A GLADIATORS star has revealed that she wanted to do a rival Channel 4 show before being "talked into" doing the show.
The 29-year-old originally considered rejecting Gladiators to apply for SAS: Who Dares Wins instead.
Gladiators winner Marie-Louise Nicholson was close to rejecting her offer to join the show.
Marie told Daily Star Sunday: "I wasn’t even going to do Gladiators originally. The application was a long process and I wasn’t going to bother.
“I almost pulled out a few times but in the end a friend talked me into it. They said I would be mad not to try and they were right.
Happy Valley's James Norton teases Tommy's 'deep hatred' in final series
“I originally wanted to do SAS, so to enter Gladiators and win it is even more surreal.”
The BBC's revival of the 90s ITV show has been immensely successful. It's estimated that over seven million people tuned in to watch the gripping finale.
The Gladiators final took place last week Finlay Anderson, Wesley Male, Bronte Jones, and Marie-Louise competed to become the male and female champions after eleven challenging weeks.
In the end, it was Marie-Louise who was named the female winner, while Finlay took it for the men.
"We're both winners in my eyes" said Marie-Louise as she held the trophy aloft.
Marie-Louise now aims to make a comeback for the second series as a Gladiator.
However, she said that she still had her sights set on securing a spot on SAS - this time, the celebrity version."
The star added: "I would love to return next year as a Gladiator. That would be the dream.
“When I was kid my dad was always saying I’d be on TV one day and I thought he was mad, but he was right in the end. I loved every second of filming Gladiators.
“Everything from being in front of the camera, to the production side of things and even the long days. I would love to do more TV if the opportunities come my way.
His Dark Materials fans left open-mouthed after character’s shocking betrayal
“I still love to do SAS or even better the celebrity version one day. I know physically I would be ok but it would be a massive mental test and I love constantly challenging myself.
“I used to be a private chef, so I would love to try MasterChef and incorporate the skills I have with food.
"Strictly Come Dancing would also be insane. I know it’s unlikely but winning Gladiators has shown me anything is possible.”
Marie-Louise added: "I remember watching Gladiators as a little girl and pulling the curtains down because I was trying to climb and swing on them. I was a little terror as a child, always running around and climbing trees.
“I’ve always been a bit of a rebel and done things my own way. I love getting myself into a pickle and then working out how to get myself out of it.”
Speaking about her victory on Gladiators, she said: “Whatever happens from here winning has completely changed my life.
“I’ve received so many messages, especially from women, young kids and their parents saying how I’ve inspired them. The positive response has literally blown my mind.”
