Celebrity Big Brother star turns down Gladiators stint 'I've got a mortgage to pay'

The One Show presenter Angellica Bell has turned down an opportunity to appear on Celebrity Gladiatorsafter a personal invitation.

The celebrity spin-off of the beloved BBC programme made its debut last year withLouise Minchin, Joel Dommett, Rob Becket and Ellie Taylor.

It came after the return of Gladiators, with the BBC reviving the series for the first time since it aired on ITV in 2000, with a new batch of superhumans showing off their speed, skill, stamina and strength.

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Bradley Walsh and his son Barney took over from the likes of Ulrika Jonsson in presenting the new series, and are now returning to the arena for its third season this year.

Before that though, a second series of Celebrity Gladiators has just finished filming starring Joe Wicks, Sam Thompson, Nicola Adams and Vogue Williams.

Teasing the competition during an appearance on The One Show, host Bradley revealed: “They were fantastic, it was closer than you could possibly imagine.”

“You are going to be surprised, it’s a brilliant show,” he teased. “They’re really competitive.”

He then probed Celebrity Big Brother star Angellica on a future appearance, though she quickly insisted she’d never do it, as did The One Show co-host Clara Amfo.

“Yeah you would,” Bradley replied.

“No, I’ve got a mortgage to pay! I want to keep my teeth in check,” Angellica quipped.

Ahead of the new celebrity version, the stars taking part shared their excitement and competitiveness, with Joe saying: “Gladiators is one of the most iconic shows of all time, and I’m absolutely buzzing to be taking part. I grew up watching it, so to now step into the arena myself is going to be an incredible experience. I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got."

Sam shared: “Just when I've finished one challenge I'm onto the next, and this time I'm up against real life Gladiators! Bring it on and get me up that travelator! But on a serious note, I genuinely can't wait to take part, I'm so excited. I grew up watching the show, so to now be taking on the Gladiators in real life is really cool.”

Nicola added: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of the Gladiators Celebrity Special! It’s such an iconic show and growing up, I loved watching the epic battles and strong personalities. Now, getting the chance to step into that arena myself, it’s a whole new kind of challenge. I may be a champion in the boxing ring, but this is different. I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got!”

And Vogue said: “This is wild. I have loved this show since I was little and I’ll be living out my childhood dream just stepping into the arena. But I can’t quite process how I’ll actually face these amazing Gladiators. I’m just delighted to be a contender!”

The One Show airs weekdays on BBC One and iPlayer at 7pm. Gladiators returns to the BBC soon.