Gladiators fans rage 'shame on BBC!' as 'robbed' contestant 'put at disadvantage' by rule change in heart-racing finale
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Gladiators fans raged 'shame on the BBC!' after a 'robbed' contestant was 'put at disadvantage' by a sudden rule change in the heart-racing finale on Saturday night.
The final episode of the highly anticipated second series of the programme saw the remaining four players battle it out for the top spot.
It was Anelia Afsar vs Amanda Wah for the final two women, while for the men it was Joe Fishburn vs Mus Dumbuya.
The Wall sees one of the players race a Gladiator up a wall - and the guys had to go up against Legend and Apollo to the top after having a head start.
But in a show first, Apollo decided to change the rules - and fans weren't very happy about it.
Before the challenge got started, Legend walked off and said: 'Absolute waste of time. I'm not doing it. Give me the mic.
Gladiators fans rage 'shame on BBC!' as 'robbed' contestant 'put at disadvantage' by rule change in heart-racing finale
The final episode of the highly anticipated second series of the programme saw the remaining four players battle it out for the top spot
'Right, listen, twice now I've had Mus on The Wall and twice I've had to watch his smug face celebrating at the top after being given a massive head start.
'So let me ask you this, if Mus is so fast on The Wall, why don't we remove the head start and go one on one on a straight race?
'What wants to see that?!'
Host Barney Walsh explained that they'd have to ask their official Mark Clattenburg.
Mark said: 'Yeah it's the grand final.
'I'm happy to accept it's a race.
'Therefore, Mus, Joe, if you beat the Gladiator to the top, I'll award 10 points...
'Are you happy with that challenge?'
Joe beat Apollo in his race, meaning he got 10 points, but unfortunately Mus wasn't quick enough to win in his and only got five
The crowd egged the pair on and Barney added: 'I guess we're going for it. It's a race!'
Joe beat Apollo in his race, meaning he got 10 points, but unfortunately Mus wasn't quick enough to win in his and only got five.
This meant that Joe extended his lead over Mus with 24 points, against Mus' 17, and eventually ended up winning the show.
Those watching at home weren't impressed with the producers decision to change it up last minute.
One said on X: 'Just watched #Gladiators really disappointed that the producers stitched Mus up. The change to The Wall was ridiculous. The Stratosphere was either completely staged or unbelievable incompetence. Well done Mus!'
Meanwhile another said on Reddit: 'Disappointed that they changed the rules for the Wall for the final. I think Mus had a better time on the wall than Joe which meant a 10 point swing in the scores. Not sure the producers/referees fully considered the implications of the changes and the scoring.'
'We said this in our house. The 10 point swing would have been a 5 seconds less headstart for Joe, which would have meant Mus would have won.'
'Agree 100%. So many things in that episode felt scripted and/or forced. Ruins the show IMO.'
'I agree, it ruined the finale for me. Mus and Legend could have raced after just for fun.'
'Anyone who thinks the change of contest was spur of the moment based on Legends outburst, and not 100% scripted, is delusional! Maybe Mus would have got the 10 points if he'd raced against Apollo, maybe legend would have beaten Joe, who knows.
'Both contenders were incredibly strong and evenly matched. I would have been happy for either of them to win because they're both such sweethearts.'
Gym owner Amanda, from Warrington, and gymnastics coach Joe, from Scarborough, were crowned the winners of Gladiators 2025 on Saturday night.
Speaking to co-host Bradley Walsh after her victory, Amanda said: 'That one's for you, mum. This has been the best experience of my life - unbelievable.'
After his win, Joe paid tribute to his grandmother Christine, who raised him after his mother died when he was two years old.
He said: 'I never had a father figure present, and she's done everything for me. I hope you're proud.'
Stream series two of Gladiators on BBC iPlayer now.
