Londoner Emily Bell crowned Gladiators champion
The Londoner said she won't "fully comprehend for a long time" what she has accomplished.
[BBC] A woman from south London has been crowned Gladiators Champion 2026, The high-energy sports entertainment show has seen contenders being pursued around the arena inside massive metal spheres and enduring some heavy hits in Powerball, over the last 11 weeks. And following the Grand Final on Saturday, Emily Bell, 23, from Croydon beat Naomi Church to pick up the trophy. They were the youngest and oldest contenders in the tournament.
She said after winning the women's competition: "What on earth has just happened? I don't think I will fully comprehend for a long time what I've accomplished and what I've overcome both physically and mentally to hold this - heavy - trophy in my hands. " Emily, a Cambridge graduate who works in marketing and plays rugby for the London Broncos, said one of the things she had learnt during the competition was to "back herself".
"I often get told by family and friends that I need to 'back myself' more. It's much easier said than done," she said. "But this whole experience, even just getting here - let alone winning the whole thing - is a lifelong and constant reminder to myself about what I can accomplish, even when terrified!
"Note to self: Back yourself, Emily. " Watch Gladiators on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist She had previously told BBC London that: "It's just been so fun to rep the flag of south London, of Croydon. " For Emily, being from Croydon and having the area's support has been an important part of the journey.