Gladiators Return With New Challenges And Fierce Competitors

The unmistakable roar of the crowd, the clash of titans in the arena, and the pulse-pounding suspense—yes, Gladiators is back, and it’s more electrifying than ever. After more than two decades since the original 1990s phenomenon captivated UK audiences, the third series of the rebooted Gladiators stormed onto BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 5:45 PM. With Bradley and Barney Walsh reprising their roles as hosts, fans both new and old are in for a high-octane treat as a new generation of Gladiators and contenders battle it out for glory.

Originally airing from October 1992 until January 2000 on ITV, Gladiators became a staple of British Saturday night television. The show’s unique blend of athletic prowess, larger-than-life personalities, and dramatic showdowns made household names out of its stars, from Wolf to Jet to Hunter. A brief revival on Sky between 2008 and 2009 kept the torch burning, but it wasn’t until the BBC’s bold reboot in 2024 that Gladiators truly returned to the cultural spotlight. Now, with its third series underway, the show has proven it still packs a punch.

So, what’s different this time around? For starters, the Walsh father-and-son duo have promised a "bigger and bolder" competition, teasing new events and a cast of contenders "bringing more fight than ever before." In Bradley Walsh’s own words, "Gladiators is big, loud, and proper family entertainment—there’s nothing else like it. Seeing the Gladiators push themselves, seeing the Contenders push themselves, the crowd going wild, and doing it all with Barney by my side is just brilliant. We have an absolute blast every time we’re in the arena." According to the BBC, the new series is set to deliver five energy-sapping events before the infamous Eliminator, with the ultimate prize being a coveted quarter-final spot.

This year’s roster of Gladiators is a dazzling mix of returning favorites and fierce newcomers. Fans can cheer on Cyclone (Lystus Ebosele), Hammer (Tom Wilson), Bionic (Matty Campbell), Electro (Jade Packer), Phantom (Toby Olubi), Viper (Quang Luong), Comet (Ella-Mae Rayner), Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains), Sabre (Sheli McCoy), Apollo (Alex Gray), Dynamite (Emily Steel), Diamond (Livi Sheldon), Fury (Jodie Ounsley), Steel (Zack George), Giant (Jamie Christian Johal), Fire (Montell Douglas), Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey), and Legend (Matt Morsia). Each Gladiator brings their own unique flair and athletic background, setting the stage for some truly unforgettable showdowns.

But perhaps the most talked-about addition this season is the new event, Destruction. This brutal challenge pits two contenders against a single Gladiator in a no-holds-barred race of raw power. Each competitor charges down their own lane, confronting four massive eight-foot barriers. The first to smash through each obstacle—some requiring brute force, others demanding the use of a battering ram or a rapid climb—and slam the final button claims victory. It’s a test of strength, speed, and sheer determination, with no tricks or shortcuts to rely on. As the BBC describes it, Destruction is "one of the hardest challenges the series has ever seen."

Of course, the show’s enduring appeal lies not just in its present spectacle but in its rich history. The original Gladiators cast members have gone on to lead remarkable lives, each forging their own path beyond the arena. Ace (Warren Furman) now leads a gospel choir in York, Cobra (Michael Willson) inspires as a motivational speaker, and Hunter (James Crossley) runs a sound therapist school. Jet (Diane Youdale) became a psychotherapist and pilates instructor, while Lightening (Kim Betts) turned her competitive spirit into business success, investing in a beauty parlour and fishery.

There’s Wolf (Michael Van Wijk), who owns a gym in Auckland, New Zealand, and Blaze (Eunice Huthart), whose Hollywood stunt double career includes working alongside Angelina Jolie and training Star Wars actors. Panther (Helen O’Reilly) operates her own gym in West London, and Rhino (Mark Smith) has found success as an actor in productions like EastEnders and Pirates of the Caribbean. Some stories took darker turns—Shadow (Jefferson King) faced legal troubles, and Warrior (Mike Ahearne) served prison sentences related to steroids. The beloved Falcon (Bernadette Hunt) sadly passed away in 2025 after a battle with cancer, leaving a legacy as both a Gladiator and a fitness instructor.

Amazon (Sharon Davies) transitioned from the arena to sports broadcasting, Vogue (Suzanne Cox) runs a fashion shop with fellow Gladiators, and Zodiac (Kate Staples) now promotes health and fitness initiatives. Trojan (Mark Griffin) found his calling as an actor, Rebel (Jennifer Stoute) co-founded a sports management company, Nightshade (Judy Simpson) serves as a sporting ambassador, and Saracen (Michael Lewis) traded TV fame for a career as a fireman, even appearing on Ninja Warrior UK. Their stories are as varied as they are inspiring, a testament to the enduring impact of the Gladiators legacy.

The third series isn’t just about nostalgia, though. It’s about pushing boundaries and evolving with the times. The production team has kept fan favorites like Hang Tough, Duel, The Wall, and the Eliminator, ensuring the show’s core spirit remains intact. Yet, the introduction of Destruction and the addition of new Gladiators signal a willingness to innovate and keep the competition fresh. Even the refereeing is a nod to modern sports, with former Premier League official Mark Clattenburg returning to ensure fair play and high drama.

For viewers, the return of Gladiators is more than just a TV event—it’s a cultural moment. The show’s ability to bring families together, spark watercooler conversations, and inspire the next generation of athletes is as strong as ever. Saturday nights have once again become synonymous with spectacle, suspense, and the thrill of athletic competition. And with episodes available on BBC iPlayer, fans can relive the action anytime they please.

As the new series unfolds, all eyes are on the contenders and Gladiators as they face off in ever-more demanding challenges. Who will conquer the dreaded Travelator? Who has the grit to survive Destruction and earn a place in the quarter-finals? With the energy in the arena at an all-time high and the Walsh duo leading the charge, one thing’s for sure—Gladiators is back, and it’s not holding anything back.

The action is just getting started, and with each episode, new legends are born. Whether you’re rooting for a favorite Gladiator or cheering on an underdog contender, the excitement is palpable. So, lace up your trainers, grab your foam fingers, and get ready—because Saturday nights belong to the Gladiators once more.