An intrepid Army doctor is taking on one of her biggest challenges yet – the fearsome Gladiators.
Captain Ella Donnelly, of 21 Multi Role Medical Regiment, made the cut for the popular primetime TV series despite never having watched the show and came through her heat, aired on Saturday evening (7 FEB), with flying colours. She had the audience buzzing as she set a new record in her very first event, Collision, before posting another competition best on the final decider, The Eliminator.
“It was really good,” she said. “I was much more nervous than I thought I would be, but it was amazing.
“It was a strong start.” Ella, who has just received her first call-up to the England Rugby League training squad ahead of the World Cup in Australia later this year, only applied after seeing a Facebook pop-up asking for potential Contenders.
“I didn’t know anything about Gladiators,” she said.
"I probably would have ignored it but a friend who just happened to be sitting with me said I would be great at it and should apply.” Her natural competitive instincts kicked in, and she began to fill in the form but got distracted and didn’t finish it.
Despite this, those screening applications saw enough and called her to audition.
Fun challenges - Soon after Ella, who represents Leeds Rhinos in the RFL Women’s Super League, was lining up at a venue in Manchester alongside the other hopefuls.
“It was a really fun day with lots of challenges and screen tests,” says Ella.
“I heard back pretty quickly that I had made the next stage. I actually had to leave in the middle of the trials as I had an important rugby game live on Sky Sports.
“They kindly allowed me to leave and come back to catch up on what I’d missed.” Despite her lack of knowledge of the show, she did recognise one of the Gladiators, Steel, who she used to do CrossFit with.
“It was good to see a friendly face, but all the Gladiators are really nice.”
Excited to test herself - On her first TV appearance, she said: “Excitement was the overriding emotion, with a touch of nerves.
“I’ve never done TV before, so didn’t know what to expect, but it’s such a great opportunity and I was really keen to test myself against the Gladiators. I am confident of progressing in the show because of my sporting background and everyone telling me I’d be great, but you never know until you get there.”
Her chain of command has been extremely supportive in allowing her to pursue both participation in Gladiators and her rugby career. “I was permitted to move regiments from the south to the north because of Leeds Rhinos and allowed to manage my time so that I can train and play, as well as take part in the show.
“I’ve now applied for an Army Elite Sports spot to allow me to go full-time in the run up to the World Cup and put in the hours I need to try to make the final squad.”
