s done so well to come this far and she should be very proud of herself.”
The audience was then asked to applaud Nikki before moving onto the next contestant, Keeva. Later in the show, an update was provided on Nikki’s condition. Bradley revealed: “Earlier on we saw Nikki sustain an injury on ‘The Edge’.”
His son and co-host Barney added: “She’s been checked over by our brilliant medical team but unfortunately she will not be able to compete in the Eliminator.”
However, Keeva’s progress to the quarter finals came at the expense of Nikki’s elimination, which left Keeva with mixed emotions. She said: “I’m absolutely devastated for Nikki, as much as I’m happy that I’m in the quarter finals, it’s tough but I’m sure she’s in good hands.”
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This dramatic turn of events occurred after Gladiators made a surprise announcement at the beginning of Saturday night’s episode. Hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh, a father-and-son duo, paused the show just minutes in to reveal some exciting news.
Barney, 27, teased: “There’s a storm brewing over the arena! ” leaving Bradley, 64, wondering: “What does that mean, what does that mean?” Barney then dropped the bombshell: “Well, tonight we’re going to be introducing a brand new Gladiator!”
Bradley’s shocked response of “No! ” was met with Barney’s confirmation: “Yes! ” The first new Gladiator, 23-year-old Cyclone, an Irish Powerlifter, made her debut on Saturday night.
Cyclone confidently asserted: “I’ve got the look, I’ve got the energy and I’ve got the muscles,” She was joined by Hammer, a World Rowing Champion, who stands at an intimidating 6ft 5 inches tall. Hammer boasted: “When you’ve got 19 stone sprinting at you, you’ve got no chance. I’m getting you.”
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