JOEL Dommett dropped a huge hint to fans that he was signing up to take part in Celebrity Gladiators, months before the news was confirmed.

The Masked Singer host accidentally hinted he was due to be taking part in the BBC One special earlier this year, when he flexed his biceps on social media.

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He sent fans into a frenzy with the photo in a muscle shirt, writing: “Ultimately, we all just want to be a Gladiator and be hugged by Bradley Walsh.”

They flooded the comments section with questions over whether Joel would be revealed as the first big name for the series, the first celebrity kind since its debut on the Beeb.

But the comedian later denied he had signed up to take part in the show, admitting that he ‘messed up’ in a PR disaster over what he thought was just ‘a good photo with a good caption’.

He told Virgin Radio: “I looked pretty hench.

“I was thinking of a good caption, and you can’t just go ‘I look good in this’. That’s not a good caption.

“Instead I went, ‘Oh, is there anything better than being a Gladiator?’ I just didn’t think about it.

“Suddenly the next day, and it was like, ‘Are you going to be on Celebrity Gladiators?’ I was like, ‘Oh no, I’ve really messed up here’.

“This is a PR disaster. Everyone’s asking me about it.”

But, as predicted, Joel – who was voted as the UK’s fittest comedian by Men’s Health two months ago – was unveiled as part of the celebrity line-up yesterday.

And he has at long last been able to show off his actual behind-the-scenes photo shoot after signing up alongside Rob Beckett, Louise Minchin and Ellie Taylor.

He penned: “It’s happening – and it’s REALLY hard.”

Joel is best known for hosting The Masked Singer UK, National Television Awards and most recently In With A Shout.

But he is now no stranger to posting pictures of his muscular body online after undergoing a major diet and exercise overhaul two years ago.

Speaking previously about his workout plan, Joel admitted he ‘loves’ running.

He told Runner’s World: “I run three miles every day during the week – it’s a mile and a half to the gym – and then do a long run every weekend.”

Joel also likes CrossFit and told Gay Times: “Honestly, give it a go. It will change everything for you!

“It’s a real cult, as soon as you’re involved, you’re stuck. It’s a great thing to be addicted to.

“Some people choose drugs or sex, I choose to sweat with other men.”

The TV hunk proudly showed off his toned physique when he appeared on I’m A Celebrity.

He stripped off for viewers at home back in 2016 when showering at the show’s famous waterfall in the jungle.

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