GLADIATORS REBOOT ON BBC ONE
Here's what we know so far...
The Gladiators are coming back to our TV screens on BBC One
Produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK
Recording is set to take place in 2023 at Utilita Arena Sheffield
Eleven episodes have been commissioned
The show will feature new events, alongside some of the classics, including the Eliminator
Holly Willoughby and Alex Scott are reportedly in talks as potential hosts
TV's Gladiators are set to return to UK TV screens three decades after the very first episode aired. It has been officially announced that the iconic family entertainment show will be brought back, but this time to the BBC, by MGM Studios and Hungry Bear Media in 2023.
The much loved series will be back with an 11-episode series and 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.
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!
Kate Phillips, BBC Director of Unscripted
The new series will be recorded in 2023 at the Utilita Arena Sheffield, rather than the show's original home of the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham (now known as Utilita Arena Birmingham).
GladiatorsTV.com's podcast The GladPod, hosted by Jet (Diane Youdale), has recently covered the news of the reboot, also featuring Hunter (James Crossley), Scorpio (Nikki Diamond) and her daughter Emily Diamond, who has hopes of becoming one of the new Gladiators! They also speak to 5 of the biggest GladFans about exactly what they want from a brand new version of Gladiators.
Originally airing for 8 seasons between 1992 and 2000 on ITV, each episode saw 4 Contenders compete against the show’s Gladiators in various Events, such as Duel, Hang Tough and Pyramid, to reach the series grand finale. The show was presented by Ulrika Jonsson throughout its original run, alongside John Fashanu and Jeremy Guscott. John Sachs provided commentary, while John Anderson refereed the events. Gladiators attracted over 14 million viewers at its peak.
The show enjoyed a brief, two-season revival between 2008 and 2009, on Sky One and was presented by Ian Wright, alongside Kirsty Gallacher and Caroline Flack.
Gladiators has also enjoyed various spin-offs, in countries such as the USA, Finland, Australia, Sweden and South Africa. There were also four seasons of a children's version 'Train 2 Win' between 1994-1998 which was broadcast in the UK on CITV.
Holly Willoughby and the original Gladiators Ace, Panther, Jet, Hunter and referee John Anderson
It has also been reported that Holly Willoughby is being lined up to host the brand new series of Gladiators. Holly was a massive fan of Gladiators in the 90s and actually went to see the show recorded twice!
The Sun has also reported that Arsenal legend Alex Scott has been having secret talks with the program makers Hungry Bear and the BBC. It has been said that Alex is very keen to do it, pending her schedule. Gabby Logan and Davina McCall are also said to be in the running.
It is expected that the hosts will be announced later this year. The new batch of Gladiators, all professional athletes, have reportedly already been cast.
More information on auditions and audience tickets will follow as soon as we have more information.
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