Original subtitles

BEN: Australia Ninja Warrior is back.

Nothing is going to break me on this course.

But for Australia's ninjas,

the road to Mount Midoriyama is tougher than ever.

Oh, no!

(GROANING)

Oh, no, no!

Last night, season one sensation, tradie Sam Goodall,

discovered just how unforgiving this new course is.

Come on, Sam. Just do it, just get off.

(GROANING) And so did rugby league star,

Paul Gallen.

Oh, even champion athletes are struggling on this course tonight.

But the barefoot ninja, Daniel Mason, showed the heat just how it's done.

Straight up wall he goes - yes, he does!

Tonight, the third qualifying heat

and 50 new ninjas step up.

I could be a wet Wiggle,

but no matter what's going to happen,

I'm going to wiggle.

Corey Worthington threw a party the whole world heard of.

Go away and take a good, long, hard look at yourself.

I have. Everyone has. They love it.

But will he make a new name for himself

on the Ninja Warrior course?

I'm bringing the party and I'm gonna smash Mount Midoriyama.

Disco Ninja Betsy Burnett.

I am 4'11.5".

She missed out by a fingernail in season one.

Will she rise to new heights this time around?

I really want to beat the wall.

And the incredible Mark Daniels.

He lost his leg in a motorbike accident

but found a strength few can match.

You do more with one leg

than most people with two legs ever achieve.

Only the top 20 furthest, fastest qualify for the semi-finals.

Who can be Australia's first ninja warrior?

(EPIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Welcome to Australian Ninja Warrior.

I'm Rebecca Madden. I'm Freddie Flintoff.

And I'm Ben Fordham.

Tonight on Ninja Island, we have another 50 athletes

from all walks of life here to pit their physical and mental strength

against the world's toughest obstacle course.

There's the Disco Ninja, Betsy Burnett,

one of just six women who made it into the semis last year.

She's joined by some powerhouse female newcomers,

including ex-gymnast Kirby Gibbons

and self-described crazy old lady, Linda Buttigieg.

Grand Finalist Alex 'The Mo' Matthews is back.

There's Red Wiggle, Simon Pryce,

and Australia's favourite party boy, Corey Worthington.

Tonight, they're all looking to make the top 20 ninjas

who go furthest, fastest, for a place in the semis

and ultimately, a shot at Mount Midoriyama.

It's a far from easy assignment, Bec.

The obstacles are definitely tougher than last year's

and leave no room for error.

Let's take a look at what's in store.

First up is the Quintuple Steps.

Competitors must navigate their way across five angled platforms.

Touch the water and you're out.

The first of our new obstacles is the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

Competitors ride the rolling pin down the slide,

then time their release to reach the bungee

and swing across the water.

The Bridge of Blades is back

and it's already proved to be difficult for our ninjas.

This year, it's set at an angle, so it's a race to get across

before the fourth blade swings around.

The second new obstacle is the Rope to Cargo Net.

Ninjas must swing across the cargo net,

then climb beneath the net without touching the water.

Next, the third new obstacle - the Big Wheels.

Ninjas bounce up to the first wheel, which spins.

They use it to lache to the second wheel,

which swings like a pendulum,

before launching themselves onto the mat.

Finally, the Warped Wall - a 4.2m incline

that stands between our ninjas and their dreams.

Make it to the top, press the buzzer and you've completed the course.

Let's get underway then and bring out our first ninja.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

First up tonight is well-known

to his more than 300,000 followers online.

Most of those watched him make it all the way

to last year's Grand Final.

But can Instagram sensation Nathan McCallum

go even better this year?

We are about to find out. Nathan McCallum.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The response after season one has been wonderful.

The experience was...

I want to say once in a lifetime, but apparently not.

CROWD: Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

(CHEERING) (BUZZER)

I was really lucky. I made it right through to the finals.

I came off on the Spider Wall.

Not a glamorous place to fall off.

I was prepared, I just fell off.

(ELECTRO-POP MUSIC)

Rumour has it, if he was chocolate, he would take a big bite of himself.

Yeah, Freddie was not too kind to me last year.

My job is to post photos of myself.

There's definitely an element of vanity to that, but I think

anyone that meets me kind of gets the real me,

so I'm not too worried about Freddie.

What do you reckon, Nath - a few more followers after tonight?

One or two. He's a good lad, really. Good luck, Nath.

He's got lots of followers but he's a serious contender.

And there's mum, there - Bronwyn in the middle.

Oh, she looks a bit nervous.

(START TONE) (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

This is going to be quick. This bloke doesn't muck around.

He's been here before.

Nice and steady, brother. Good stuff. Great work, mate.

OK, first new obstacle now.

It's the Rolling Pin to Bungee. It's a tricky one.

See how hard it is to get your head in the right position.

The thing is, he has never seen this obstacle before...

I was just about to say, that is a brand new obstacle

for this season on Australian Ninja Warrior.

And it's got the better of Nathan McCallum.

This is a shock exit.

Nathan is a seasoned ninja but he was all at sea on this obstacle.

He had a great view of the bungee

but just held on too long and was thrown off balance.

The best he could do was a desperate one-handed grab for the bungee.

Nathan, you got through to the finals last year.

I know you were desperate to do well again this year but that obstacle,

the Rolling Pin, it's got to be one of the hardest we've ever seen.

How do you train for that? I don't really have rolling pins

to grab or bands to swing on, but that's OK.

Top man. Ladies and gentlemen, Nathan McCallum.

Well done, mate. Thanks, brother. Cheers.

Now, a young mum of three who had the courage to do

what most of us only dream of - quit her job, sold the house,

packed up the family and set off to travel around Australia.

Give it up, a big round of applause for Kirby Gibbons.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(SAD PIANO MUSIC)

So last year, my Dad was diagnosed with early-onset dementia

and we realised, we're always saying

that one day we should do this,

one day we should do that, and never really act on it.

And you've got to get out and do what you want to do,

so we went, righto, we're doing it!

(ROCK MUSIC)

Now we're travelling Australia.

Everything was sold and now we just have a caravan,

a car and the kids and hubby.

It's been amazing.

Every day, we wake up in a new place and it's just amazing.

Australia is awesome.

Life's too short.

You've got to follow your dreams and Ninja's now one of them for me

and when I see my Dad tonight, it'll inspire me

to push through the course harder

and get up that wall and show him I can do it.

And there's Kirby's dad, Donald.

Great to see him here along with hubby Jacob

and kids Axel, Darcy and Bonnie.

Kirby was a top-level gymnast

much like Olivia Vivian,

the first female competitor to make it

up the Warped Wall this season.

Can Kirby follow in Olivia's footsteps?

Well, she's fast

through the Quintuple Steps, that's for sure.

Next, the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

Gotta be precise on this course, tonight.

It's playing tough. It's not playing nicely.

Just thinking out the tactics now on the rolling pin,

arms around the top. But now here it goes -

it sets off! You've got to reach for that bungee.

And she's done it! Yes, Kirby Gibbons!

Woo!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Now the Bridge of Blades.

And she's through that, too.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

She is attacking this course, Ben.

She looks great.

And now the rope to cargo.

Go, Mummy! Go, Mummy!

The key here is, she needs to get enough momentum on the rope

to get herself across to the net.

No, she might need another go here.

It's a 4m swing across to that net.

She's on. She's on.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Go, Mum!

This is where you start to get really tired,

because even though you're on your back, here,

this hard work.

See how she's hooking her arms over the net

to pull herself up above the water.

There's only 90cm between the net

and the water. Come on, Kirby!

Come on, Kirby. Keep fighting it, keep fighting, keep moving.

Not far to go now.

Yes, Kirby.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) (LAUGHS)

She loves it, the crowd loves it. Have a rest, have a rest.

And Kirby is the first ninja to face

the third new obstacle of the night - the Big Wheels.

Bounce on the trampoline, grab the wheels

and get your momentum going back and forth

and try to reach the second one.

