Gemma Atkinson responds to rumours she’s taking part in Celebrity Gladiators

She’d be great on the show!

Author: Alex RossPublished 24th Apr 2024

She’s only just come back from maternity leave following the birth of her second child Thiago, but Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson’s name is already swirling in the rumour mill for the new series of Celebrity Gladiators.

Earlier this month it was announced a Celebrity version had been commissioned, following the successful reboot of the 90s gameshow at the beginning of the year. Although no details have been announced about the series just yet, bosses did ask fans which famous faces they’d like to see appear, and Gemma’s name was very popular!

Gemma is of course known for her love of all things health and fitness, with the 39-year-old often posting videos of herself in the gym alongside her fiancé Gorka Marquez, so there’s no doubt she would be amazing taking on the Gladiators.

Following the rumours, Gemma has now taken to her Instagram page to dismiss the claims, telling her fans: "I heard about this little rumour! It was news to me.

"No chats have been had. I loved the original show as a kid and I'm glad it's back for the next generation to watch, but I wouldn't put Gorks and Mia through the stress of trying to watch me climb that wall.

"Happy to sit it out and watch from home."

Check out which celebs we’d love to see on Celebrity Gladiators:

Gemma Atkinson

Hits Radio host and soap star Gemma Atkinson is no stranger to the gym, sharing her workouts with fans and releasing a number of health books. We'd love to see her take on the Gladiators!

Davina McCall

TV host Davina McCall loves to keep herself in shape, boasting a toned body and a six-pack! She'd be great on the show.

Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott

Hits Radio presenter and King of the Jungle Sam Thompson is the man of the moment right now, and alongside his girlfriend Zara McDermott, the pair could make amazing contestants on Celebrity Gladiators.

Ant Middelton

He used to put people through their paces as Chief Instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins, so could Ant Middleton handle the Gladiators course?

Tom Grennan

Exercise is a huge part of singer Tom Grennan's life, with the 'Lionheart' hit maker doing CrossFit, running or swimming on a daily basis! Last year, Tom was training for a triathlon, so he'd definitely be prepared for Gladiators!

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright

Married couple Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright are one of the fittest couples around, with ex semi-professional footballer Mark often sharing his workouts with his followers. Michelle also keeps herself fit with a healthy diet and gym routine, so we think these two would do amazing on the show.

Alex Scott MBE

Former England footballer and KISS presenter Alex Scott MBE keeps herself in amazing shape, often hitting the gym, so we think she'd smash the course.

Tommy Fury

Boxer Tommy Fury is no stranger to TV, having found fame on ITV2 reality show Love Island. With his boxing training and stamina, Tommy would be the perfect candidate for Celebrity Gladiators.

Marvin Humes

JLS singer Marvin Humes loves to keep fit, with the KISS presenter keeping his camp mates motivated during last year's I'm A Celeb.

Kate and Rio Ferdinand

Married couple Kate and Rio Ferdinand often do workouts together, sharing their plans with fans, so we'd love to see them take each other on in the course.

Jill Scott MBE

Former England footballer Jill Scott has appeared on a number of TV shows since retiring, and with her sports background, Celebrity Gladiators would be another show she could potentially win!

Jordan Banjo

Thanks to being in dance group Diversity, KISS presenter Jordan Banjo certainly has the fitness and physique to take on the course.

Perri Kiely

Of course, we couldn't see Jordan on the show without his KISS Breakfast co-host and Diversity pal Perri Kiely!

Kirsty Gallacher

TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher has been into fitness her whole life, releasing a number of workouts and advice to her fans, so she'd be a great fit for the show.

Joe Wicks MBE

Joe Wicks is Mr Fitness himself, single-handily keeping the nation fit during lockdown! With Joe's fitness and healthy eating plans, he could go all the way on Gladiators!

Spencer Matthews

Former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews has appeared on a number of sport-style shows in the past, so could he add another to his CV?

Ryan Thomas and Lucy Mecklenburgh

Ryan Thomas and Lucy Mecklenburgh are another couple who love to keep fit together! Lucy has her own home fitness company, so they would be a great match for the Gladiators.

Tony Bellew

We loved seeing the softer side of boxer Tony Bellew on last year's I'm A Celeb, but now we'd like to see him show off his athletic side on Celebrity Gladiators!

Vicky McClure

Actress Vicky McClure is a keen fitness fanatic and often takes on physically demanding roles in shows such as Line of Duty and Trigger Point. She was also part of the coaching team on Soccer Aid last year, so we think Celebrity Gladiators would be right up her street.

Martin Compston

Of course, we couldn't see Vicky on the show without her Line of Duty co-star and BFF Martin Compston! These two are seriously competitive.

Jax Jones

Music DJ Jax Jones recently revealed during an interview with us that he'd appear on Gladiators if he had to choose a reality show... So could we see him sign up?

Gladiators fans were over the moon back in 2023 when BBC bosses announced they had plans to reboot the show. After filming took place at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena in June, the show finally aired between January and March, with record-breaking viewing figures.

Following the final, bosses were quick to confirm the show had been renewed for a second series, as well as a Celebrity edition.

More details about Celebrity Gladiators are expected in the coming months.

How can I listen to Gemma on Hits Radio?

Gemma is now back from maternity leave, you can hear her on Hits Radio alongside Mike Toolan every weekday from 4pm.

Now read:

A celebrity special of Gladiators is set to air on the BBC

Applications for Gladiators series 2 are now open

Everything you need to know about the return of Gladiators

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online or ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio'.