THE future of the Gladiators reboot has finally been decided after two action-packed series on the BBC – but will it be back for more high-octane battles?
Gladiators is one of the most exciting and energetic sports entertainment game shows ever and it is back for a third series.
The reboot became the biggest entertainment launch for a new series in seven years for the BBC[/caption]
And this year’s third series are seeing two new Gladiators join[/caption]
BBC have confirmed they are currently on the look out for the bravest members of the British public who have the speed and skill to take on our superhuman Gladiators.
The original version of Gladiators first became popular when it made its debut on ITV back in 1992.
2024 saw a whole new set of elite athletes were chosen to take up the mantle of the fierce and strong Gladiators.
Bradley Walsh and his son Barney were chosen by bosses to front the revival of the famous physical challenge game show.
Eight men and eight women made up the group of 16 stars to face each aspiring competitor.
The likes of Montell Douglas, Emily Steel, Zack George, and Matty Campbell impressed viewers with their strength and athletic abilities.
The first series of the reboot was a huge success, attracting 6 million viewers for the premiere and averaging 8.3 million viewers overall, becoming the biggest entertainment launch for a new series in seven years for the BBC.
The second series, which premiered in 2025, also saw success, with the celebrity special drawing 5.15 million viewers.
However, this year the BBC are changing it up by adding two new stars to complete the cast of athletes.
The Sun revealed that two new Gladiators have joined the pack for the next series, boosting the squad to a whopping 18.
A source said: “Gladiators was the biggest entertainment launch in seven years, with almost 10million viewers watching the first episode in the first month.
“So execs knew they needed to up the ante for the new series, which will air in the new year.
“The two new Gladiators joined filming in the summer but the audience at the Sheffield Arena were sworn to secrecy.
“Everyone is excited to introduce the two newbies to viewers in the New Year.”
The newcomers have joined the original squad, who have all returned to the series after its epic launch earlier this year.
Sabre, Legend, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Giant, Dynamite, Comet, Viper, Electro, Apollo, and Steel are all back in the ranks.
Strictly sensation Fire, aka Montell Douglas, also returns after swapping deadlifts for the dancefloor.
But one Gladiator has been forced to take on a slightly different role this year.
The Sun revealed earlier this month that Nitro, real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, was forced out the competition after busting his knee.
It means he’ll be seen as a ringside presenter alongside Bradley and Barney Walsh instead of on the arena floor.
Nitro told The Sun: “Usually I’m speeding to the finishing line but sometimes life throws a curveball.
“During training for series two of Gladiators earlier this year I picked up an unexpected knee injury, which means I’ll be shifting gears this series and sitting out the events.
“But don’t worry, I’m recharging and more energised than ever.
“You will still catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators and keeping the energy sky-high.”
If you believe you have what it takes, then apply to be on the next series here.
The closing date for applications is May 2025.
Bradley Walsh and his son Barney will be back as the presenters for the third series[/caption]
Could you take on the Gladiators?[/caption]
