Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into a story that's sure to spark some heated debates! A dance teacher's controversial move on Gladiators has left us all wondering: was it genius or unsportsmanlike?
In 1992, Nicola Bawden, a dance teacher from Poole, stepped into the spotlight as one of the first contestants on the iconic TV show, Gladiators. But here's where it gets controversial...
Nicola shared her memories of the show, revealing that contestants had minimal practice due to the ongoing construction of the equipment. It was during this time that she noticed a tactic employed by the gladiators: grabbing contestants' legs to pull them off the wall. Determined not to fall victim, Nicola devised a clever (or so she thought) strategy.
"I put some baby oil on my legs," she explained. "I wanted to make sure they couldn't grip me."
But here's the twist: Nicola took it a step further. She deliberately loosened her shoelaces, hoping that when the gladiator, Scorpio, tried to grab her shoe, it would come off, giving her an advantage.
Scorpio, played by former gymnast Nikki Diamond, was not amused. An "official complaint" was aired, with Scorpio claiming, "She cheated and acted unsporting."
However, Scorpio's complaint didn't stop there. In a dramatic turn of events, Scorpio caught up with Nicola in the next round, leading to her elimination from the show.
The wall, a sheer and intimidating obstacle, became the battleground for this controversial moment. It's a test of speed, strength, and nerve, and Nicola's unique approach certainly raised some eyebrows.
Gladiators, hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu, first graced our screens on ITV in 1992. The show ran for eight series, turning gladiators like Wolf, Jet, and Rhino into household names. After a brief hiatus, it made a comeback on the BBC in 2024, and we're currently enjoying its third series revival.
Looking back, Nicola reflects on her time on the show with a mix of nostalgia and amusement. She jokes about the reactions of the parents of her current dance students, who can't quite believe their teacher's past exploits.
"They watch it on YouTube and see that it was true," she says, leaving us with a smile.
So, what do you think? Was Nicola's move a clever tactic or a breach of sportsmanship? Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts!
Catch the next episode of Gladiators on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 17:45 GMT.
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