BBC Gladiators getting big upgrade next year

'Gladiators' is set to get a big upgrade next year - with the return of a "tough" game and two new stars.

BBC bosses have brought back the iconic Atlaspheres challenge from the 90s, which features contenders and Gladiators inside huge, metal balls.

Contestants win points by rolling over pods which are spread out across the show floor, but the Gladiators try to stop them by rolling into them.

It's said the audience who attended the taping of the programme in the Sheffield Arena "erupted" with excitement at the game's return.

A source told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: "Atlaspheres is one of Gladiators’ most iconic games and was a real fan favourite in the ­Nineties.

“So when the cages were rolled out into Sheffield Arena this summer to film the game for the first time, the crowd erupted.

"Bosses know it’ll be a real blast from the past for older viewers, plus creates great telly for the new fans."

The game previously led to Warrior star Michael Ahearne being in "tremendous pain" after he suffered a dislocated joint in his knee, which resulted in him requiring surgery.

He told the publication: "I was in tremendous pain when the accident occurred ... I turned around and my knee stayed behind me.

"I thought I broke my leg at first when I heard the noise, and I realised it was my knee that had dislocated.

"But, it makes people realise what a tough game it is."

The BBC are yet to announce who the two new Gladiators are, nor their show nicknames.

But a source told the publication: “Gladiators was the biggest entertainment launch in seven years, with almost 10million viewers watching the first episode in the first month.

“So execs knew they needed to up the ante for the new series, which will air in the new year.

“The two new Gladiators joined filming in the summer but the audience at the Sheffield Arena were sworn to secrecy.

“Everyone is excited to introduce the two newbies to viewers in the New Year.”

The hit show - which is hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh - will be back on screens with a celebrity special on January 1st.

TV presenter Louise Minchin and comedy stars Rob Beckett, Joel Dommett, and Ellie Taylor will take part in the episode.