BBC Breakfast star Louise Minchin shares terror as she joins Gladiators
Former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin has spoken about her experience on Celebrity Gladiators, revealing that tackling the hit show was "terrifying". Louise, 56, is one of the stars taking on the BBC show's festive special, which is set to air on New Year's Day.
The broadcaster, who left BBC Breakfast after 20 years in 2021, is taking on the formidable gladiators in a special edition of the show alongside comedians Rob Beckett, Joel Dommett and Ellie Taylor. However, Louise has admitted that she was "really worried" ahead of filming the physically-demanding special.
"‘It was the most fun I think I’ve ever had when I’m supposedly working. It was absolutely hilarious, terrifying, and utterly brilliant. I loved every single moment of it," Louise told Metro.
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"‘I was really worried, because the Gladiators are like made of steel, they’re so strong and they’re so good at all the different games. I was 55 when I did it, I was really worried, I’ve got really bad knees and all sorts of things. I was kind of worried going into it that I would fall over or twist my knee, hurt my ankle, so yeah I was really worried."
While Louise said that she was "absolutely terrified" that she would hurt herself and could hardly walk the day after filming, "it was all worth it". She continued: "I didn’t realise how empowering that was to have the crowd shouting at you when you’re running across the bridge or whatever it is."
Hosted by father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, Gladiators' Celebrity Special will see the four brave celebs take on the classic BBC show challenges before going head-to-head in the iconic Eliminator round. Gladiators is just one of the shows that Louise has competed on since leaving BBC Breakfast three years ago, following I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Tipping Point: Lucky Stars and The Weakest Link.
The presenter has also fronted ITV's Lorraine on a few occasions this year, standing in for host Lorraine Kelly. Speaking to OK! about the show, Louise said: "I'm a massive fan of Lorraine's. She's a legend and I absolutely love her programme. I feel really honoured to be able to step into her shoes when she's not there and I'm very happy to do so again."
Earlier this year, Louise revealed that she had begun writing novels, appearing on James Martin's Saturday Morning to promote her book, Isolation Island.