Sounds easy but I can promise you, it's not.

(CROWD CHANTING)

Here we go.

I like her chances on this one. All that gymnastics training.

Come on, Kirby Gibbons.

(GROANS)

(BUZZER)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Ex-gymnast Kirby probably bounced on a million trampolines

but tonight, she got it all wrong, sadly.

She's landed too far forward

and didn't get enough height to reach that wheel.

She'll be cursing herself

but she's done really damn well, Freddie.

Kirby, that was a fantastic effort.

Was there anything you'd have done differently?

Had more energy?

A little bit more bounce?

Yeah, yeah I think so.

I'm a gymnast. I should know how to use them.

Great effort tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, Kirby Gibbons!

Well done, Kirby.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Yeah, awesome, awesome effort from Kirby

and her dad and family must be so proud of her.

Yay!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(EPIC MUSIC)

OK, everybody - get excited because our next ninja

might look familiar to anyone with young children.

It is Simon Pryce, aka The Red Wiggle, everybody!

He is taking on the course tonight alongside his new wife, Lauren.

Please give it up for Simon Pryce.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

♪ Toot-toot, chugga-chugga, big red car. ♪

I reckon my job is probably one of the most fun you can have,

because it's with children.

Even after doing four shows a day, you're exhausted,

but getting up onto that stage, you just have a wonderful time.

Lauren and I, we met about seven years ago.

I was a gymnast dancer

and then became Henry the Octopus

and then the ultimate - Dorothy the Dinosaur.

(DANCE MUSIC)

Ninja Warrior is a huge, huge challenge for me.

But I've always had a love of fitness,

training, being healthy, active and tonight is just about

showing everyone that you can just step out

and have a go and finding that bit within you

that allows you to do something different,

to try something new.

Alright, everyone, children at home -

we're going to wiggle our way through the course.

I could be a wet Wiggle,

but no matter what's going to happen,

I'm going to wiggle.

Oh, I'm so excited. If there was ever a person

I want to get to the top of the Warped Wall,

it's the Red Wiggle.

Come on, wiggle!

Simon, please - come on.

Oh, yes, Simon!

(LAUGHS) And there is his wife, Lauren,

who we'll be seeing a lot more of a little later on.

(START TONE) Come on, baby.

How's the Red Wiggle going to go tonight, Bec?

Well, he provides us plenty of entertainment on stage.

Will he be as entertaining on the Ninja Warrior course tonight?

This is something really different from the Red Wiggle.

Tell you what, he looks pretty fit, too.

Doesn't he? He's been hiding a little bit behind that red skivvy.

He's got some sports cred, Bec.

Trained as a personal trainer, studied Sports Science at uni.

And he give us the big wiggly ones,

but there's no wiggling his way out of the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

This might just test him.

He's taking his time.

There's an old-fashioned saying, Ben -

slow and steady wins the race.

Not on Ninja Warrior, it doesn't.

We're looking for the top 20 furthest, fastest.

Look at him grip that.

Yes. I don't know about that.

How do you then grab hold of the bungee?

You don't. Oh, Simon.

Now he's going to be driving home in that Big Red Car.

The Rolling Pin to Bungee is proving to be quite tricky

for our ninjas tonight.

While Simon had a firm grip of the pin, as he built momentum

down the slide, he simply doesn't have enough strength to hold on.

Great effort, though, Freddie.

Simon, I was just saying,

if there was ever a man I wanted to get around, it was you tonight.

But what made you want to do the Ninja Warrior course?

Freddie, you know my life is with children

and families, and I wanted to show children and families

that you can get out here, get active, have a good time,

run around the park, do whatever you've gotta do

but get active, get physical and have a healthy lifestyle.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Amazing.

You've enjoyed it, haven't you? I've had an amazing time.

If I had a few more hot potatoes...

♪ Hot potato, hot potato

♪ Hot potato, hot potato. ♪

How about some cold spaghetti, Freddie?

♪ Cold spaghetti, cold spaghetti. ♪

Oh, lovely, Simon! Ladies and gentlemen,

big round of applause for Simon Pryce, the Red Wiggle!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Coming up - ten years ago,

Corey Worthington was a media sensation.

Take off your glasses and apologise to us.

I'll say sorry but I'm not taking off my glasses.

Will this former party boy have any regrets on the course tonight?

I'm bringing the party

and I'm going to smash Mount Midoriyama.

Mark Daniels may have lost his leg in a motorbike accident,

but he refuses to let it slow him down.

I don't know how to give up. I don't know how to quit.

I suppose that's why I'm still here today.

And the Disco Ninja, Betsy Burnett, is back.

Last year, Betsy fell short on the mini tramp.

My fingers just touched the bar.

Now she's hoping she can reach the heights of the Warped Wall.

They're haunting me with the wall,

so I have to try and make it up the wall this year.

And after the break, 32-year-old Andrew Degiorgio

is hoping his mum's old leotard will give him the edge.

The funny thing about it is, you look really comfortable, Andrew.

(LAUGHS) Believe it or not, I feel comfortable!

(LAUGHTER)

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior.

We're on the hunt for the top 20 athletes

who go furthest, fastest tonight to secure a spot in the semis.

Up now is Andrew Degiorgio, whose life completely changed

the day a friend dragged him along to yoga class.

Please give him a huge round of applause - Andrew Degiorgio!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Hello, hello, hello - what have we got here?

That's the weirdest yoga outfit I've ever seen.

Oh, he's got the leg warmers on.

How fantastic.

(DANCE MUSIC)

I am wearing a 1980s leotard straight from my Mum's drawer.

It's horrible, I get it, but it should work really well

on the night. It's lightweight and it's tight

and I kind of enjoy wearing it.

It brings out my best shape, I think, as well. So... (LAUGHS)

When I was a little younger, I was at a crossroads in life.

I got around the wrong scene.

Thankfully, I had a friend that encouraged me to come and try yoga.

It was the best decision I ever made in my life.

It's just nice to be able to slow down, be in control

of my emotions, my breathing,

all those sorts of things and my body.

I have no doubt it's going to help me on the course.

(ELECTRONIC MUSIC)

I really want to do my parents and my family crowd.

They've always stuck by me and this is my opportunity

to give back a little bit - in style, in a pink leotard.

Mount Midoriyama, I'm coming for you.

Hell's bells!

Wow, beautiful.

That is the first time I've seen a bearded man in a pink thong.

Or G-string.

A lot of blokes can't pull off that look, Freddie,

but he gets away with it.

Well, the family calls him Buddha

and there is mum, Susie, second from the left.

She must be very proud.

(START TONE) (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

That's what we like. They're all welcome here

at Ninja Island. Come one and all.

I just love the outfit. Love it. We need more of it.

He's dressed for fun but he's got his game face on now.

He's sorted the Quintuple Steps.

Second obstacle, the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

You can see how both Nathan and Simon struggled here.

There's just no easy way to hang on. And where do you put your head?

Yes, Andrew!

Swing, mate. You can get back on, here.

Get back on. Get on the side. Yes, Andrew Degiorgio!

Come on, Andrew!

Now, the Bridge of Blades.

He's got the focus but does he have the speed?

Yes, he does.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

But he can't just sit there pretty in pink

because next up, tonight's second new obstacle - the Rope to Cargo.

Now, Freddie, this could be the part of the course

where wearing that leotard really pays off.

If his hair, his back, his G-string,

his shoes touch the water -

I never thought I'd be saying that about a male contestant -

but if it touches, he's out.

You've got this!

He's made it harder for himself by going down the middle

of the cargo net, because that's where it's closest to the water.

He has to pull up with those arms.

He's getting perilously close to the water.

Oh! You just can't un-see that.

No, you can't sadly, and he's got to keep his hips up.

But he seems to be slowing down!

He's down.

Oh, he's got his leg warmers wet.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Andrew nailed the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

See how he keeps his eyes on the target?

