Former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin has revealed her family ‘laughed out loud’ at her taking part in the celebrity special of Gladiators at the age of 56.
She admitted people had found it funny she was doing the show as it was ‘totally ridiculous’ that she was taking part in the physically gruelling entertainment show at her age.
Ms Minchin, who left the BBC1 news show in 2021, is one of four celebrities taking part in a special episode of the hit TV show on New Year’s Day.
She will take on a series of tough physical challenges, including games known as Powerball and The Eliminator, against the considerably younger assortment of Gladiators.
But she said the reason she agreed to do the show was because she wanted other people her age to think they also can do ‘fun, crazy and tough things’.
Ms Minchin, who previously took part in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, said: ‘When I told my friends and family, I was doing Gladiators they all laughed out loud.
Former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin has revealed her family ‘laughed out loud’ at her taking part in the celebrity special of Gladiators at the age of 56.
‘They laughed out loud for two reasons. One, that it’s totally ridiculous that I should be doing Gladiators at my age. And number two, they absolutely know that it’s my idea of heaven.’
She added: ‘The reason I wanted to take part in Gladiators is that I really want people who are my age to think they can do fun, crazy and tough things.
‘I’d love for people to see me in the show and think, gosh, you know what if Louise can do that at her age, I can also give something like that a go.’
Ms Minchin, who has also competed on Celebrity MasterChef, said: ‘My least favourite event is Powerball, because I am 56 and my knees are not great, so I’m worried that the Gladiators are going to take me down and I’m going to hurt myself.
‘I’m really nervous about physical contact with other people and that’s what Powerball is all about.’
The former BBC Breakfast star will be joined on the show by TV presenter and comedian Joel Dommett, Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor and comedian Rob Beckett.
The one-hour special is presented by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh.
Beckett, 38, admitted he had a similar experience to Minchin when he told his friends and family he was taking part.
Ms Minchin, who left the BBC1 news show in 2021, is one of four celebrities taking part in a special episode of the hit TV show on New Year’s Day
He said: ‘They laughed. Laughed in my face. The kids were excited, but they laughed. Everyone laughed.’
He added: ‘The kids love it, I was coming up to watch the show with them when I was asked if I’d like to take part and I thought might as well.
‘I am trying to challenge myself a bit more on the things I’m scared of, like heights.
‘By doing these challenges I feel like it’ll help me get over those fears and it’s a good example for my kids as well, to give it a go and show that you’re not scared and you can conquer your own fears.’
Comedian Ellie Taylor, 41, said her family thought she was ‘insane’ to join the show, but that she wanted to do it to represent new mothers.
She explained: ‘I used to watch it as a kid, and now my little girl is also a big fan. It’s come full circle.
She said the reason she agreed to do the show was because she wanted other people her age to think they also can do ‘fun, crazy and tough things’
‘Also, I had a baby a few months ago and I feel like it’s a great chance to represent new mums who feel a bit wibbly wobbly in every sense of the word.
‘It’s so empowering to feel physically strong and to reclaim my body a bit.’
The Gladiators Celebrity Special will air on BBC One on New Year’s Day at 6pm.