The hit 1990s television show Gladiators is set to make a return to screens next year as it is rebooted for the BBC, it has been announced. There were reports back in July that the show could be making a comeback, but it has now been confirmed Gladiators will be revived for an 11-episode series.
The new series will welcome a new generation of “superhumans” who will compete against contestants in the “ultimate test of speed and strength”, the BBC has revealed. It will include new games alongside some of the classic challenges viewers from the 90s will remember and each episode will end with the gruelling obstacle course, The Eliminator.
It has not yet been confirmed who will be fronting the show when it returns to BBC One next year - but filming will take place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield. Speaking on the announcement, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, 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.”
Gladiators first aired in the UK in 1992 and was broadcast by ITV until 2000. The Saturday night show, which was originally hosted by John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson, drew in huge audiences and was known for its iconic saying “Contenders Ready? Gladiators Ready?”.
The Gladiators, which included likes of Trojan, Jet, Nightshade and Hunter, became household names. The format originated in the US but eventually travelled to other countries such as Australia, South Africa, Russia, Finland, Germany, Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden.
Its return in the late noughties, airing on Sky between 2008 and 2009, saw TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher and former professional footballer Ian Wright take up hosting duties. Original referee John Anderson also returned for the revival - which only broadcast for two seasons.
The new BBC series will be made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK. Dan Baldwin, managing director of Hungry Bear, said: “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 on BBC One and iPlayer.”
Gladiators returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2023.
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