Preston man John Darwen competes on BBC’s Gladiators

John, who lives in Preston, has recently qualified as an occupational therapist after studying at UCLan Pic: BBC

A Preston man has appeared on the rebooted Gladiators on BBC1.

John Darwen, 32, graduated from the University of Central Lancashire last year.

He’s now part of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust working in the Wyre Enhanced Primary Care Team since August 2023 as an occupational therapist.

John went to Runshaw College and attended St Michael’s Church of England High School in Chorley.

Good luck to community occupational therapist John Darwen, 32, who takes on the Gladiators in BBC1’s reboot of the 1990s strength and skill game show tonight. He's been part of Wyre Enhanced Primary Care Team since August after graduating at University of Central Lancashire. pic.twitter.com/QwDCJzobha
— NHS Blackpool Teaching Hospitals 💙🌈 (@BlackpoolHosp) January 20, 2024

Posting on Facebook, John said: “The journey of a lifetime unfolds on BBC One at 5.50pm as I step onto the Gladiators stage.

“From childhood dreams to reality – it’s a moment I never thought would ever come true but here I stand.

“Grateful for all the support and encouragement.”

It’s not John’s first strength test, he holds a Guinness world record holder for van pulling.

John appeared on episode two of Gladiators on BBC1, you can watch it on iPlayer.

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