Ipswich Gladiators contender ready to pursue fitness career

A Suffolk woman said she is planning to open a fitness business after appearing on BBC One's Gladiators.

Natasha Lawrence, 41, a nurse from Ipswich, made it to the quarter-finals of the 2024 series.

She said the show has encouraged her to build her fitness career, in which she works part-time as a personal trainer.

"I would like to put on some fitness events for a lot of the Ipswich and Suffolk people... that would be absolutely amazing," Ms Lawrence said.

The show was pre-recorded in June last year, following try-outs and three days of training in Sheffield.

Ms Lawrence earned a place in the quarter-finals for being the fastest runner-up in the heats.

Unfortunately, she was eliminated after facing six challenges against fellow contestant Bronte Jones.

"It's not about winning or losing, as long as I give the best I could," she said.

Ms Lawrence, who has just qualified as a Level 1 artistic gymnastics coach, said many of her students recognised her from the show, while a local primary school has asked her to give a talk on determination.

"I've been so overwhelmed with everybody's reaction," she added.

"It's really good that I'm getting recognised for that, and being there to be able to give advice and support to others."

Following her elimination from the show on Saturday, Ms Lawrence said she "would like to start a fitness business... get some premises, do some fitness classes, things like that".

After the episode aired, Ms Lawrence said interest in her personal training sessions peaked.

"I've had a lot of people message me with interest, so I would like to boost that back up."

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