Gladiators fans are upset that a contestant who was brought in as an injury replacement will face a rival he has already beaten in the final of the 11-episode series. The competition has featured a new generation of Gladiators competing against the public, including elite athletes and celebrities. The show has faced some controversies, including rule violations and numerous contestants being forced to pull out due to injury. The final will feature Wesley Male and Finlay Anderson on the men’s side and Marie-Louise Nicholson and Bronte Jones on the women’s side.
Many fans have expressed their frustration with the format of the show’s final and the contestants who will be participating. Wesley Male replaced the injured Finley Burkitt and was not initially part of the competition when it began. Fans are disappointed that Wesley will face Finlay Anderson, whom he had previously beaten in the quarter-finals. There is also controversy surrounding Finlay’s path to the final, as he only made it to the semi-final eliminators as the fastest loser.
Viewers took to social media to voice their opinions on the upcoming final, with many questioning the selection of replacement contestants and calling for a different format for determining the finalists. Some fans believe that Wesley should not have been allowed to compete in the final, arguing that the second-fastest runner up should have been called in instead. Despite the controversy surrounding the final contestants, the BBC has confirmed that Gladiators will return for a second series, following the success of the rebooted show hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh.
The show’s revival has been a ratings success, with the debut episode attracting 6.4 million viewers. BBC chief Tim Davie has listed Gladiators as a “big priority” for the year, indicating that the show’s future is secure. The decision to renew the series for a second season comes amid fan backlash over the selection of final contestants and the overall format of the competition. The BBC’s announcement of the show’s return has sparked further discussion among fans about the direction of the series and the changes that could be made in the future to address viewer concerns.
Despite the controversies and fan dissatisfaction with the final contestant selection, Gladiators has managed to draw in a large audience and maintain a strong viewership throughout its run. The show’s success has solidified its place as a priority for the BBC, ensuring that it will continue to entertain viewers in the future. As the competition reaches its grand final, fans will be watching closely to see how the remaining contestants fare, and whether any changes will be made to address the criticisms raised by viewers.
