Gladiators reboot confirmed as show heads to BBC after two decades off screen

Gladiators is set to return to screens soon after the BBC confirmed a massive eleven part series of the much-loved Nineties show. It will feature classic challenges and new ones too

Gladiators is officially back - after the BBC confirmed a massive eleven part series of the much-loved Nineties show.

The Saturday night staple which was previously on ITV will be back to welcome a brand new generation of superhuman stars - like previous names including Jet and Cobra - who will compete against contestants in the ultimate test of speed and strength.

The BBC say the new series will also include brand new games alongside classic challenges, culminating at the end of each episode with fan favourite The Eliminator.

The news was announced at the Edinburgh International Television Festival as Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC, paid homage to one of the iconic lines from the original series, adding: "I can confirm on my first whistle it’s coming back."

Jet (Diane Youdale), Zodiac (Kate Staples) and Panther (Helen O'Reilly) in the original Gladiators

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( ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Confirming the news Kate added in a statement: "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!”

Viewers can look forward to feeling the power of the Gladiators once again and can enjoy the challenge of the champions later in 2023 as the show is still in the planning stages and filming is yet to begin.

Holly Willoughby's husband Dan Baldwin, will make the show with his Hungry Bear production company.

Gladiators was a fan favourite show

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( LWT)

Dan 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."

With Dan involved, TV star Holly has been tipped as a host but no official announcement on hosts has been made. It has been confirmed that filming will take place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023.

Gladiators Panther and Scorpio

Image:

( ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Gladiators has been replicated across the world in different countries and it first ran on ITV from 1992 until 2000 with Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu the main hosts whilst John Anderson was the regular referee in games.

It was also given a revival on Sky One for two series in 2008, with three episodes that saw the new Gladiators take on the original ones. Rumours initially swirled last month that the show would be coming back, with the BBC now confirming the news and no doubt delighting fans as they prepare for its return.

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