The BBC’s much-anticipated reboot of the beloved “Gladiators” series has been making waves since its return, but the latest season has delivered more drama than even the producers might have bargained for. Filmed at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, the show’s third series—airing every Saturday at 5:45 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer—has seen not just fierce competition, but also a string of injuries that have left fans and contestants alike reeling.
The nostalgia factor is strong for “Gladiators,” which originally aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000, and the reboot has quickly become appointment viewing for families. But the physical demands of the competition are as intense as ever, and that reality came crashing home during the episode broadcast on February 7, 2026. In a moment that stunned viewers, presenters Bradley and Barney Walsh paused the action for a “special announcement.”
Bradley Walsh kicked things off, telling the audience, “OK, folks. We have a special announcement.” His son and co-host, Barney, followed up: “One of our Gladiators has been injured and we’re going to bring him out to talk about it. Please welcome Legend.” Moments later, Matt Morsia—known to fans as Legend—entered the arena with his left arm in a sling, the usually indomitable competitor visibly subdued.
Legend didn’t mince words about his predicament. “Unfortunately, I’ve damaged my bicep tendon and I’m going to be out for a little while,” he explained to the crowd, his disappointment palpable. Yet, ever the entertainer, he couldn’t resist a joke to lift the mood: “It’s pretty devastating… for you guys. Because everyone knows you only come here to see me.” The quip drew laughter, but the underlying seriousness of the injury was clear. Legend sent kisses to the audience before exiting, a gesture of gratitude and resilience.
But this wasn’t just about one competitor. According to BBC reports, a total of four Gladiators were sidelined during the filming of Series 3 in the summer of 2025. Along with Legend’s torn bicep tendon, Bionic (Matty Campbell) suffered a shoulder injury, Diamond (Livi Sheldon) endured knee and leg injuries—including an ACL tear—and Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains) faced a severe knee injury. It was a stark reminder of the risks inherent in a show that’s built on high-octane, physically demanding events.
Legend later provided more insight into his ordeal on his YouTube channel. He recounted how his left arm was wrenched backwards during training. “It felt weird, but I didn’t really get any pain,” he admitted. But backstage, the gravity of the situation became undeniable when he noticed his bicep had rolled up halfway along his upper arm. A scan confirmed the worst, and surgery was scheduled just five days later. The operation was a success, with surgeons reattaching the tendon by drilling a hole in the bone and anchoring it—a process Legend described with a mix of awe and relief: “[They] went in there, found the tendon. Pulled it down, drilled a hole in the bone [and] put the tendon through the hole. Put like an anchor, like a screw, a bolt, whatever, at the bottom. And it is now reattached.”
Despite his own frustration at being sidelined, Legend’s humor remained intact. “It is obviously very frustrating not being able to take part in the events, mainly because we did testing this morning and even with one arm I’m still easily the strongest Gladiator,” he joked, earning another round of applause. Hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh reassured viewers that this would not be the last they’d see of Legend. “His arm may not work but his mouth still does. Don’t worry because he’ll be back,” Bradley quipped. Barney confirmed, “You will see him back in the arena during the series but for now, on with the next event.”
The rash of injuries prompted the BBC to issue a statement emphasizing their commitment to the well-being of all involved. “The health and well-being of all Gladiators, contenders, and crew is of paramount importance,” a spokesperson said. “Gladiators is one of the toughest and most physically demanding programmes on TV, and due to the high-impact nature of the show, it is not unusual for those competing to suffer injuries. In each instance, as soon as it became apparent that a potential injury had occurred, the correct protocol was immediately followed. The injured Gladiators are currently following medical advice and working on their recoveries.”
For fans, the news was both worrying and oddly reassuring. The transparency and care shown by the BBC, coupled with the resilience of the injured Gladiators, offered hope that their favorites would return to the arena soon. The show’s producers have not shied away from the realities of such a physically intense competition, instead choosing to spotlight the courage and determination of their stars.
It’s not lost on anyone that the stakes in “Gladiators” have always been high. The show’s format—pitting everyday contenders against elite athletes in a series of grueling physical challenges—demands peak fitness, split-second timing, and no small amount of nerve. Injuries, while unfortunate, are a testament to just how real the risks are. Yet, as history has shown, both the show and its stars have a knack for bouncing back stronger than before.
The current series continues to draw impressive viewership numbers, with families tuning in each Saturday evening to watch the action unfold. The promise of seeing Legend and the other injured Gladiators return adds an extra layer of anticipation. And for those who missed the live broadcast, every episode is available on demand via BBC iPlayer, ensuring no fan is left out of the loop.
As the competition presses on, the spotlight remains firmly on both the athleticism and the humanity of its stars. Injuries may have temporarily paused the journeys of Legend, Bionic, Diamond, and Athena, but their determination—and the support from fans and the BBC alike—suggests that their stories are far from over. For now, viewers can only wait, watch, and hope for the triumphant return of their favorite Gladiators to the arena they call home.