This Morning viewers were left squirming as a guest ‘tried to intimidate’ host Ben Shephard in an ‘awkward and uncomfortable’ interview.

Thursday’s episode of the popular ITV daytime show saw Gladiators Alex Gray (known as Apollo), Ella-Mae Rayner (Comet) and Livi Sheldon (Diamond).

Discussing the BBC programme, the trio were interviewed by co-presenters Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48, ahead of the semi-final.

Gladiators, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, sees contestants take on the super humans in a bid to win points.

All of the stars wore blue and red Lycra bodysuits, just as they do on the show and Alex’s behaviour during the conversation sparked reaction from some fans.

One posted on X: ‘Is he tryna show dominance or intimidate Ben. Shut ya legs buddy.’

Thursday's episode of the popular ITV daytime show saw Gladiators Alex Gray (known as Apollo), Ella-Mae Rayner (Comet) and Livi Sheldon (Diamond)
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Thursday’s episode of the popular ITV daytime show saw Gladiators Alex Gray (known as Apollo), Ella-Mae Rayner (Comet) and Livi Sheldon (Diamond)

Gladiators, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, sees contestants take on the super humans in a bid to win points
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Gladiators, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, sees contestants take on the super humans in a bid to win points

All of the stars wore blue and red Lycra bodysuits, like what they would sport on the show and Alex's (pictured) behaviour during the conversation sparked reaction from some fans
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All of the stars wore blue and red Lycra bodysuits, like what they would sport on the show and Alex’s (pictured) behaviour during the conversation sparked reaction from some fans

Another said: ‘On a scale of 1-awkward, how uncomfortable do they feel sitting there dressed like that? (Apart from the bloke, he’s loving himself).’

Someone else quipped: ‘Shut ya legs matey!’

While one penned: ‘That’s some serious manspreading from the Gladiator bloke.’

This Morning has a surprising link to Gladiators – the show’s resident medical adviser has been on the programme before. 

Dr Zoe Williams stunned fans earlier this year with the revelation that she used to be a Gladiator.

After qualifying as a doctor, she got her first brush with fame on the classic game show when it was initially revived on Sky One in 2008.

She assumed the role of Amazon, and acted as a figurehead for the broadcaster’s commitment to issues surrounding climate change.

Zoe confirmed in an Instagram post: in 2022: ‘Yes it’s true, I was a Gladiator. #Amazon.’

Fans were shocked by the revelation, and took to the comments section to share their surprise.

One wrote: ‘Loved the show and you were [fire emojis]’


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Some viewers took to social media to share their reaction and one posted on X: 'Is he tryna show dominance or intimidate Ben. Shut ya legs buddy.'
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Some viewers took to social media to share their reaction and one posted on X: ‘Is he tryna show dominance or intimidate Ben. Shut ya legs buddy.’

It comes after viewers noticed an excruciating moment on This Morning between two guests during an episode back in January.

Ashley James, 37, and Camilla Tominey, 46, featured on ITV‘s daytime television show with presenters Ben and Cat.

However, the pair appeared to have a heated exchange when discussing Friends actress Jennifer Aniston‘s new workout inspired by pilates, aimed to help post-menopausal women.

The show featured a clip of Jennifer exercising in a cropped sports top and leggings which quickly triggered a discussion between the This Morning stars, the Express reported.

Ashley said to Camilla: ‘I would like to see you in that outfit.’

Which Camilla replied with: ‘What are you saying Ashley, that I couldn’t get away with wearing that outfit? That black leotard?’

Ashley James, 37, and Camilla Tominey, 46, featured on ITV's daytime television show earlier this year
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Ashley James, 37, and Camilla Tominey, 46, featured on ITV’s daytime television show earlier this year

The show featured a clip of Jennifer exercising in a cropped sports top and leggings which quickly triggered a discussion between the This Morning stars
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The show featured a clip of Jennifer exercising in a cropped sports top and leggings which quickly triggered a discussion between the This Morning stars

The pair chatted with presenters Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48 on This Morning
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The pair chatted with presenters Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48 on This Morning

As the stars laughed, Ashley responded: ‘Camilla I know that you love to stoke division but I did not say that.’

Camilla commented back before Ben attempted to make light of the conversation and said: ‘Now you two, stop flirting.’

Viewers noticed the exchange and took to social media to post about it, with one describing it as ‘awkward’.