A dramatic grand final of the hit BBC Gladiators reboot ended with victory for Marie Louise for the women and Finlay for the men – but viewers were baffled by the final moments at the end of the series.
Irish contender Marie-Louise breezed past Bronte in the final – despite some accusing her of cheating – to score the series win, while Finlay bested Wesley in the men’s heats, meaning they both lifted the Gladiators trophy for the new series.
The new series has been a big hit for the BBC, even beating Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway on ITV1 through the series’ run.
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But fans of the hit show were confused after the prize for the series was handed out at the end for the male and female winners.
Marie-Louise told Bradley Walsh: “Bronte was on my tail the whole time. What a competitor to go up against and it was so close there at the end with the photo finish I think we’re both winners in my eyes.”
Bronte said: “I just wanted to give it my all and no matter what happened I’d be happy and I’m happy. Well done ML.”
(Image: BBC)
But fans were also confused by the fact that winners Finlay and Marie-Louise didn’t win any money or a prize beyond a trophy.
In the 1990s, on the original run of the show featuring stars like Jet and Wolf, the contenders would win a car and as much as £50,000 cash, but this time, nothing and fans said it showed an issue with the BBC’s funding these days.
@aljolovelife said: “Don’t they get money or anything? Doesn’t Bronte get a runners up trophy? Or why not give everyone a trophy?”
@50sonicbooms said: “#gladiators They don’t win a 4×4 motor anymore? Bloody hell, fund the BBC.”
@sidshorthouse said: “Didn’t they win a car or a holiday when this was on ITV. Tightarses at the BBC #Gladiators”
@beckymollon said: “Where’s the jeeps and massive cheque? #Gladiators”
@mattflye said: “Is there a cash prize for winning #Gladiators – it used to be £50k and a gas guzzling Jeep.”
@fayewoodbridge said: “Didn’t they win a bigger prize than a trophy in the 90s or was that my imagination #Gladiators”
(Image: BBC)
Overall, though, fans have been really pleased with this series and are happy that it’s been confirmed to be back for a series 2.
@NSWMongoose said: “Sad to see #Gladiators has finished its run. Really well made overall. Not really won over with Viper when Legend does the wolf job. Series 2 confirmation is excellent. I get the limited amount of events as they wanted to see if it worked which is fair. Shoes need to be glued on.”
@chrismeredith41 said: “I’ve enjoyed the new series and the final was no exception. The only downside being no Sabre. She’s been my favourite new Gladiator. Looking forward to the next series. #Gladiators”
@craggsy82 said: “The eliminators summed up the series Absolutely incredible”
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