BBC Gladiators issues major update on when series two action begins – sending fans wild
HIT show Gladiators has an exciting update after a successful revamp earlier this year.
Father and son duo Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh host the latest version of the popular sports game show format.
It is the show’s third iteration, following the original ITV run from 1992 to 2000 and a follow-up on Sky One from 2008 to 2009.
Millions of viewers tuned in to see how the contest played out across the 11-episode run earlier this year.
Now, eager fans hoping to see the action in person have a chance to do so.
Tickets for series two filming are now available as audiences are invited to partake in the excitement at Utilita Arena Sheffield.
The initial release of recording dates is August 1 to 14, although more will be revealed at a later stage.
Meanwhile, the Beeb’s version of the show also introduced 16 new superhuman Gladiators: Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel and Viper.
As is tradition, the titans competed against members of the public (contenders) in events such as Duel and The Edge, culminating in the legendary Eliminator.
Further details about Gladiators including broadcast details will be announced in due course.
It comes as a celebrity spin-off for the show has been confirmed following the ratings boom in series one.
Boss Dan Baldwin, who is married to Holly Willoughby, has also discussed his longer term plans for rebooting classic formats.
Dan, chief of Hungry Bear Media who makes Gladiators, spoke about the show during a previous appearance on BBC Radio 4.
He said: “I can reveal we are going to do a celebrity special.
“You always look at old shows that are no longer on television. You are always coming up with new ways of bringing back a show.
“There is nothing wrong with that because those shows were great for a reason.
Bradley Walsh's career
Actor, presenter and comedian Bradley Walsh has been involved with multiple hit programmes throughout his career. Let's take a look at some of the star's memorable appearances over the years.
- Wheel of Fortune (1997): Bradley became the second host of the popular game show, succeeding Nicky Campbell who’d left after eight years. His tenure on this programme lasted just one year.
- Night and Day (2002-2003): A recurring role on this mystery soap opera for ITV saw Bradley play Woody Dexter, brother to Danny Dexter (Shane Richie).
- Coronation Street (2004-2006): An expansion of Corrie’s Baldwin family in 2006 saw Bradley arrive as Danny Baldwin, son to Mike (Johnny Briggs). He exited the ITV soap after two years in the role.
- Law & Order: UK (2009-2014): An iteration of Dick Wolf’s popular US “Law and Order” franchise, Bradley starred as DS Ronnie Brooks throughout the entire run.
- The Chase/Beat the Chasers: (2009/2020 – present): A move back into game show hosting has seen Bradley front hit show The Chase since 2009. Members of the public take on high-level professional quizzers in a bid to win thousands of pounds. A spin-off, “Beat the Chasers” began in 2020.
- Cash Trapped (2016-2019): This game show was not only presented by Bradley, but based on his idea. 65 episodes aired across three series.
- Doctor Who (2018-2022): Bradley played the role of Graham O’Brien, companion to the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) in the long-running BBC sci-fi series. He has appeared in one episode as a guest since departing the regular cast.
- Blankety Blank (2020 – present): The star began hosting a revival series of the beloved game show for the BBC in 2020. Three series and a Christmas special have aired to date.
- The Larkins (2021-2022): An adaptation of H.E. Bates’ novel The Darling Buds of May, Bradley starred as “Pop” Larkin. The show lasted two series.
- Gladiators (2024 – present): Bradley co-presents the BBC’s revival of the classic game show with his son Barney. It is the third iteration of the format to air on British TV.
“As well as coming up with new ideas, we’ve always got one eye on what could come back and what could be a hit like Gladiators is.”
Series one launched on January 13 and ended in nail-biting fashion on March 30.
Finlay Anderson, a 34-year-old army officer from Edinburgh and Marie-Louise Nicholson, a 28-year-old fitness coach from Dublin, emerged victorious in the final episode.
Gladiators airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.