Fans of Gladiators were left underwhelmed as they noticed a significant blunder after one contestant boasted of making ‘history’. The ‘s thrilling reboot has been gripping viewers since its comeback for a second series earlier this year. In the episode, which aired on Saturday evening (March 1), presenters Bradley and Barney Walsh returned to host the first round of the quarter-finals.
Those tuning in witnessed the competitors battle it out for a spot in the semi-finals, facing various challenges including the notorious Hang Tough.
The spotlight was on Legend, also known as Matt Morsia, who is renowned for his prowess in Hang Tough, having never been defeated in the event by any contender.
However, tonight’s show saw an unexpected twist as competitor Joe triumphed over Legend, marking the first time the latter had been bested in the challenge.
Legend’s reaction to his defeat was one of frustration as he insisted on a rematch. Addressing the crowd, he declared: “I need another go. If I get on there again I’m telling you, it won’t happen again.”
Bradley and Barney Walsh were back on our screens for the first round of the quarter-finals (Image: BBC)
He then posed the question: “In fact, who would like to see me go up again right now?” Mus stepped up to accept Legend’s challenge for a second round.
Regrettably for Legend, he faced another defeat as Mus completed the course with astonishing speed. Barney congratulated Mus, exclaiming: “That is quite possibly the best Hang Tough performance I have ever seen.”
Barney’s jesting remark, “Legend. Two losses in a row. Double loss legend we like to call you in this situation.” left Legend unimpressed.
In the locker room, Legend tried to put a positive spin on his performance, stating: “That’s the first time anyone’s ever done two back-to-back Hang Toughs. I’ve made history. I’ve literally made history.”
His co-star could be heard shouting from off-camera: “Under the title ‘Double-Loss Legend.'” Fans at home were quick to react online, pointing out that this feat had been achieved before.
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BBC Gladiators Legend claimed to make ‘history’ (Image: BBC)
One viewer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to comment: “#Gladiators Legend making history by doing back-to-back Rings? …I remember the master. Saracen. Is he regularly done back to backs? .”
Another chimed in with: “LEGEND: ‘That’s the first time anyone’s ever done back-to-back Hang Tough’ They did it in the original series all the time.”
A third fan noted: “Legend, nah not a patch on the original hang tough king – can’t remember Sara being beaten #Gladiators.” One joker suggested: “BREAKING: Legend is to be renamed Loser due to his double Hang Tough loss.”
Meanwhile, another viewer added: “‘first time doing back-to-back hang toughs’ and the first one to lose as well you’ve lost bragging rights with that, Legend #Gladiators.”
Gladiators continues on Saturday nights at 5:50pm on One and iPlayer.