BBC confirm Gladiators to return in 2023 with 11-episode series

The BBC has confirmed it is reviving 'Gladiators'.

The broadcaster is bringing back the iconic game show - which saw members of the public go up as Contenders against the resident Gladiators in a series of tough physical sports challenges - with an 11-episode series, made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK, which will hit TV screens in late 2023.

Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC, says: “Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other.

"Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out!”

Scot Cru, EVP of Global Formats and Unscripted Content, MGM Television, said: "'Gladiators' is a format that resonates with viewers worldwide. We are thrilled to bring this revered series to the BBC and can’t wait to introduce our UK Gladiators.”

Dan Baldwin, Managing Director Hungry Bear, added: “It’s the perfect time for 'Gladiators' to return. What other show combines electric excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes, and a pinch of pantomime? Watch out for the new breed of superhuman, supersized, superstars bursting on to your screens on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.”

The reboot will include brand new contests alongside classic challenges, and the competitors will still have to face the dreaded Eliminator at the end of each episode.

Shooting on the show is scheduled to take place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023 and the programme makers are on the hunt for new Gladiators and contestants.

'Gladiators' first hit screens on ITV in 1992 and ran for eight seasons, making household names of the titular competitors, who included Jet (Diane Youdale), Wolf (Michael Van Wijk), Cobra (Michael Willson) and Lightning (Kim Betts) among many others, and was presented by likes of Ulrika Jonsson, John Fashanu and Jeremy Guscott.

It ended in 2000 but in 2008 the show was resurrected for two seasons on Sky One, including three episodes that saw the new generation of Gladiators go up against some of the original line-up. International editions have also sprung up in countries such as Australia, the United States, Finland and South Africa.