DIVA chatted to the 2026 Champion about what the show has meant to her
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY BBC/HUNGRY BEAR/GRAEME HUNTER
We all remember the first time we watched the hit show, Gladiators. It is the epitome of strength, endurance and the limits of the human body. This year, 23-year-old Emily Bell took home the coveted trophy and became a Champion. Playing rugby for the London Broncos, Emily was no stranger to competition. Following this incredible achievement, we caught up with Emily to find out more about her time on the show and what she hopes audiences can take from it.
Do you remember the first time you watched Gladiators? What were your first memories of the show?
I wish I could say I was a fan of the original Gladiators back in the 90s, but alas, I wasn’t even born then! My first memory of Gladiators was from Fury (a fellow rugby player), and thinking what an awesome show she was a part of. I watched the entirety of series one in a week, and when the commentator’s voice at the end challenged me with “If you think you can do this, apply now”, I thought – what have u got to lose? While I didn’t expect to even get on the show, let alone win the whole thing, I applied, remembering what the show stood for: some healthy competition covered in lycra.
What was going through your head when you applied for Gladiators?
Honestly? It was always “this would be a hilarious dinner party story to tell in the future”. I always applied for the fun of it, never really thinking that I’d go and win the whole thing! The show represents such power, strength and positivity for all ages, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. When I told my friend that I was thinking of applying, she said I’d be perfect for it – this external push was exactly what I needed to just go for it and enjoy the process (including a very creative application video…)
What were some of the biggest things you learned while being on the show?
It was actually how much mental resilience I needed to achieve something like this. It’s quite evident how physically demanding the show is, but there were some real moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome I faced; the support from my friends and family was also absolutely vital, and it reminded me how important having a strong support system really is. In my semi-final speech, I spoke about how important it is to have people in my corner to believe in me when I don’t believe in myself – and I think this rings true for a lot of people, not just inside an arena.
Congratulations on being named this year’s Champion. How does it feel?
It’s a real “pinch me” moment, I don’t know if I’ll ever fully grasp. The journey I went through was certainly one for the history books! From doing the travelator SIX times in my heat, to losing my quarter final but returning as the fastest runner up, it was certainly an emotional ride. To walk away as the youngest ever champion, and to do it all on my birthday, was something I knew could never be taken from me. It’s been a real honour to get messages of support and congratulations, and the comments about how people’s young daughters, sons, siblings, and cousins see me as a role model are an unexpected but deeply humbling feeling. I’d love to use this win to inspire others to get active and laugh while doing it!
What do you hope audiences at home take away from your story?
That strong women are empowered women! I’ve seen first-hand the positive effect that sport (and particularly rugby) can have on so many women and girls. While applying for the show was initially for a bit of fun, its significance grew and changed throughout filming and airing. To be a role model for young girls is a position I’m honoured to be in, and I want to make sure that while I’m always a source of boundless energy and enthusiasm, I’m trying to leave some tangible positive behind me. If my journey can inspire anyone to pick up a rugby ball, start lifting weights, or try anything active that they assumed might “not be for them”, I’d be over the moon. Being strong has made me confident in my body and confident in myself, and there is no feeling like it.
Do you have a message for any LGBTQIA+ fans?
Take up space and be unapologetically yourself when doing so! There’s so much power in authenticity, and the more visible we are, the more we create space for others to feel confident doing the same. You never know who you might be inspiring just by being your brilliant self.
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