But the cargo net is all about stamina

and he couldn't last the distance,

but at least mum's leotard got a wash.

Andrew, I'm gutted for you.

It was going so well but you just couldn't keep above the water.

Yeah, I'm shattered.

I'm really thankful for the opportunity, though,

really happy to at least get this far.

Mate, thank you so much for coming.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) But one thing I've got to ask you -

come on, give us a spin.

Look at this here, eh? Look at this, eh?

(IMITATES HORN, LAUGHS)

Come here. Oh, kissed by a bearded man!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(EPIC MUSIC)

And now we welcome another formidable woman to the course -

Cian Maciejewski, who has represented Australia

in both soccer and athletics

before turning her hand to landscape gardening.

Please make her welcome -

Cian Maciejewski.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(ROCK MUSIC)

What I love about landscaping? Everything.

Landscapings from blank canvas to end product.

I'm my own labourer, I'm my own machine operator,

I'm my own rock builder, bricklayer because construction's a passion.

Always has been.

I started elite level sport when I was 12.

I represented Junior Olympics in running.

Then I went onto represent Australia in the Junior Matildas.

So, I retired in 2010.

I hung the boots up and what Ninja has given me

is something to really strive for again

and put my focus into.

Ninja is the ultimate test for an athlete

and I'm ready for that challenge.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Yeah, there's her partner, Tiarna, who's also competing tonight.

(START TONE) (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING CONTINUES)

Ben, last year, a total of six women made it through to the semis.

This year, five women are already through

in the first two heats alone.

I know, it's an unbelievable effort.

And remember, men and women compete on exactly the same course.

Rolling Pin to Bungee now and she is looking strong.

She's wrapped her arms around that nasty rolling pin.

She's got a fair swing

but she transferred to the bungee, tippy-toes on the mat.

And she's through. Fantastic.

Bridge of Blades, now.

Being a former soccer player, she's got fast feet.

She's going to need them to avoid that fourth blade.

Ooh!

Gee, that looked like it hurt.

She just dusts herself off. She is just so cool.

And you can sense here that, all of a sudden,

it starts to get serious.

She's got to grab that rope

and make the distance across to the cargo net - yes!

Nice and easy onto the cargo net. Now scrambling underneath.

The one thing she's going to have to watch for here

is the ponytail. As I was saying, she grabs for it,

tucks it in the back.

How bad would that be?

Out because your ponytail's hit water! Oh!

Stay high! That's it! Her lower body, her head

and her shoulders are on quite the angle.

They are very close to the water.

And we know how exhausting the net is.

The longer you hang in there, the harder it gets.

It broke Andrew Degiorgio but Cian's hanging tough, Freddie.

Just turning around. Great technique, great awareness

of where she is and what she's doing.

And she's onto the platform!

Great stuff.

Cian's only the second ninja to make it past the net so far.

Big Wheels now.

It's the final obstacle before the Warped Wall.

Yes! Gets that first wheel.

Come on, Cian.

She knows she's got the crowd behind her.

Getting ready to launch herself.

Any moment - no!

It's amazing to get to the second last obstacle.

No one has got further than the Big Wheels so far tonight.

So good. This is one tough course.

Cian got off to a rough start with a heavy landing

on the Bridge of Blades.

She fared better with the launch on the Big Wheels

but by trying to work her way along that first wheel,

she just burns up energy.

So, when she finally makes the leap to the second, she comes up short.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) You did so good.

What a fantastic effort.

Cian's managed the best run of the night so far

and while no one's made it up the Warped Wall yet,

there's still a long way to go.

And up next, 28-year-old lawyer Anna Davey.

Can this legal eagle soar to the heights of the Warped Wall?

25 years ago,

Bobby Taylor's family fled a civil war

in search of a better life.

Obviously coming here was a better opportunity for us,

so we took the opportunity to do that.

Tonight, he's searching for a place in the semi final.

Australia Ninja Warrior,

I am ready for this challenge. Let's do it.

And still to come, Linda Buttigieg calls herself the crazy old lady.

That's what I am -

just the crazy old lady that won't give up.

But this 53-year-old is out to prove that age is no obstacle.

I want to be the crazy old lady

that has conquered the Australian Ninja Warrior course.

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Ninja Island,

where we're watching 29-year-old lawyer Anna Davey

right now.

Anna's also a champion rock climber in her home state of WA,

so she is very well-suited to the cargo net,

which is all about climbing.

She's just got a great sense of timing and pace, doesn't she?

And she's really working hard there, Freddie.

Yes, she's through.

That is skill.

(CHUCKLES) She just looked back over her shoulder,

as if to say, OK, I did that.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Taking a big, deep breath.

And she is just the third competitor to face the Big Wheels tonight.

Come on, Anna!

(GROANING)

Not the way she wanted to finish but what another incredible run

from one of our female competitors tonight.

You're not wrong, Bec.

For the first time ever,

we have three women in the top three places -

travelling mum, Kirby Gibbons, Anna Davey in second

and Cian Maciejewski in third.

Best of the blokes,

Instagram star Nathan McCallum hanging in there in fourth.

No one up the Warped Wall

but our next ninja is hoping to change all that.

25 years ago, his family fled a civil war to start a new life

and here he is now - Bobby Taylor.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I was born in Liberia

and I came here when I was eight years old

and the reason for the move was, at the time, it was a civil war.

That lasted over I think 13 or 14 years.

Obviously coming here was a better opportunity

for us, as a family, so we took the opportunity to do that.

Joyce, my sister, she pretty much was a second mum growing up.

She's my biggest fan. Whatever I've gotten involved in,

she's always backed me up,

she's always supported me from day one.

I'm just so glad that she's here to see me run.

Australian Ninja Warrior, I am ready for this challenge.

Let's do it.

And there's Bobby's sister, Joyce.

The wall, Bobby, the wall!

Bobby Taylor is a keen salsa dancer.

He'll need some twinkle toes,

he'll need some fast feet on this course tonight

because it's not being nice.

(START TONE)

Well, let's have a look at him on the Quintuple Steps.

Bobby Taylor, he's 5'10", 80kgs and he is light on his feet.

JOYCE: Easy, Bob. You can do this.

Now, Bobby Taylor,

when he came to Australia, no English.

And it was only through social sports

that he was able to connect with other kids.

How can he connect here

with the bungee that's waiting for him?

I think he'll get it.

JOYCE: (SQUEALS) BEC: Oh, gee!

Good man.

That has not been easy for our ninjas tonight.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Oh, he looks like a great athlete. He's pumping himself up

as he gets ready to tackle the Bridge of Blades.

It's Bob versus BOB. Who's the bigger and better Bob?

It's Bobby Taylor!

The battle of the Bobs!

Such long legs.

Really helped him over the Bridge of Blades.

Let's test his upper-body strength on the cargo net.

JOYCE: You've got this, Bobby.

And he's on! JOYCE: Yeah!

Talk us through it, Freddie.

I'm not backing against this lad. Needs to be careful, though,

needs to stay away from the water.

Watch your body!

BEC: His sister on the sidelines is giving him plenty of advice,

don't you worry about that.

Gee, it's tense watching them go over the water.

They are, at times, millimetres away from disqualification.

JOYCE: You can do it, Bob!

And interestingly, their support crew,

they can get a better view of how close they are

to the water than the ninjas themselves.

Watch your body! Bobby, you can do it!

BEC: Ooh, there's those long legs coming into play.

He just found the mat.

Yes! Good man!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Now to the Big Wheels. No one has beaten it so far tonight.

Will Bobby be the first?

Nice! He is strong.

Strong for a salsa dancer, that's for sure.

He is holding himself up...

JOYCE: (SQUEALS) Oh, come on!

BEC: I'm speechless at the moment.

The strength of this bloke is phenomenal.

And he's done it!

Bobby Taylor now becomes the first ninja

to face the Warped Wall tonight.

