Gladiators Returns With New Events And Fan Buzz

Saturday evenings in Britain just got a whole lot louder, sweatier, and more adrenaline-packed. The third series of the BBC’s rebooted Gladiators stormed back onto screens on January 17, 2026, on BBC One and iPlayer, bringing with it a cocktail of nostalgia, new challenges, and a few wardrobe-based gripes from eagle-eyed fans. With hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh once again leading the charge, viewers were treated to the familiar spectacle of contenders taking on the show’s formidable Gladiators in the Utilita Arena, Sheffield.

It’s hard to believe that Gladiators only returned to UK television in 2024, after a 24-year hiatus since its original run on ITV between 1992 and 2000. According to BBC, the reboot has quickly re-established itself as a Saturday night staple, drawing in families and fans of all ages. The first series crowned Finlay Anderson and Marie-Louise Nicholson as champions, while Joe Fishburn and Amanda Wah claimed victory in the second series. Now, with the third series underway, the stakes—and the physical challenges—are higher than ever.

From the outset, the energy in the arena was palpable. But it wasn’t just the thunderous crowd or the dazzling pyrotechnics that got people talking. As Bradley and Barney Walsh strode onto the arena floor, social media lit up with a familiar complaint: the presenting duo seemed to be wearing the same blue and red suits as in previous years. “It’s the third series, yet Bradley and Barney Walsh are still wearing the same suits,” one viewer remarked on X (formerly Twitter). Another joked, “3rd series and the Bradley & Barney still have 1 suit.” Not everyone agreed, with one fan observing, “Barney has a new suit. Brad doesn’t I think.”

But there’s method behind the matching attire. As some fans pointed out, the consistent look serves a practical purpose for production continuity. “It’s more of a uniform, as they are red and blue, much like the Gladiators Spandex and the contestants Spandex. It makes sense to wear the same uniform for continuity and easy recognition,” one Reddit user explained. Another added, “The finished episode we’re shown isn’t filmed in the same order as what is edited... So they can splice in footage from any of those two days, whether or not it’s truthful and related to that moment or not.”

Wardrobe debates aside, the heart of Gladiators lies in the clash between contenders and the show’s cast of superhuman athletes. The third series sees the return of fan-favorite Gladiators, including Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, The Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper. Each brings their own flair and physical prowess, setting the stage for electrifying battles in the arena.

The first episode introduced viewers to this season’s initial contenders: Finn, a 23-year-old welder from the Lake District; Josh, a 27-year-old area sales manager from Glasgow; Rachael, a 39-year-old priest from Darlington; and Naomi, a 40-year-old business consultant from Birmingham. Their determination was put to the test in a series of classic and new events, culminating in the notorious Eliminator—a grueling obstacle course that has dashed the hopes of many a hopeful contender.

But this year, the BBC promised a “bigger and bolder” series, and they certainly delivered. Just minutes into the premiere, hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh paused the action for a major announcement: the introduction of not one, not two, but three brand new events. “We have not one, not two, but three brand new jaw-dropping events!” Barney teased, to which Bradley exclaimed, “Yes!”

The most talked-about addition? An event simply called Destruction. As described by the BBC and Everything Gossip, Destruction pits two contenders against one Gladiator in a no-holds-barred race of raw power. Each participant charges down their own lane, confronting four gigantic 8ft polystyrene barriers. The first to smash through all obstacles and slam the final button claims victory. Each barrier poses a unique challenge—some must be blasted through with sheer body power, another with a battering ram, and one is conquered by climbing. Social media was quick to weigh in, with one fan declaring, “I like this new event.” Another admitted, “I love Destruction, it’s exhausting to watch. Love it.”

Bradley Walsh, reflecting on the new season, shared with the BBC, “There are definitely a few surprises in store, with some unbelievable edge of your seat moments. We’ve got three new events that really raise the stakes, testing both the Gladiators and Contenders in completely different ways.” He also celebrated the return of Nitro, who missed last year due to injury: “We missed him last year due to injury, so it’s been great to have his lightning energy back in the arena.”

Of course, the physical demands of Gladiators are not without risk. Filming for the third series in the summer of 2025 saw injuries to four Gladiators: Legend (Matt Morsia) suffered a torn tendon in his arm, Bionic (Matty Campbell) sustained a shoulder injury, Diamond (Livi Sheldon) endured a knee and leg injury including an ACL tear, and Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains) faced a severe knee injury. Yet, the resilience and determination of both Gladiators and contenders remain at the core of the show’s appeal.

Ensuring fair play amid the chaos is former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, who returned to the programme to keep a watchful eye on proceedings. His presence adds an extra layer of credibility—and perhaps a touch of footballing drama—to the gladiatorial contests.

For those keeping track, the show continues to air every Saturday at 5:45pm on BBC One, with episodes available on BBC iPlayer for those who miss the live broadcast. The format remains true to its roots: contenders take on the Gladiators in a series of physically demanding events, all building toward the Eliminator and the coveted quarter-final spots.

Looking back, it’s clear that Gladiators has managed to blend the best of its classic heritage with fresh excitement for a new generation. Whether it’s the thrill of Destruction, the camaraderie between Bradley and Barney Walsh, or the spectacle of athletic achievement, the show continues to capture the imagination of viewers across the UK. And if the buzz on social media is anything to go by, fans are already counting down the days to the next episode.

With new challenges, familiar faces, and a few sartorial debates, Gladiators proves once again that it’s still one of the UK’s most entertaining—and unpredictable—Saturday night traditions.