You already know how we have to begin this narrative. Gladiators… ARE YOU PREPARED?
The renowned TV show that pits ordinary people against highly trained athletes in a brutal physical battle is back.
It was a primetime TV staple in the 1990s, and it made Gladiators like Jet and Wolf household names.
‘Gladiators is back, and a whole new generation of fans can now look forward to seeing a Saturday night extravaganza like no other,’ said Kate Phillips, head of BBC Unscripted. Will the contenders have the courage and expertise to stand up to our formidable new Gladiators? You’ll have to wait and see!’
When should you watch, and who are the new Gladiators?
When is the new Gladiators series airing?
An exact air date hasn’t been confirmed just yet, but we do know that it’s coming at some point later this year.
View this post on Instagram
Even better, we know when the 11 new episodes will air.
The episodes will be broadcast live from Sheffield’s Utilita Arena from June 1 to June 11, 2023.
If you want tickets to watch it live, there are still a limited amount available to book online now (correct at time of writing).
Who are the new Gladiators?
There are ten new Gladiators confirmed. They are as follows:
- Apollo (aka Alex Gray) – a former rugby and NFL player
- Diamond (aka Livi Sheldon) – she believes being unique is a superpower, and was picked on for being tall (she’s a six foot bodybuilder)
- Dynamite (aka Emily Steel) – she’s too young to remember the original, but she’s ready to make a name for herself
- Fire (aka Montell Douglas) – she’s ready to light up the competition!
- Fury (aka Jodie Ounsley) – she grew up in awe of the Gladiators strength, and now she’s ready to showcase her own
- Giant (aka Jamie Christian Johal) – yes, he’s tall
- Legend (aka Matt Morsia) – he said he ‘can only apologise for the irreparable damage I’m about to do to the contenders. Actually, that’s a lie, [he’s] not sorry at all.’
- Nitro (aka Harry Aikines-Aryeetey) – a Team GB sprinter, this is ‘a childhood dream come true’
- Sabre (aka Sheli McCoy) – she’s hoping she can inspire and empower the ‘younger generation of strong, capable females’ like the original Gladiators did for her
- Steel (aka Zack George) – hopes to be a ‘new, unbreakable hero.’
Who will present the new Gladiators?
This time around, The Chase’s Bradley Walsh and his son, Barney Walsh, will take on hosting responsibilities in the gladiator pit.
Bradley commented on the news on social media, saying, ‘Wow! I can’t believe I’ve been asked to be a part of this legendary programme.’
‘Every week, I used to sit backstage or in the crowd, watching my wife be a part of this behemoth, and now I get to co-host a new version of GLADIATORS!!! Saturday night family fun at its finest…’Are you READY?!’
Donna Derby, Bradley’s wife, was the main choreographer for the Gladiators’ cheerleaders in the series, which aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000.
Ulrika Johnson and ex-footballer John Fashanu hosted the initial series.
Source My Celebrity Life.