Gladiators: Bradley Walsh reveals contender has had to pull out
Emotions were high during Saturday's Gladiators semi-final as fan-favourite, Chung, had to be removed from the competition after suffering a nasty injury.
The drama ensued just 10 seconds into the men's game of Power Ball when Chung, 33, tried to score the ball but was tackled by Apollo, 32.
The contender fell on his back and was seen rolling on the floor, holding his leg in agony. The whistle blew, stopping the game, and referee Mark Clattenburg assessed the damage.
When asked if his leg was “painful”, Chung winced: “Yeah,” and he was guided out of the arena by medics.
Five minutes later, hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh informed viewers that the software engineer was unfit to continue in the competition.
Bradley said: “We had to suspend the men’s Power Ball 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 is doing ok and receiving medical care and we will get you an update on his condition before the end of the show.”
Bradley confirmed that Chung’s withdrawal meant a substitute contender would be brought back.
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Welsh civil engineer Matt, 41, was then reintroduced to the arena after losing out on a place in the semi-finals during the heats against Chung.
Speaking to the hosts, Matt said: “My heart goes out to Chung. He has been such a legend from the start and he is the nicest guy and it is such a shock to see him go down.
“But, do you know what, backstage he is laughing, he’s still happy and being the typical Chung, so, I just hope I can do him justice.”
Apollo also shared his sadness that Chung had to pull out. The rugby player said: "First and foremost, I want to tell Chung's family what a competitor he is, he has been so good from start to finish. This is a tough, tough game and he is a champion in his own right."
Viewers were also gutted to see Chung go, with one writing: "My heart broke for Chung on #Gladiators tonight," and another adding: "This tweet is a petition for Chung to get an invite back to compete in the next series of #Gladiators."
The final of Gladiators will take place next Saturday as Finlay, Wesley, Bronte and Marie-Louise will battle it out to be Gladiators Champion 2024.
Gladiators – The Grand Final airs March 30 from 5.50pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
