Gladiators is set to return to screens next year after over 20 years, it has been confirmed.
The popular 90s TV programme saw members of the public battle it out against the show’s cast of bodybuilders and gymnasts, known as Gladiators, and ran for eight series before ending in 2000.
The programme, originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu, will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and feature a host of new games alongside the classic challenges that long-time fans will know and love.
The BBC has confirmed the show will make a comeback with an 11-episode series and will be welcoming a new generation of ‘superhumans’ who will compete against contestants in the ‘ultimate test of speed and strength’.
The programme, originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu, will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and feature a host of new games alongside the classic challenges that long-time fans will know and love.
Each show will end with the ultimate fan favourite challenge – the intense obstacle course known as The Eliminator.
The rebooted programme will be filmed at Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023, while the new hosts have yet to be announced.
At its peak, Gladiators – broadcast from 1992 to 2000 – drew huge audiences to its Saturday evening ITV slot as the famous call of ‘Contenders Ready? Gladiators Ready?’ echoed across TV screens.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, said of the reboot: ‘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.’
The new series is to be made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK, with Scot Cru, executive vice president of global formats and Unscripted Content for MGM Television, adding: ‘Gladiators is a format that resonates with viewers worldwide.
‘We are thrilled to bring this revered series to the BBC and can’t wait to introduce our UK Gladiators.’
Dan Baldwin, managing director of Hungry Bear, said of the show’s big comeback: ‘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.
‘The classic show, originally aired on ITV, made household names of the Gladiators including Jet, Lightening, the Wolf, Nightshade, Hunter and Warrior.
The format – which originated in the US – travelled to Australia, South Africa, Russia, Finland, Germany, Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden. (DailyMail)
