Gladiators contestant ‘lost feeling in arms’ in crushing injury that halted show
Gladiators contestant ‘lost feeling in arms’ in crushing injury that halted show
Share:
A nasty injury forced one Gladiators contestant to be sent home early—and she’s now revealed the terrifying extent of what actually happened. Nikki Billingham, a wedding celebrant from West Yorkshire in her 40s, took on gym owner Keeva from Belfast during the second episode of series 2 of the BBC show, which sees amateurs take on the Gladiators during physically challenging events.
![[Gladiators, series 2, episode 2. Nikki Billingham (Picture: BBC)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237571229-a69a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
She got off to a strong start but was injured during the third event, The Edge, a crisscross grid in the air that contenders run across while gladiators try to push them. Dynamite, a weightlifter called Emily Steel, pushed Nikki off the ledge, and she fell on the safety net below, wincing in pain.
![[For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Contender Nikki taking part in BBC1's Gladiators. Issue date: Saturday January 25, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Gladiators. Photo credit should read: Graeme Hunter/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237339614-f980.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
At that point, host Bradley Walsh halted the show and urged her to get checked out by a medic. Now, Nikki has explained that she actually lost feeling in her arms after the fall, and it took a while for her to get back to feeling like herself. Taking to Instagram after her elimination, she began by describing Gladiators as ‘the best experience in the world,’ despite it not ending how she hoped it would.
![[Nikki Billingham (Picture: Nikki Billingham/Instagram)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237570790-6501.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘You know what you are letting yourself in for and potential risks involved and unfortunately I did sustain an injury,’ she shared. ‘When @dynamite_thegladiator did exactly what she was supposed to do and tackled me off the edge unfortunately when we landed, we landed together and my neck and arm took the brunt of it.
![[Nikki Billingham (Picture: Nikki Billingham/Instagram)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237570786-71f0.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
