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The epic arena battles are set to return as Gladiators, the BBC’s high-octane test of strength, speed, and spirit, has been officially confirmed for a third series, scheduled to air in 2026. Viewers can also look forward to an all-new Gladiators Celebrity Special, adding a new layer of excitement to the franchise’s triumphant comeback.
Return to Sheffield Arena
Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, now synonymous with the Gladiators reboot, will once again play host to the electrifying showdowns that have been captivating audiences. Presenting duo Bradley and Barney Walsh will reprise their roles as they introduce both new faces and fan favorite Gladiators, including Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper. These Gladiators are known not just for their athletic prowess, but for their bold personalities and playful banter that have brought Saturday night television to life.
The new series is set to raise the stakes even further, with promises of innovative new events alongside the traditional challenges, ensuring that the competition remains as fierce and unpredictable as ever. Notably, the upcoming Celebrity Special will pit four well-known personalities against the Gladiators, inviting them to prove their mettle in front of a full house and millions of viewers at home.
Gladiators Celebrity Special: What to Expect
The highly anticipated Gladiators Celebrity Special has already created buzz online. Set to broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025, at 6:00pm, the one-off episode will kick off the year with an adrenaline rush. Four celebrities will take on a series of grueling physical challenges, culminating in the legendary Eliminator course. These competitors must face 16 formidable Gladiators who, since the reboot, have quickly achieved cult status for their mix of physical dominance and engaging showmanship.
Comedian Joel Dommett, one of the confirmed contestants, shared his excitement about taking part in the special, stating on social media that he’s been "illegally running up escalators backwards all my life in preparation and now it’s happening for real,” promising fans plenty of fun and fierce competition. More details and candid views from the celebrity contestants can be found directly through the BBC Press Office’s Instagram announcement.
A Saturday Night Sensation
The Gladiators revival has rapidly become a flagship for family entertainment on the BBC, consistently drawing strong ratings. The show averages 5.3 million viewers, with nearly 40% choosing to stream on BBC iPlayer, making it the platform’s most-watched Saturday night series and the third most popular entertainment program overall. Especially noteworthy is its appeal to younger audiences, with 1.3 million children tuning in each episode, underscoring Gladiators’ cross-generational engagement.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, stressed the show’s wide appeal, noting the excitement it brings to families and younger fans alike. With new series and specials on the horizon, Patel-Knight promises “even more epic battles, more high-octane action and of course even more foam fingers than ever before.”
Dan Baldwin, Managing Director of Hungry Bear Media, echoed the sentiment, citing the show’s impact on Saturday night television and teasing a forthcoming series “so expect even more spandex, hairspray, protein shakes and fake tan this summer in Sheffield!”
How to Watch and Attend
For those eager to experience the action firsthand, free tickets for the live recordings at the arena will be available via Applause Store starting June 24, 2025. Fans can also catch up on every episode and add the show to their watchlist on BBC iPlayer, ensuring nobody misses a moment of the action.
To stay updated and see the roster of Gladiators for 2025, including favorites like Giant, Legend, and Fire, visit Radio Times’ comprehensive cast list. Meanwhile, the GladiatorsTV website provides exclusive features and behind-the-scenes coverage of both regular and celebrity episodes.
Continued Legacy
As Gladiators forges ahead with new events and celebrity contests, the show lies at the intersection of nostalgia and contemporary television excitement. Produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK (a division of Amazon MGM Studios), Gladiators retains the core values set by original creators Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr, while adapting to modern tastes and digital viewing habits.
For more on the upcoming series and celebrity episodes, check out:
Gladiators is once again proving itself as a cornerstone of British weekend viewing, blending larger-than-life action with genuine heart—and the next series promises the most thrilling battles yet.