Gladiators viewers 'gutted' as contestant forced to pull out ahead of semi-final 

Virgin Radio

10 Mar 2024, 12:04

Gladiators contestant Dev was forced to withdraw from the BBC show after sustaining an injury ahead of the semi-finals. 

During Saturday’s show (9th March), Dev could be seen standing beside host Bradley Walsh in casual clothes rather than the usual Gladiators uniform and headgear. 

Dev explained that he had seriously injured his shoulder climbing the rope during last week’s show and could no longer continue in the competition. 

The contestant added his shoulder had ‘popped out’ of his socket twice, which meant he was medically ruled out of taking part in the semi-final. 

Disappointed, Dev told viewers watching at home: “I picked up an injury in the last qualifying round. I'm trying to nurse it, but it’s not any better. During the cargo rope, I actually had it pop out twice, and I had to re-pop it back in. It is what it is.”

This meant a place in the semi-final was now up for grabs, and Dev introduced his replacement, former contestant Jake from Sheffield. 

Jake came close to winning the quarter-final when he went up against Dev and now has another chance. Speaking to Bradley about his shock return to the show, he said: “This is such an honour to come back and do it again. Let’s go!”

Taking to social media, fans of the show shared their disappointment at Dev’s withdrawal from the competition, with one person writing: “Aah gutted for Dev 😥 #Gladiators”.

Another said: “Thrilling semi final. Duels were incredible fights & seeing Jake return was a great surprise, just a shame it came at Dev’s expense. The gladiators gave a hell of a show today, really challenged the competitors. Sincerely hope our fierce feline is ok & recovers soon. #Gladiators”.

While a third commented: “Gutted for Dev. Wanted Dev vs. Chung in the final #Gladiators”.

However, we may be waiting longer than expected to see Jake in the semi-final after the BBC announced they would be shaking up their schedule to make room for the FA Cup, which will take over Gladitors’ usual slot on Saturday. 

Gladiators is set to return Saturday 23rd March on BBC One and iPlayer.