Now, the big question is,

can he get up it and hit that buzzer?

Come on, Bobby! (AUDIENCE GROANS)

JOYCE: You can do it! Focus!

BEC: Now, that wasn't good.

He only made it halfway up the Warped Wall.

He's got to recover

and he's got to do a lot better on the second attempt.

Come on, Bobby Taylor. Pump those arms, pump those legs.

No, again. Ooh, he's only got

one attempt left now, Bec. JOYCE: You've won already, OK?

You've won, OK? You've got this.

Chill out. Lots of advice from Joyce.

She's giving him plenty of support.

Kick it.

BEC: I like the focus. I like the look of the focus

in the face and the determination.

Third and final time.

Up he goes! He does not make a mistake on the final one!

Bobby Taylor, enjoy that moment.

Woo! Come on! (TRIUMPHANT MUSIC)

And it just goes to show you, Bec -

if at first you don't succeed, you try and try again.

Amazing stuff.

After surviving the Rolling Pin to Bungee,

there really was no stopping Bobby Taylor.

Not even the Big Wheels could slow him down.

And after conquering the Warped Wall on his third attempt,

he becomes the first ninja through to the semis.

Great stuff, Freddie.

Bobby, come in here, lad. Come and say hi to Joyce.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Come here, Bob. Come this side.

Bob, that was absolutely incredible.

You were so close to the water at one point.

Were you aware of how close you were?

Yeah, because I could hear my screaming sister.

I knew exactly what was going on.

And Joyce, how proud are you of Bobby?

He was amazing, wasn't he?

Yes, he was.

And I'm glad he did this, because he's not just doing it for himself -

for everyone that came to this country, OK?

He wants a lot of boys to know that nothing's impossible.

I don't care where you find yourself.

I agree. Truly inspiring. Truly amazing.

I think you're amazing. The crowd think you're amazing.

Ladies and gentlemen, Bobby Taylor!

And will we see Bobby and no doubt his sister Joyce in the semis?

Who will be joining them?

Disco Ninja Betsy Burnett is back

and this time she's got a new dance partner.

Josh has been a huge part of my life

since we started dating after season one of the show.

Fellow ninja Josh O'Sullivan just missed the finals last season.

I've been training for speed, I've been training for strength.

Can he go all the way?

Mount Midoriyama, I'm coming for you.

After the break, Corey Worthington brings the party.

I'm going to definitely have no regrets on the course tonight,

unless I fall on the Quintuple Steps. (LAUGHS)

And will an ankle injury

shatter Shane Rogers' Ninja Warrior dream?

Any advice? What do you reckon? Just take your time,

go slowly and... Have a look at it

before you do it. Don't rush.

The competitors on Australian Ninja Warrior

all want to make it through the course in record time.

But it's the ninja who goes furthest and fastest

that will be given the title of Performance of the night.

Thanks to Berocca.

(EPIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Welcome back Australia to Ninja Warrior

and, over the break,

three more ninjas took to the course.

26-year-old gymnast Amy Stephenson

debuted a new routine on the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

She split the bungee. I've never seen the bungee split.

She did better than many

but fell on the Bridge of Blades. Oh, you snooze, you lose.

As you say, you've got to go for it.

Hockey player Tiarna Grzona

was cheered on by partner Cian Maciejewski,

who we saw run earlier.

But Tiarna just missed her shot on the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

And 29-year-old beer rep Laura Dean

proved she was not all froth on the bungee.

Oh, look at that! She's split the bungee!

But she fell flat on the Bridge of Blades.

That last blade...

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Next up on the course tonight, a man who suffered a devastating

ankle injury a few months ago and has moved mountains to be here.

Here he comes - Shane Rogers.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

11 weeks ago, I dislocated

and fractured my ankle, causing grade three ligament damage.

After seeing multiple physios and doctors, getting the typical,

'It's not going to happen, '

I guess it's a miraculous recovery because I'm here tonight.

(EPIC MUSIC)

I've done everything I can to get back to 100% strength

and if I can get through to the Warped Wall and get up that,

then I don't see why I can't go further and further,

if not all the way.

I think, given the circumstances,

I'm going to really surprise everyone.

A lot of people have written me off but I'm here to prove to them

that the mind is stronger than the body

and I'm going to get through it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

And Shane's got his mum and dad, Mel and Steve,

beside the pool. Take your time, mate.

(START TONE)

The Quintuple Steps.

And this will test his injured ankle straight away.

Now, I think he's being really smart here,

using both feet to support that injury.

Shane's also got a lot of support here tonight

from his mates on the Gold Coast - the AM-PM group who he trains with.

And this is the great dilemma - how do you grip this thing

and then let go at the right moment to grab the bungee?

He's got a nice firm grip there -

the trick is not to hold on too long and he is there!

Come on, mate! Come on!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Bridge of Blades next. You can see he's nervous.

It's an all-out sprint on that dodgy pin. Talk about guts.

(CHEERING) The Bridge of Blades, done.

That was so fast through the bridge of blades.

You see him shaking out the right ankle there.

And again as he comes down the steps. He's trying to protect it.

You cannot underplay the level of courage

that he's displaying right now.

Good transition. Good mate, come on!

Well done, Shane Rogers.

Shane Rogers is moving so swiftly through this cargo net.

Keep your back up! Interesting technique with his arms.

See how he's wrapped them through one of the holes

and then he brings it back onto himself,

just to secure himself and give himself

a bit more surety in the net. Keep your body up!

He's having to work his arms, work his core,

but it's taking the weight off his ankle just for the moment.

Keep your body up, mate!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Yes!

He's kept the body up and he's through.

Now, it is Big Wheel time. Not many have made it this far.

He is doing well.

The question is, will he be able to get enough height

with that injured ankle?

Yeah, I'm not sure about this one, Ben.

Oh, he does it!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Oh, wow.

Gosh! He almost whacked his head into it then. He can really fly.

All I'm just hoping for now is that his injured ankle

can take the impact of that landing.

Oh, great dismount.

Come on, mate. Now he's hurt his thumb

by the looks of it. Oh, he's in the wars

but the injure thumb shouldn't hurt him up the Warped Wall.

He really needs to build some explosive strength

if he wants to make it up that Warped Wall.

I'm not sure how the ankle

is going to handle that kind of pressure.

Tap brother, tap.

He's getting lots of advice,

lots of support from his AM-PM buddies.

Hit the wall! Come on!

Come on, Shane Rogers.

But it doesn't matter to Shane Rogers. What a sensation!

What a feeling!

You hurt yourself, Shane?

My thumb and I dislocated my ankle.

Like, it doesn't sound great -

three weeks ago, I'd just gotten off crutches.

I'm not trying to use excuses,

but everyone told me it was impossible and to do that,

it just proves the opposite.

Well, that is a remarkable recovery and that was a remarkable run.

Go down and join your family and friends.

Enjoy the moment, Shane Rogers. Enjoy that feeling.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

What an incredible run!

Despite that ankle, Shane Rogers showed amazing strength

and courage as he launched himself with the Big Wheels

and then up the Warped Wall for the fastest time so far tonight.

Plenty of movement on the leaderboard.

Shane Rogers slots into top spot ahead of Bobby Taylor.

And travelling mum, Kirby Gibbons, is in third.

Then the next four spots are held by women,

including lawyer Anna Davey in fourth

and landscaper Cian Marciejewski in fifth,

meaning a total of five women so far

are in contention for a place in the semis.

Righto, the invites are out. Let's start partying.

Here he is - ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Corey Worthington.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Corey, give us them glasses, kid.

The party ninja!

So people ten years ago knew me as a scrawny little party kid.

REPORTER: Around 10pm last night,

the 16-year-old's open house party spilled onto the street.

I was 16 years old.

My parents went away to Queensland

and I decided to have a big house party

and it went boom

and went a lot bigger than I thought.

Take off your glasses and apologise to us.

