Gladiators back on BBC One for new series in 2024

BBC One is bringing back TV show Gladiators with a start date now confirmed for 2024.

Gladiators first launched in 1992 where it ran until 2000 before a short-lived revival in 2008 and 2009.

It saw contestants face-off against the show’s ‘Gladiators’ in a series of physical events in a bid to be crowned the ultimate champion.

In the year of its 30th anniversary, the BBC announced a new series was in the works.

While the new Gladiators was originally slated to begin the autumn 2023, it’s now been confirmed to launch in January 2024 on BBC One and iPlayer. An exact launch date is to be announced but is likely to be on Saturday nights.

Who’s presenting Gladiators?

The BBC tease the reboot “will welcome a brand new generation of superhumans who will compete against contestants in the ultimate test of speed and strength.

“The new series will include brand new games alongside classic challenges, culminating at the end of each episode with fan favourite The Eliminator.”

Father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh have been confirmed as hosts of the new series.

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.”

Where is the new Gladiators filmed?

Filming took place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield earlier this year.

Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC, said: “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!”

The new reboot comes after former Gladiator Jet – real name Diane Youdale – previously teased a possible revival.

She told Gladiators themed podcast The GladPod (via The Sun): “A little bird has told me that there is something on the table that looks gladiatorial and will possibly be around for our 30th year. Maybe there’ll be a version of it.”

However Diane ruled herself out of returning to the show.

She said: “You couldn’t pay me enough to go back and do it again, but I think the concept of having these larger-than-life superhero Gladiator people is timeless.

“And I think that’ll always work. I wouldn’t change a thing about my time as a Gladiator.”