Host Exits Popular Competition Show Amid Format Shake-Up
Long-time presenter Karolina Gilon reportedly departs “Ninja Warrior Polska” as international talent joins new season
Polsat is gearing up for an autumn premiere of its revamped “Ninja vs. Ninja” program, introducing a significant change in its hosting lineup. The popular sports competition is set to welcome international athletes, but fans will notice the absence of a familiar face.
Dramatic Exit for Long-time Presenter
Karolina Gilon, who has fronted every season of the Polish edition of “Ninja Warrior” since its 2019 inception, has been removed from her hosting duties. The station cited a shift in the program’s formula, which necessitated the discontinuation of interviews with participants led by a host.
Following the news, Gilon shared her emotional state on social media, posting crying emojis and a broken heart symbol in response to inquiries. A later video showed her in tears, lamenting her inability to return to work after maternity leave.
“When you want to go back to work after maternity, but it turns out that there is no place for you anymore,” a caption on her video read. Gilon welcomed her son with partner Mateusz Świerczyński in late January.
“Ninja vs. Ninja” Welcomes Global Stars
The upcoming 11th edition promises an international flavor, featuring competitors from countries including the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Lithuania, Malta, and Switzerland. The show will highlight winners from various “Ninja Warrior” franchises worldwide.
Notable participants include winners from the French and Russian editions, a victor from “Ninja Warrior UK,” and the sole competitor outside of Janek Tatarowicz to hold the “Ninja Warrior” title in Poland from the Austrian edition. The competition will also see appearances from celebrities and sports stars from diverse disciplines.
The commentary team remains unchanged, with Jerzy Mielewski and Łukasz “Juras” Jurkowski returning to call the action. This marks the first edition since the show’s debut in Poland without Gilon‘s presence.
Shifting Focus to Athletic Prowess
Sources suggest that Marta Ćwierniewicz, a journalist from Polsat Sport, will step in to replace Gilon. This change is reportedly part of the new format’s emphasis on the athletic competition itself.
The evolution of sports broadcasting highlights a growing trend in audience engagement. For example, viewership for major esports tournaments like the League of Legends World Championship has surpassed traditional sporting events, with the 2023 finals drawing over 6.4 million concurrent viewers globally (Esports.com).
