Gladiators stars Livi Sheldon and Ella-Mae Rayner looked almost unrecognisable as they swapped their signature lycra outfits for glamorous gowns at the TV Choice Awards on Monday night. The event, held at The London Hilton hotel on Park Lane, saw the athletes transform their sporty images into red-carpet elegance.
Dazzling Transformations on the Red Carpet
Personal trainer and former professional bodybuilder Livi Sheldon, aged 31 and known as Diamond on the show, caught everyone's eye in a strapless black dress that showcased her legs. She completed her striking look with leather boots and posed confidently for the cameras, exuding poise and style.
Meanwhile, Ella-Mae Rayner, who stars as Comet on Gladiators, opted for a sophisticated high-neck grey dress, appearing worlds away from her athletic persona on the programme. She added stylish silver heels to her ensemble and wore her brunette hair in loose curls, complemented by glamorous makeup that highlighted her features.
Awards Ceremony Highlights and Nominations
The TV Choice Awards celebrated some of the biggest and most talked-about television series, with comedian Jason Manford hosting the ceremony. Winners were announced across 18 categories, featuring a mix of long-running favourites and new dramas.
In the Best Comedy category, Ruth Jones faced competition from Danny Dyer, Lee Mack, and Brendan O'Carroll, while shows like Amandaland, Brassic, and Gavin and Stacey were shortlisted. For Best Daytime Show, This Morning aimed to secure another win, competing against Loose Women, Animal Park, and others.
The reality TV category saw intense rivalry with nominations for Dragons' Den, I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, and The Traitors. In drama, Owen Cooper was nominated for Best Drama Performance in Adolescence, alongside co-star Stephen Graham and other notable actors.
Gladiators' Success and Challenges
Since its return in January 2024, the Gladiators reboot has become a huge hit for the BBC, with a third series scheduled for 2026. However, the show faced setbacks last year when four athletes, including Livi Sheldon, suffered injuries during filming.
Livi, known as Diamond, ruptured her ACL and MCL, while other gladiators like Legend and Bionic sustained injuries such as a torn bicep and dislocated shoulder. In an Instagram update, Livi shared her recovery journey, emphasising resilience and comeback strength.
She stated, 'It's never about the setback - it's always about the comeback,' highlighting her determination to return stronger. This backdrop adds depth to her appearance at the awards, showcasing her perseverance beyond the arena.
Full List of TV Choice Awards 2026 Nominations
The nominations spanned various genres, reflecting the diversity of British television. Key categories included:
- Best Comedy Performance: Ruth Jones, Brendan O’Carroll, Lee Mack, Danny Dyer, Greg Davies.
- Best Comedy Show: Amandaland, Brassic, Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, Mrs Brown’s Boys, Not Going Out.
- Best Daytime Show: Animal Park, Bargain Hunt, Escape To The Country, Loose Women, This Morning.
- Best Drama Performance: Jenny Agutter, William Beck, Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, Rose Ayling-Ellis.
- Best Drama Series: All Creatures Great And Small, Blue Lights, Death In Paradise, Heartstopper, Silent Witness.
- Best Reality Show: Dragons’ Den, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Race Across The World, Stacey & Joe, The Traitors.
- Best Soap: Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Home And Away.
This comprehensive lineup underscores the vibrant landscape of UK television, with the TV Choice Awards serving as a key platform to honour excellence in the industry.
