The Saturday evening classic is returning to TV to pit more members of the public against the gladiators and their gruelling challenges.
It’s been away from our screens for nearly 15 years – but prepare for a Saturday night spectacle like no other, as the BBC has announced the return of Gladiators later in 2023!
First airing in the UK in 1992, the game show ran for eight seasons with Ulrika Jonsson as the host for its full run, with John Sachs (of Dancing on Ice fame) providing commentary.
After being taken off our tellies, Gladiators was then revived in 2008 by Sky, with Ian Wright and Kirsty Gallacher teaming up to host the reboot. Sadly, after its second season – where Caroline Flack replaced Gallacher – the show was axed by the channel in 2009.
But with a brand new line-up of superfit Gladiators ready to take on the general public contestants – as well as a new hosting team to match – we’re expecting big things from the rebooted series.
So, who will the new generation of Gladiators be and when can we expect the reboot to land? Read on for everything you need to know.
New Gladiators TV show: when is it coming to BBC?
Gladiators will return with an 11-episode season on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2023.
While an official release date is yet to be confirmed, we do know that filming will take place in and around the spring school holidays at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, meaning the reboot is likely to hit screens in mid-to-late-2023.
Contenders Ready! Gladiators Ready!
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) August 25, 2022
The iconic Saturday night gameshow is coming to the BBC in 2023 – as a new generation of superhumans compete in the ultimate test of speed & strength 💪https://t.co/nKLVYwXqcE pic.twitter.com/zjnnLwjWib
The series is coming to our screens courtesy of Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK.
Gladiators cast: Who are the new stars?
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A total of seven Gladiators have now been announced for the upcoming series.
Jamie Christian Johal – who will go by the moniker ‘Giant’ – stands at a whopping 6ft 5in and made history by becoming one of the all-time tallest bodybuilders; while former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder Montell ‘Fire’ Douglas held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint at 11.05 seconds.
Legend – aka Matt Morsia – is a former Championship bronze medal-winning long and triple jumper and silver medal winning powerlifter, and Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines Aryeetey – who will go by the name Nitro – won BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005, at the age of 17.
Also joining the lineup is ‘Diamond’, or Livi Sheldon – a bodybuilder who stands at 6ft tall who previously played football for Worcester City Ladies team.
They join the two Gladiators who were revealed to be joining the show on Wednesday 3rd May during BBC’s The One Show.
They are professional rugby player Jodie ‘Fury’ Ounsley, who is the show’s first deaf Gladiator, and CrossFit champion Zack ‘Steel’ George, who won the title of the UK’s Fittest Man in 2020.
Meanwhile, Bradley and Barney Walsh have been announced as the hosts of the BBC reboot of Gladiators. The father-son duo have previously hosted ITV’s Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad, as well as being famous faces on TV separately.
Speaking about their new presenting roles for the 2023 reboot, Bradley Walsh said: “Wow! I can’t believe that I’ve been asked to be part of this iconic show. I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to co-host a new version of GLADIATORS!!!
“Saturday night family entertainment at its best… ARE YOU READY?!”
Barney added: “Gladiators has been a massive part of our family and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this iconic show. I’m so excited for everyone to see the spectacle, elite athletes and fantastic family entertainment that is GLADIATORS.”
The original ITV series featured Gladiators such as Sharron Davies as Amazon, Diane Youdale as Jet, Kim Betts as Lightning, James Crossley as Hunter, Jefferson King as Shadow, and Michael Van Wijk as Wolf.
What is the new Gladiators format?
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The new series will feature brand new games alongside classic challenges, as well as the fan favourite obstacle course The Eliminator.
“Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other. Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out!” said BBC director Kate Phillips.
Dan Baldwin, managing director of producers Hungry Bear, added: “It’s the perfect time for Gladiators to return. What other show combines electric excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes, and a pinch of pantomime? Watch out for the new breed of superhuman, supersized, superstars bursting on to your screens.”
How to get tickets for the new Gladiators TV show
If you’re hoping to watch the new generation of Gladiators live in the area, you can purchase free tickets on Applause Store.
Filming will take place in and around the spring school holidays at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, the BBC has confirmed.
Baldwin said: “Watching Gladiators live in the arena is the perfect day out for all the family. Being close-up to the action is going to be an incredible experience like no other. Plus, we’re making the tickets free, so it won’t cost you a penny to get in!”
Gladiators will air on BBC One in 2023. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide. Visit our Entertainment hub for all the latest news.
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