I'll say sorry but I'm not taking off my glasses.

Why not?

Because they're famous.

Because your glasses are famous?

I had about 500 people rock up, 200 people trying to get in,

there was a dog squad, helicopters, it was crazy.

It made worldwide media news.

I suggest you go away

and take a good, long, hard look at yourself.

I have. Everyone has. They love it.

So people would just expect me

to probably be partying ten years on,

but now I've got myself together, got the fitness,

put on a little bit of weight and now I'm going to come out

and smash the Ninja Warrior course.

I think it's because of the persona that people think,

oh, the party kid,

but when I actually dedicate myself to something, everyone's like, whoa!

Which is awesome.

Australia, tonight, I'm bringing the party

and I'm going to smash Mount Midoriyama.

Nobody thought Corey Worthington would be doing this.

Now look at him. He's all grown up himself,

ready to take on the Ninja Warrior course.

And there's Dad, Steven, mates Molly and Zach watching on.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(START TONE)

There'll be people right around the country saying,

'Oh, I remember Corey Worthington.'

He became famous overnight.

Will he become famous for being an Australian Ninja Warrior,

the first?

Before that happens, he has to get past the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

Oh! Only just, Freddie.

Keep the legs up, Corey! Keep the legs up, son!

Yes, Corey Worthington! What a save!

And he's already shaping up on the Bridge of Blades.

He's through! Oh, Corey, get your feet up!

Hang in there, buddy, hang in there!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

And now he scrambles his way down to the Rope to Cargo.

He is turning this island into some type of party.

Yes! Ooh, he gets a foot in.

It's ugly but it'll do.

Yes!

Do you think we've already changed

our perceptions of Corey Worthington? I have.

Freddie's got a front-row seat.

The party boy Corey Worthington, scrambling under the cargo net,

needs to be careful of the water.

He needs to keep his backside up, keep his shoulders up.

He doesn't want to touch that water.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Scrambling underneath.

You can do it!

Oh, he's touched the water. He's touched the water.

Yes, Freddie, let's just have a look at the replay on that.

Yep, he's definitely touched the water.

Oh, the red light goes off. I'm going to have to stop him.

Corey Worthington, the party's over.

It's fair to say, Corey surprised a lot of people tonight

with a gutsy performance.

He rode his luck on the bungee

but just the barest touch of the water beneath the cargo net

sees him disqualified from competition.

I'll give you your glasses back. They look better on you.

Mate, you were going so well and then you just touched the water.

You've got to be gutted.

I am gutted, man. Shattered.

Ten years ago

when you were throwing parties without permission,

did you think now you'd be doing something like this?

No, definitely not. This is a great experience

and I'm glad to be here.

It's a good crowd and yeah, next year, I guess.

Top man, Corey. Congratulations. Well done. Cheers, Corey. Well done.

Well, he gave Freddie Flintoff

more than he gave Leila McKinnon all those years ago, didn't he?

(LAUGHS) He did really well.

Corey Worthington 2.0.

Waiting in the wings, Lauren Hannaford,

aka Dorothy the Dinosaur.

Can she better her Red Wiggle partner?

And the man with the mo is back.

Can I touch the tash again?

It's a good look. It's a good look. It's a beautiful thing.

Will the second time prove to be the charm

for returning Grand Finalist Alex Matthews?

Australian Ninja Warrior, I'm back. Let's do this.

Mark Daniels came back from the dead.

I've never backed down from a fight in my life

and I wasn't about to then.

Now, he's ready to take on the Ninja Warrior course.

I was always active before my accident

but I never really had the purpose that I have now.

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Ninja Island,

where five women are in contention for a place in the semi finals.

Right now, another incredible woman -

Lauren Hannaford, better known as Dorothy the Dinosaur.

She's married to the Red Wiggle, Simon Pryce.

Now, it's Lauren's turn.

Here she comes.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

SIMON: Take your time. Come on. And of course, there is Simon

who we saw run earlier in the night.

I'm so nervous. (CHUCKLES)

It's not your turn to be nervous, it's Lauren's.

She is, however, a former gymnast

and she then turned her attention to coaching kids.

You can do it, take your time.

And that was before becoming

the one and only Dorothy the Dinosaur.

And I think she's going to bring

a little bit of that Dorothy magic with her.

That's it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Oh, look at Simon.

He's run the course. He knows what she's about to face.

Yes, the Rolling Pin to Bungee. This is as far as Simon got.

Just hold on tight, hold on tight.

Tight.

I think that background in gymnastics is going to help here.

She's been doing it since the age of five.

She's used to competing.

Come on, Lauren!

Oh, yes!

And with that, she goes further than husband Simon.

It is such a great relief

for our competitors and their friends

and family on the sidelines

when they get through that obstacle two.

Here comes three and just a hop, skip and a jump!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Woo!

Come on, darling, you can do it!

Simon's excited. She's got time for a dance.

How happy is the Red Wiggle? Just calm yourself down now.

Take your time.

He's always happy but he's extra happy.

His wife is crushing this course.

OK, she needs to grab the rope

and then it's a 4m swing across to the cargo net.

That's exactly what you need to do.

And in one attempt, she grabs onto it

with her hand and then hooks her feet in.

Nice work.

She's got all that confidence, doesn't she?

Grab hold but don't let go, just get the timing right.

Make sure of what she's doing. And the hand-eye coordination

would be spot on because of her background in the gym.

Come on, keep going.

How's it looking there, Freddie?

The beautiful man in the background,

the Red Wiggle, Simon Pryce, grinning away.

Get those shoulders up, Lauren!

She looks to be struggling a tad...

Oh! Oh, no!

Just like Corey Worthington, she's touched the water.

Another disqualification on the net tonight.

That was super-special.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

It was a fantastic performance from Lauren tonight.

She went further than husband Simon on the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

But, unfortunately, touching the water

underneath the cargo net sees her disqualified from the competition.

A bit of bad luck there, Freddie.

Lauren, it was going so well!

After every obstacle, the grin on your face...

It was so much fun!

You beat Simon, didn't you?

The Red Wiggle. You've got bragging rights.

(LAUGHS) He's never going to live it down.

(LAUGHS)

He's still grinning around there, he's still smiling.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(EPIC MUSIC)

Now is the time for one of our returning heroes.

The man with the mo is back!

Last season, firefighter Alex Matthews

made it all the way to the Grand Final.

Can he do it again tonight?

Alex Matthews!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Oh, what a treat this is.

This guy is one of my favourites from series one.

Alex Matthews - came eighth overall in the competition,

looking to go one further.

And look at that magnificent mo.

I do get recognised since the TV show aired

and I think I've got a pretty distinguishable feature

on my face. And I must say,

I've got to compliment you on a magnificent moustache.

Can I just touch it?

Oh, mate.

It's always a bit kind of awkward for me.

Can I touch the tash again?

It's a good look, it's a good look. It's a beautiful thing.

So last time I was coming off the back of a bit of an injury

and ultimately, that kind of helped me

because I had absolutely no expectations on how I would do.

But there is a little bit of pressure

in the back of my head, saying you've got to back this up now

and I'm kind of curious to see

if last year was a fluke or not, so...

(LAUGHS)

Australia Ninja Warrior, I'm back.

Let's do this.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Come on, Alex.

(START TONE)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Now, I don't want anyone at home

to underestimate what a serious contender Alex is.

Weighing in at 73kg, he's lighter

and he certainly looks stronger than he did last year.

Rolling Pin to Bungee.

Now, we've seen plenty come unstuck here, Freddie,

including another Grand Finalist from last year, Nathan McCallum.

Ooh!

Look at him clinging on for dear life! What a recovery!

Yes, Alex Matthews!

Surviving the rolling pin by the skin of his teeth.

Can you imagine what Mia, his girlfriend...

She's at home watching, thinking, what are you doing to me?

That was quick. Now he's going to make up

for a little bit of lost time.

