A thrilling semi-final episode of the BBC remake left Gladiators fans reeling.
The game show, which aired from 1992 to 2000, has been a huge success in its latest edition, with fans tuning in to see candidates compete against top athletes in a series of physical tasks.
Fans have particularly identified with participant Chung Leung, 33, who was evacuated off the stadium by paramedics in the series’ last episode, much to the surprise and anguish of the audience.
The challenger, a software engineer, held his own against the Gladiators for the most of the dramatic episode, losing minimal ground in the Duel, the Wall, and the Edge.
However, as the London resident took on the Powerball game, the audience’s shouts swiftly turned to cries of dread as Gladiator Apollo assaulted Chung.
He landed hard on the ground, grimacing in anguish as it became evident that the rival had taken more than a minor blow.
Chung writhed in anguish, grasping his leg, as paramedics whisked him out of the arena.
The tense situation concluded with Chung having to withdraw from the concert, prompting outpourings of astonishment among fans online.
X user @dorianevans1 wrote ‘Kids went to bed crying after that. Gutted for Chung and that Eliminator was incredible.’
Another, @niall5982, wrote, ‘Nooooo poor Chung, the drama in this episode though.’
@rickyboleto posted: ‘I have never shouted so much at the TV. That was a brilliant semifinal.’
Cheers #Gladiators
Kids went to bed crying after that. Gutted for Chung and that Eliminator was incredible pic.twitter.com/DcdFjAKQf8
— Dorian Evans (@dorianevans1) March 23, 2024
This tweet is a petition for Chung to get an invite back to compete in the next series of #gladiators pic.twitter.com/16k7c25yXG
— Hannah (@HannahCarley7) March 23, 2024
#Gladiators nooooo poor Chung 😿 The drama in this episode tho pic.twitter.com/f4X1CKuQ5o
— Niall McGuigan (@niall5982) March 23, 2024
I have never shouted so much at the tv. That was a brilliant semifinal. #Gladiators 💪
— Ricky Boleto (@rickyboleto) March 23, 2024
The host of the show, Bradley Walsh, informed devastated fans that Chung was too injured to continue, saying, ‘Earlier we had to suspend the men’s Powerball game when Chung sadly was injured.
‘After consultations with the medical team, the decision has been made that he can no longer continue in the competition. He’s doing okay and is recieving the best medical care. And we’ll get you an update on his condition before the end of the show.”
Chung’s withdrawal forced a substitute tap-in, allowing civil engineer Matt from Cardiff a second chance at the tournament.
He appeared on crutches to tremendous cheers from the audience at the end of the programme, which was eventually won by contestant Wesley Male.
Finlay Anderson, Wesley Male, Bronte Jones, and Marie-Louise Nicholson will compete in the grand finale to become the ultimate gladiator.
Gladiators will air next Saturday at 5.50pm on BBC One.