Fans of the beloved BBC show Gladiators are feeling the sting of disappointment this week as a schedule change has resulted in the show being pulled from the air. The rebooted series, which is hosted by the father-son duo of Bradley and Barney Walsh, will not air on March 29, 2025. This change is due to the FA Cup quarter-final fixture between Brighton and Nottingham Forest being broadcast instead.
Many Gladiators enthusiasts have taken to social media to express their frustration over the scheduling conflict, lamenting the lack of a new episode to enjoy this weekend. One fan voiced their discontent, stating, "The only good thing on BBC treated like it’s second rate. What a joke." Another chimed in with a suggestion, asking, "Why can’t the football be on BBC iPlayer?" A third fan added, "Oh put the crappy football on the iPlayer and leave the Gladiators slot alone!"
The original UK version of Gladiators first aired in 1992, hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and footballer John Fashanu. It enjoyed a successful run on ITV, lasting eight years until 2000. The show made a brief return on Sky between 2008 and 2009, with Kirsty Gallacher and Ian Wright at the helm. After a long hiatus, Gladiators was rebooted in January 2024, with Bradley Walsh and his son Barney taking over as hosts.
The second series of the reboot began airing in January 2025 and has been well-received by audiences. Fans were eagerly anticipating the next episode, which was set to showcase the second semi-finals. Despite the disappointment this weekend, viewers can still catch up on previous episodes, as both series one and two episodes are available on BBC iPlayer.
Looking ahead, Gladiators is scheduled to return to BBC One on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Fans can mark their calendars for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the series. In the meantime, the ongoing FA Cup matches will dominate the sports programming on BBC, leaving some fans feeling sidelined.
As the Gladiators franchise continues to evolve, it remains a significant part of British pop culture, drawing in viewers with its mix of athleticism and entertainment. The reboot has breathed new life into the show, and while this scheduling conflict has caused a stir, the anticipation for future episodes remains high.
In the world of television, scheduling conflicts are not uncommon, especially when it comes to major sporting events like the FA Cup. However, the passionate fanbase of Gladiators is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and the strong connection it has forged with viewers over the years.
As fans await the return of their favorite show, they are reminded of the show's rich history and the excitement it brings. The reboot has successfully captured the essence of the original while introducing new elements that resonate with today’s audience.
In conclusion, while the absence of a new episode this weekend is disappointing for Gladiators fans, the show’s legacy and future episodes promise to keep the spirit of competition alive and well in the hearts of viewers.
