Gladiators viewers left enraged as newcomer Wesley replaces injured star

Dan Seddon
Wesley replaced the injured Finley in the Gladiators quarter-final. (BBC One)
Wesley replaced the injured Finley in the Gladiators quarter-final. (BBC One)

What Did You Miss?

Finley Burkitt was forced to drop out of the Gladiators quarter-final stage this weekend.

After sustaining a knee injury in the Eliminator heat, he was invited onto Saturday's show on BBC One to co-announce with host Bradley Walsh that he'd be back "fitter, faster and stronger" next year.

His replacement, Ministry of Defence "IT guy" Wesley, didn't have the warmest of welcomes from fans over on social media, though.

The contestant was forced to withdraw after hurting his knee in the Eliminator heat. (BBC One)
The contestant was forced to withdraw after hurting his knee in the Eliminator heat. (BBC One)

What, how and why?

"It is absolutely a shame for Finley but that does mean we will be bringing in a standing-by contender to take your place - let's hear it for Wesley everybody!" said Walsh, with Finley selflessly adding: "I could not be passing this to a better guy. Wesley is a great guy and he's gonna put one hell of a show on for everyone watching here".

Wesley revealed his obsession with wrestling in the VT and how that would stand him in good stead for Gladiators.

"Listen, I'm used to getting beat up by people in lycra on the weekend," he laughed. Wesley then proceeded to do battle with Phantom, Viper, Steel, Apollo, Nitro and Giant across the evening's challenges.

Meeting Finlay Anderson in the final Eliminator, he only went and won it! He now has a place in the semi-final.

The newcomer defeated Finlay to make it through to the semi-final. (BBC One)
The newcomer defeated Finlay to make it through to the semi-final. (BBC One)

What did the Gladiators fans think on social media?

Despite Wesley's instantly heroic impact in the tournament, Gladiators fans reacting on social media called out the fact he was a total stranger. Their argument was that previously eliminated contestants, such as Myles Harris, Paul Campbell or Matt Jones, should've had the opportunity to step in for Finley.

Gladiators airs Saturdays on BBC One.

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This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/gladiators-wesley-enrages-fans-222307272.html

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