‘I eat so much chocolate’: Stars of BBC’s Gladiators on how they get READY for Christmas

Christmas arrives at the end of the year like a travellator at the end of an episode of Gladiators. While not all of us have endured a series of gruelling events testing our speed, strength, heart and endurance, or been bashed about by demolition balls and pugil sticks this year, it can sometimes feel that way. 

So how do Gladiators themselves tackle the demands of Christmas? We asked Comet, Apollo and Athena, three stars of the TV sensation of 2024, about how they make the most of their festive season. 

THE BIG ISSUE: Are you READY for Christmas?

Athena: Absolutely! Christmas is always a family occasion in my household… from dressing up and wearing our Christmas jumpers to unwrapping my presents, which I get as excited about as my three-year-old niece! Watching Christmas films and eating all that good food and dessert, what more could you ask for.

Apollo: I am so ready. It’s one of my favourite times of year. It makes me grateful for the time I get to spend with loved ones.

Comet: It’s my favourite time of year, I couldn’t be more READY! The very first thing I bought when I moved into my apartment (even before my sofa) was a Christmas tree!

How early do you HANG (tough) your decorations?

Comet: The first of December, of course.

Apollo: The first of December, but to be honest I could get behind starting earlier.

Athena: Anything before that is a crime! Speaking of Hang Tough, I do have my own rig in the garden – I think it could do with some tinsel this year!

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What is a typical Christmas Day like for a Gladiator? Is it the one day that you can eat whatever you like?

Comet: At Christmas I love to eat as much chocolate as my heart desires. I do a big walk in the morning with my family, but the day is really relaxed. I eat what I like and enjoy Christmas like everyone else; one day of the year isn’t going to impact your progress and it’s memories over macros!

Athena: Christmas Day is a day off training. I always make sure I do all my heavy training in the lead-up to Christmas so I can fully enjoy the day and be present with my loved ones. And I definitely eat whatever I like – Christmas calories don’t count! 

Apollo: I like to train on Christmas Day. Why? Because everyone else is going to be resting! A chance for me to become even more unbeatable.

What’s your favourite Christmas indulgence?

Apollo: Pigs in blankets, I’m starting a campaign to make it acceptable to eat them all year round.

Athena: Traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings… and then dessert (or a few of them) to top it off. Absolutely winning! 

Comet: Chocolate. Can you see a trend here?

Which Christmas tradition would you like to ELIMINATE?

Comet: Mince pies and Christmas pudding give me the ick!

Apollo: I’d maybe put a limit on how many times Mariah Carey’s song can be played.

Athena: Mulled wine. I never understand why anyone would enjoy that.

How do you keep competitive at Christmas – does a lot of DUELLING happen with loved ones? Arguments around the dining table? Board games? 

Apollo: Of course, card games, board games, quizzes. Win at all costs!!

Comet: My family have a very competitive nature: we love playing games. I wouldn’t say we argue but let’s just say everyone’s in it to win it and we will do what it takes.

Athena: The household is extremely competitive, be it Christmas or any day of the year – we all have that will to win. Athena is Queen of the Arena… and board games too. 

Have you bought Christmas presents for any of your fellow Gladiators? 

Apollo: Yes, lessons in how to deliver an ass kicking as well as me.  

Comet: I actually haven’t, but we don’t tend to do presents because just each other’s company is a gift!

Athena: Not yet… but you never know what they might find in their Christmas stockings.

What makes a DYNAMITE present? 

Comet: For me, it’s always the thoughtful sentimental ones, the value doesn’t matter. I am a perfectionist with wrapping though, it has to look amazing! 

Apollo: Bedsheets with my face on them, yes these are a real thing. I’ve seen picture evidence.

Athena: I love a secret Santa, which is always big in our household… so a surprise is always special, especially if it came from the heart! 

What gift would you get to make VIPER smile?

Comet: I’m not sure that will ever happen. 

Athena: It is impossible to make Viper smile so I wouldn’t even try! 

Apollo: The destruction of his enemies.

Have you seen Gladiator II? Thumbs up, thumbs down…?

Athena: Not yet but I cannot wait!! 

Comet: Verdict pending… 

Apollo: Definitely thumbs up. The first is one of my favourite films and it’s very hard to top a great original. But if anyone needs some tips, ask us.

Gladiators Celebrity Special is showing at 6pm on New Year’s Day on BBC One and iPlayer.

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