I'm worried about this. I'm worried about his t-shirt here.

Really worried about his t-shirt.

Yes, take it off, take it off.

Oh! Beautiful!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) There we go,

straight onto the cargo.

And yes, he's going down the outside of that cargo net.

He knows the net is tighter there. Smart move.

He hasn't got much room to play with.

There's only 90cm between the net and the water.

He is lean, isn't he?

Now that he's got his t-shirt off,

he certainly looks leaner than last year.

And he is through the cargo net.

He is fitter, he is stronger but leaner.

Now the Big Wheels.

So far, only Bobby Taylor and Shane Rogers have beaten it.

And Alex Matthews is moving really quickly.

He's on that first wheel.

And this is all about grip strength and using his core to build momentum.

Here he goes onto the second. Yes!

And watch it - that second wheel swings

and it is heavy. Come on, Alex. Swing that thing.

He's doing a really good time, Alex Matthews.

And now he's off and faces up to the Warped Wall.

Oh, he's going for it! He's going straight up!

And he's up the Warped Wall!

Alex Matthews, you are through to the semis.

Look at how close Alex came to disaster.

His foot missed the water by centimetres.

From there, The Mo avoided any more close shaves

and went on to record the fastest run of the night at 2:03.

He's going to be hard to beat.

Come on, Alex.

Mate, I'll warm you up. Come here, come here.

Put one on me. Oh, mate.

Unbelievable. Long time, no see.

You came 8th last year on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Yeah. Do you think you can go

further than that this time?

Ah, who knows - anything could happen, mate.

Anything could happen. Come on, Alex, back yourself,

back yourself. Of course I can!

That's better. I'll give you your t-shirt back.

Why you wear a t-shirt with a body like that, I don't know.

And before you go, can I just touch it?

Oh, just like old times. Oh, my word, that's beautiful.

I can take him backstage and stroke his moustache.

You lot are going to go for a break.

But come back for more Australian Ninja Warrior!

Yeww! Ooh!

After the break, 53-year-old Linda Buttigieg

gave up smoking and transformed her life.

I couldn't even walk up a hill, I was so unfit.

But does this age-defying ninja have what it takes

to make it up the Warped Wall? I'm just amazed at what I can do.

My brain hasn't told my body that I am 53.

And ahead, Mark Daniels has overcome many obstacles...

He's passed every standard that we've thrown at him

and he's a massive inspiration to all of us.

..but his greatest is coming up.

The Bridge of Blades is going to be a tough obstacle,

but I reckon I've got it in me to get across.

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Ninja Island,

where returning Grand Finalist, Alex 'The Mo' Matthews

has just recorded the fastest run of the night so far.

And up next, a ninja who has set a few records of her own.

One of our most senior ninjas is also one of our toughest.

Linda Buttigieg is ranked third in the world for pole vault

for her age group.

Please put your hands together for Linda Buttigieg.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I get called the crazy old lady at work all the time.

That's what I am, just the crazy old lady

that won't give up.

I'm a little bit famous for my six-pack, I think.

A lot of people love it. It's about the only thing I like.

I am just amazed at what I can do.

My brain hasn't told my body that I am 53.

I gave up smoking just before my 30th birthday.

I used to smoke minimum 30 to 40 or more a day.

I couldn't even walk up hills. I was so unfit.

So, I joined the gym and have just gone from there.

For the Masters in the world,

I'm ranked 3rd in pole vault and in hammer, I was ranked 9th.

I'm just a little bit competitive.

Not much. (LAUGHS)

As a pole vaulter, I'm used to sticking my landings.

Tonight, that's exactly what you're going to see from me.

I'm not just a crazy old lady.

I want to be known as the crazy old lady

that conquered and won Australian Ninja Warrior.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Linda! Let's go!

And there's her husband, Charlie, on the sideline.

How is she going to go?

(START TONE) Give it a go, give it a go,

come on! Off she goes to start

her Ninja Warrior campaign.

So far tonight, we've got five women in contention for the semis.

Will our oldest competitor be another to put her hand up?

Taking big, strong leaps.

Come on, darl. A little falter, there.

She's just got one more to get up that ramp

and there you go, Linda, you've done it.

You're past the first obstacle.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Come on, Linda.

She works as a swimming instructor

but she won't be focusing on the water right now.

She'll be thinking anything but.

Now, she undertakes the Rolling Pin to Bungee

and that has been a real headache for our ninjas tonight.

Looks like she's almost about to dislocate her shoulder.

This is really hard to get a good grip of.

She makes the transition to the bungee.

The 53-year-old - wow! That is a great achievement.

Come on. You can do this.

Come on, Linda! Come on!

Big run up, come on.

Across the Bridge of Blades. She's got the arms

in the running motion.

She's going to pump them and she pumps them a treat.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

This is a tough course

and she is doing it in incredible style.

Isn't she ever? Well done, Linda.

Her pole vaulting might come in handy on this next obstacle.

You can do this.

She's got that core strength. She needs a big swing.

Not enough.

Here we go again. Ooh, just a toe.

Now, you can have another go, as long as you hold onto the rope.

She's hanging in there.

Come on, Linda! Here we go! Listen to the crowd!

They're all right behind you. Yes, come on.

Linda, do it!

Yes! She did it!

She's done it! And she's done it her way!

Come on!

How good was that?

Come on, darl. We all here on Ninja Warrior

have got massive smiles on our faces.

I hope you do too at home, because this woman

is showing many of our younger competitors

how it's done.

Come on, Linda.

Freddie, what a woman.

If she can get through this

and somehow through the next obstacle

to the top of the Warped Wall,

I reckon this could be the most popular woman

in the competition so far.

Gotta be careful though. Oh, she's going to get the water.

Careful, keep up. Watch the water. Watch your hair, Linda!

Watch everything. Keep your head up, kid!

(CHEERING)

This is an unbelievable effort from Linda.

We thought she was gone. We thought she was tired,

but now look at her - she's on the cusp

of getting through the cargo net!

Oh, yes, Linda! Oh, come on, Linda!

Come on! Freddie, you're so pumped!

I haven't seen you so pumped.

Anyone would think that Linda

had just climbed to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

What a woman.

Come on, darl.

Alright, so far, no woman has made it past

the Big Wheels tonight. Can Linda be the first?

(CROWD CHANTING 'LINDA')

Go, Linda.

(GROANING)

What an effort. No doubt about it

and the crowd applauds a Ninja Warrior favourite.

Linda vaulted her way across the bungee and the Bridge of Blades.

After making a heroic effort on the cargo net,

she got enough height

but didn't have the reach for the first big wheel.

Freddie, what a competitor.

Linda, there's your towel. That was unbelievable.

We thought you were out.

I don't give up. I never give up.

You are one tough competitor.

I am a little bit. I'm just stupid, but yeah. (LAUGHS)

And how was the support from the crowd,

from the contestants, from everyone?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Anything you'd like to say to them?

Thank you guys! You're the best! You're awesome!

Yes!

Linda, you're pretty good yourself.

Ladies and gentlemen, a big round of applause for Linda!

That was amazing! Oh, thank you. Give us a kiss.

Mwah! Go on.

Let's take a look at the leaderboard.

Alex 'The Mo' Matthews is on top

ahead of Shane Rogers and Bobby Taylor.

And then that's where it gets interesting -

the next six spots are held by women,

including travelling mum Kirby Gibbons in fourth

and lawyer Anna Davey in fifth.

Landscaper Cian Maciejewski comes in at six

and Linda Buttigieg sits in seventh.

But remember, the top 20 furthest, fastest

will be going through to the semis.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Next up on the course,

Josh O'Sullivan, better known to his friends as the Modern Mowgli.

Last season, Josh found love on Ninja Island

with Disco Ninja Betsy Burnett.

It's said love conquers everything

but it is enough to conquer Mount Midoriyama?

