Gladiators Winner Josh McDonald Eyes Role as a Gladiator

Josh McDonald, the 29-year-old winner of the third season of the revived Gladiators, has his sights set on a new challenge: becoming one of the show's formidable Gladiators. McDonald, a fitness coach from Glasgow, secured the title earlier this year and is now participating in a live tour across the country, revisiting iconic challenges like Duel, Gauntlet, and The Wall.

He admitted to considering a switch to the "dark side," joining the likes of Viper, Legend, and Scotland's Sabre. "I'd love to be a Gladiator and I think I'd be fantastic at it, with the message I bring, the personality I've got and the athletic ability I have," McDonald stated. He acknowledged the unique dynamic of the show, noting that while Gladiators are central figures, only contenders can ultimately win. Despite this, he expressed a desire to experience the journey from a Gladiator's perspective.

McDonald's path to victory was unconventional. He was initially eliminated in the first round but earned a second chance due to an injury sustained by another contestant. He capitalized on this opportunity, progressing through the competition to defeat Tyler Spence in a close final.

The triumph on Gladiators carried personal significance for McDonald. He watched the show growing up with his mother, Clare, who passed away from illness in 2024, a few months before he received the offer to appear on the program. Following his mother's death, McDonald became the guardian of his younger brother, Max, who was 14 at the time.

"I used to watch the show growing up with my mum," he recalled. "She loved Wolf [from the 90s version] and it was something you'd sit on the couch going 'oh I could do that, I'd love that' and then the opportunity came up." He explained that his mother's passing and the added responsibility of caring for Max motivated him to get back into training and prove he could still compete, giving Max something to cheer for.

Preparing for the live tour involves focusing on general fitness, as specific training for events like Duel is not feasible. McDonald has been visiting a local climbing center to prepare for The Wall, an event he found particularly challenging during the TV show. He aims to perform better on the tour, attributing past struggles to pressure or high expectations.

McDonald described participating in the TV show as one of the highlights of his life and expressed excitement about reliving the experience in Scotland during the tour. He also highlighted the challenges of being a guardian, calling it the toughest role he has faced. Having previously supported his single mother, he found stepping into the guardian role for Max to be a significant shift.

Since winning Gladiators, McDonald has become involved with charities, including kinship organizations, to raise awareness and support for those in similar situations. He hopes to convey that resources are available and that kinship carers are not alone, having felt isolated while navigating his own responsibilities.