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New Gladiators king hails 'best moment of my life'

Steve Jones
BBC News, Yorkshire
Johnny Reed/BBC Joe Fishburn, who has dark hair and a stocky build. He is holding a triangular golden trophy with the letter G inside the shape.Johnny Reed/BBC
Joe Fishburn, from Scarborough, was crowned Gladiators champion on Saturday

The newly crowned champion of Gladiators has described winning the show in front of his beloved grandmother as "the best moment of my life".

Joe Fishburn, a 24-year-old Team GB gymnast from Scarborough, beat Mus Dumbuya in Saturday's final to be named the ultimate male winner of series two along with gym owner Amanda Wah, who won the women's competition.

Mr Fishburn, who was raised by his grandmother Christine after his mum died when he was two, had previously said he hoped his life story would give people "faith and hope when they face a challenge".

"I can't tell you how amazing it feels," he said of his victory.

The gymnast was cheered on by friends and family, including his grandmother, throughout his time on the show.

"There have been so many times where I have competed abroad and she's not been able to travel," he said.

"For her to see me winning, even in the first round, going through the paper and getting to see her and everybody loving her - it was genuinely the best moment of my life."

Johhny Reed/BBC Joe Fishburn and Roddy Mackay pose for a photo with the Gladiators trophy. Mr Mackay, who is smiling in the picture, is bald and wearing a white t-shirt.Johhny Reed/BBC
Former Gladiators contestant Roddy Mackay (left) coached Mr Fishburn (right) before the competition

Mr Fishburn said seeing his family "come together" had been his highlight from the Gladiators 2025 experience.

"It was really incredible to have an occasion, not necessarily a sad one, where everyone can get behind you and get together," he explained.

"Family is incredibly important to me."

Ahead of taking on the Gladiators challenge, Mr Fishburn trained at Scarborough Gymnastics Academy.

He devised a programme specific to the show under his coach Roddy Mackay, a former contestant in the original TV series.

Mr Mackay said Mr Fishburn's victory was "amazing - I knew he could win it".

"His gymnastic abilities and his rugby abilities are just the perfect match for Gladiators," he said.

Listen: Scarborough gymnast is Gladiators champion

Mr Fishburn's achievements had helped inspire the next generation of gymnasts at Scarborough Gymnastics Academy, Mr Mackay said.

"Joe has just been an absolute dream to work with," he added.

"He sets the most amazing example to these kids. It will have motivated them."

Mr Fishburn said there were "definitely" some future contenders at the academy.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

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