Bring the noise for Josh O'Sullivan.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The biggest change from last season, I'd say,

would be the girl sitting next to me at the moment.

(LAUGHS)

I met Betsy the Disco Ninja.

For us, it's been one hell of an experience

and one hell of a ride.

Before, I was quite serious and I was quite focused.

And mine's probably the opposite -

I was too much fun and not enough seriousness.

I'm not that serious, am I? No, but you make me

focus a bit more. That's true.

I've been training really hard for this

so I'm hoping to be able to perform at the best of my ability.

So last year, I guess I came in with a bit of fire.

Today, I'm hoping to bring a bit more of that water energy

to kind of move my way through the course.

But if I could stay away from the water,

that'll be my main focus.

This year, Mount Midoriyama, I'm coming for you.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Josh O'Sullivan, a returning semi-finalist from last year.

He finished the course but he was just too slow -

5:06 wasn't fast enough to progress to the final.

So, will he have that on his mind tonight?

And there's Josh's sister Alicia

and the Disco Ninja herself, Betsy Burnett,

who will run later tonight.

(START TONE)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Here he goes, the Modern Mowgli

returning for season two of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Off to a flying start on the Quintuple Steps.

Correct me if I'm wrong...

I will, don't you worry. ..Mowgli is a Jungle Book reference?

Yes, you are correct.

This is a very difficult obstacle, the Rolling Pin to Bungee.

Yes! Well done.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Oh, whoa! This is really quick!

He's ten seconds ahead of Alex Matthews, already.

Now he's down to business because the t-shirt comes off.

We see a little bit more of the Modern Mowgli.

He's carving through this, Freddie.

You can tell that this boy has done some ninja training.

Just flying through the course.

He realises the mistake he made last time

was being too slow. He's not going to do that again.

The mistake many have made tonight is touching the water right now

on this obstacle.

Lauren Hannaford did it, Corey Worthington, Andrew Degiorgio.

Gotta keep that bottom up.

Desperately close to the water!

Keep going, keep going!

(CHEERING)

And that's a big tick. It's done.

It's Big Wheel time now.

Test the tramp. He is looking fast, really fast -

the best time so far was Alex Matthews at 2:03.

That is tough to beat.

And he is there.

Oh, look at the swing.

That'll do it.

He nearly hit his head he went so high then.

He almost went over the top

of that wheel. Whoa!

He is building some serious momentum for the dismount.

Will he go this time?

Yes!

I don't think he's going to stop, Bec!

Josh O'Sullivan is home and hosed!

(BUZZER)

And it is the fastest time of the night.

Josh was a bit too slow last season and didn't he take that to heart?

A man on a mission.

He powered through the course to finish 1:49,

beating Alex Matthews by a massive 14 seconds.

Josh, that was impressive stuff. You were here last year.

Do you feel you're fitter, stronger, faster this time around?

I took my time last season. I thought in the semi final,

just getting through was enough, but obviously not.

So, hopefully, I've sealed myself through to the semi final

and we'll see what happens.

You'll be going through to the semi final -

fingers crossed, this time round you're going through to the final.

Ladies and gentlemen - Josh!

Well done, mate. Great stuff. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

His girlfriend, Betsy Burnett,

still to run the course here on Ninja Island.

How is she going to go? We'll find out soon.

You're watching Australian Ninja Warrior

and there's love in the air.

Warming up to take to the course next

is the inspirational 24-year-old Mark Daniels.

If you gave me the choice to take my leg back,

I wouldn't change it, because I now lift heavier, run faster

and jump higher than I did before my accident.

And Disco Ninja, Betsy Burnett is back.

After 12 months' solid training,

she's fitter, stronger, faster but still no taller.

I'm 4'11.5" and the half is very important.

Her boyfriend Josh made it up the Warped Wall -

can she join him?

My goal is to get those three chances

to run up the wall and definitely make it on of those three.

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Ninja Island

and if you thought our last series was tough,

this year, we've taken it to another level.

While you were away, three more ninjas

learned the hard way.

James Bond wannabe, Gavin Baust, was on a mission.

He needs to grab hold. ..but had his license revoked

on the Rolling Pin to Bungee. Shaken and stirred.

While 44-year-old Jase Lydom was left clutching at straws.

This is a tough one.

And boiler maker, Josh Hall, lived every ninja's worst nightmare.

Oh, he's gone. He's gone.

(EPIC MUSIC)

Get ready to be inspired by our next competitor, Mark Daniels.

A serious motorbike accident two years ago

left him with only one leg.

He's got no doubt he can make it on this course

and neither do we.

He's incredible.

Come on, ladies and gentlemen, get right behind him - Mark Daniels.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I'm Mark Daniels.

I'm a marine technician in the Royal Australian Navy.

Three days after returning from deployment,

I was riding my motorbike home from work

and a distracted driver turned across my lane and T-boned me

from the side, resulting in some pretty bad injuries.

A broken neck, 11 broken ribs, a punctured lung.

I had my leg amputated below the knee.

I spent ten days in a coma and died three times.

I've never backed down from a fight in my life

and I wasn't about to then.

(EPIC MUSIC)

He returned to service approximately three months

after his accident and he's a massive inspiration

to all of us.

I was always active before my accident

but I never really had the purpose that I have now.

You do more with one leg

than most people with two legs ever achieve.

When Mark sets his mind to something,

Mark's going to do it.

He's going to achieve any goal he sets for himself.

He's limitless.

Every day since my accident, I've battled challenges.

Australian Ninja Warrior is no different.

I know I can do this.

The Bridge of Blades is definitely going to be a tough obstacle

but I reckon I've got it in me to get across.

Define your limits. Don't let your limits define you.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Mark Daniels - what an inspiration.

What a man.

And he is going to tackle this course tonight

with one leg, Ben.

Go well, buddy. Thank you.

The reason he's given up the prosthetic

is he only received it recently,

and so he's done all of his training with one leg only.

So, he wanted to focus on doing it

with the one leg because that's what he's used to doing.

How amazing is this man?

And there's mum, Angela and brother, Owen.

Come on, Mark.

And I think the whole crowd wants the same result right now.

(START TONE) This is it.

His Ninja Warrior mission is underway.

Yes!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Now you might think,

OK, Mark Daniels is doing this course

with one leg. He's going to be slow. But you know what?

This guy is quick. And look at the power.

I mean, he's leaping a metre and a half on one leg.

This is incredible. It is.

You've got to remind yourself, 99% of us would not be able

to get through any of these obstacles with two legs.

And you've got to keep this in mind - he's doing it with one.

(CROWD CHANTING 'MARK')

And have a listen to that crowd - they can't believe it.

We are watching something very, very special.

How's the launch going to be?

It's pretty good - yes!

Hangs onto it and off. Yes!

He's home. Oh, my goodness.

Oh, my goodness!

Bridge of Blades now.

He's got to do it in two big, fast hops and a dive.

It's all about his pace, it's all about speed.

But I'm not going to back against him.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Everybody watching at home,

everybody in the crowd,

everyone involved in Australian Ninja Warrior,

urging Mark Daniels

to get through this Bridge of Blades.

One, two - oh!

So close.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

One more inch and he would have made it.

You legend.

Mark showed us all how athletic he is on the bungee.

The blades were always going to be the big test.

His first hop was a little shorter than he needed

and he tried to squeeze in two on the second blade

but couldn't make the distance.

Freddie, what a champion.

Mark, I think everyone in the crowd, everyone at home willing you round.

I'll be honest with you, I'm in absolute awe of you.

How do you manage to do that?

When something like this happens,

everyone just tells you what you can't do.

No one tells you what you can do. That was what tonight was about.

It's proving to every person out here that's disabled

that you have no limitations!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

It would be a very brave person to tell you

that you can't do something.

Ladies and gentlemen, one more time -

big round of applause for the legend that is Mark Daniels!

Mate, seriously, unbelievable.

Thank you. You should be so proud.

You bloody legend, Mark Daniels.

Next, last year, Betsy Burnett came unstuck on the mini tramp twice.

Definitely mini tramp jumping is obviously a weakness of mine.

Tonight, she's got her sights set on the Warped Wall.

But definitely will be looking to redeem myself

on the trampoline, too.

(EPIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior

and so far, six women have made it through to the semis.

Now for another incredible woman and the final run of the night.

Can the Disco Ninja, Betsy Burnett,

make it seven women through to the semis?

Give it up for Betsy Burnett.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(ELECTRO-POP MUSIC)

Well, season one for me was amazing.

I felt really good up until the mini tramp jump.

Come on, Betsy.

Heavens to Betsy - no.

So, I didn't get enough height.

But I got through to the semi finals, so that was good

and I got to have another go at the course, which was awesome.

And then I fell on the exact same obstacle.

Definitely mini tramp jumping is obviously a weakness of mine.

I thought it might have been because I was so short,

because of my height, blah, blah, blah -

so this year, my training style has changed completely

and now I've continued that for the whole year.

So, definitely will be looking

to redeem myself on the trampoline this year.

There he is - there's Josh, Betsy's mum, Julie and her sisters.

(START TONE) Betsy Burnett, 50kg, just 4'11.5".

She's our shortest ninja to take to the course

in this entire competition.

Some obstacles may be challenging for her

but she's got plenty of guts and determination.

She reckons it was her height that held her back last year,

so she's made up for it by putting her training into overdrive

over the last 12 months.

She won't let anything get in her way.

The Rolling Pin to Bungee.

Now, if Betsy Burnett lands this, Ninja Island will come alive.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

She's - no, she's so close!

Wow! And now she's done it.

Well done, Betsy Burnett, the Disco Ninja.

Now, the Bridge of Blades...

Won't even know that Betsy Burnett

is on it, because she's light as a feather.

Yeah, she'll skate across this. Quick, quick, quick. There she goes.

That's exactly what happened.

She is pumped.

The crowd loves it.

Aren't they getting behind her?

She's on fire. Now, I don't want to spook her

but on the next obstacle - not this one -

there's a tramp involved, a trampoline,

and we know that's been her downfall in the past.

But right now, she's got to deal with the rope to cargo.

It's going to be a stretch whether or not

she can make the distance.

Come on, Betsy.

Go lower, Bets! Go lower, that's it. You can just see here how difficult

this one is for her, because of her shorter legs.

Oh! She's strong enough.

Just can't reach it. So, she's going to reset, here.

If she can get some more energy,

get some more momentum, she can do it.

Has she got enough energy to do that one more time?

I think - oh!

Gee, she's giving us a fair crack.

It's just not falling her way.

Reach with your left hand.

Left hand reach. She's getting plenty of guidance

from her boyfriend and fellow ninja on the sideline.

The Modern Mowgli saying, 'Grab it with your hand.'

He was right! She gets it.

Freddie.

Come on, Betsy!

The crowd right behind you.

Now scrambling underneath the cargo net.

Got to keep everything above water.

Elbows, look, just very - oh, she was so close to the water.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Josh, he's been here before. He knows how to get through this.

JOSH: Keep your butt high!

FREDDIE: Shouting, 'Keep the back high, '

great advice from Josh on the sidelines.

She's now turning her body around. This is an incredible effort.

Come on, Betsy. Get that back onto the platform.

Wow, what an effort this is.

Watch your leg, watch your leg. Oh, she's blowing hard, too.

She's blowing really hard at this point because...

That is extraordinary. ..she was on that rope

for a long, long time.

She's going to have to gather her thoughts here and refocus

because that took a lot out of her.

Yeah, her arms will be fatigued after that net climb.

JOSH: Test out that tramp, yeah?

She's going to need a lot of grip strength to complete

the Big Wheels and she failed on the mini tramp twice last year.

We all remember that and no other women have made it past

the big wheels tonight. Can she be the first?

Yes! She is!

Come on, Betsy! Big lache, Bets.

Big lache, that's it, you're there.

She's got enough swing. She lands it!

Wow. And now, all she's got to do

is time this exit.

Go, one more, that's it, go! A few things in her sights.

The Warped Wall and the semi finals.

Yes!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Righto, this is the moment

we've been waiting for. Betsy, you've got one more obstacle.

No woman has been up the warped wall tonight.

Can Betsy Burnett be the first?

(CROWD CHANTING 'BEAT THE WALL')

Can she join Olivia Vivian in making Australian Ninja Warrior history?

Stay low, let's go. Betsy Burnett, only 4'11.5".

This is a tough mission for the shortest ninja

but she is giving it everything.

She has pumped those arms

and it has paid off! (SCREAMS)

(BUZZER)

How the hell did you do that?

Wow!

This is a moment... Look at this!

..Betsy Burnett will not forget

and the Modern Mowgli is up the top to congratulate her.

What a moment on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Betsy Burnett becomes only the third woman

to make it up the Warped Wall.

Well done, Bets, you're a legend!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

There was just no stopping the Disco Ninja.

After conquering the Big Wheels,

not even the Warped Wall could stand in her way.

What an incredible night.

Betsy, it's written all over your face.

Do I need to ask how much that meant to you?

My God, I've been dreaming about that moment,

visualising, meditating on it, for over a year now,

so it feels amazing.

Josh, you were just as happy on the sidelines.

You were beaming from ear to ear. How proud are you?

Oh, man. Betsy's worked really hard this year

and she's put in a lot of work into that Warped Wall,

so it showed tonight. I'm really proud of her.

She's a pocket rocket! I think you two are going to have

a good night tonight, aren't you?

Oh, sorry, mum. Whoa, whoa!

Anyway, Betsy, that means you've gone through

to the semi final with Josh. Amazing effort.

I'm sure the crowd want to give you a massive round of applause.

So, let's take a look at tonight's final leaderboard.

The Modern Mowgli, Josh O'Sullivan, sits at number one

with Alex 'The Mo' Matthews in the number two slot.

Despite his injured ankle,

Shane Rogers powered through in seventh

and Bobby Taylor muscled his way into tenth.

Betsy Burnett finished 11th.

Travelling mum, Kirby Gibbons, is in at 15.

Then, an incredible five more women make up tonight's top 20,

including Cian Maciejewski

and our oldest competitor, Linda Buttigieg,

meaning a record seven women from the one heat

are through to the semis.

While Josh was furthest, fastest, it's hard to overlook Betsy Burnett

for performance of the night.

The Disco Ninja not only redeemed herself on the mini tramp,

she made it into the history books by becoming only the second woman

this season to conquer the Warped Wall.

Disco Ninja Betsy Burnett, our shortest competitor,

was an absolute triumph getting up the Warped Wall.

Ben, we're making history here. Yeah, we sure are, Bec.

I can't wait to do it all again next week

right here on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Good night. Good night.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(EPIC MUSIC)

Next week on Australian Ninja Warrior,

the final three qualifying heats

see the return of some of our fastest...

No way you can copy what Ashlin does.

He's on a whole other different planet.

..and some of our ninja favourites.

I know I can do it. The brothers are back -

the incredible parkour twins, Brodie and Dylan Pawson.

Let's see who can make it through.

That smirk again.

Jayden and Nathaniel Irving.

I've been doing some secret training.

It's just so I can beat my brother.

Blue Mountains climbers Ben and Lee Cossey...

We're back to conquer Mount Midoriyama.

..along with the legend

that is Andrea Hah. Last year, I was the only female

to make it up the Warped Wall. Of course I'd really like to do

better than last time but the course is really hard.

Deadly ninja Jack Wilson is back. I'm waking up at 4am

and wanting to train. That's a pretty sick obsession,

don't you think? Together with a band

of new ninja hopefuls.

I might only be 18 but I'm going to slam dunk this course.

The stage is set, the pressure is mounting,

and Mount Midoriyama better look out.