Gladiators is a British television series which is set to air on BBC One in 2023. It is a revival of the earlier series of the same name and based on the American version of the show. The 11-part series is being made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK and is set to be hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh.

Production
In July 2022, it was reported that the BBC were in talks with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, who hold the rights to the original format, to relaunch the show on BBC One. The reports were later confirmed by the BBC, who announced that the format would return to British television in 2023 and would be produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television, thus rendering the series the third incarnation of the show, following the original series which aired between 1992 and 2000 on ITV and the earlier revival which aired between 2008 and 2009 on Sky One. The return of the series in which contenders take on the 'Gladiators' in a series of athletic and physical tasks was announced by the BBC, promising “the ultimate test of speed and strength”. The series was filmed at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield in a span of two first weeks of June 2023.

Arena set design
The arena's design and layout is reminiscent of the original ITV version from the 1990s era; a square-shaped arena surrounding with the seats of the audience across the three different sides of the arena. The color theme is red and blue, in honor of the original version (which can also be seen from the Gladiators' outfits). Notable feature is, that there is no water element present, unlike there was in the earlier 2008 reboot. Another notable feature compared to its earlier counterparts, that the set design features some modern display technology, and the Gladiators logo is displayed at "The Wall" when the event is not played.

Format
The format of Gladiators is tournament-based; in each episode, four contenders – two female and two male – first complete against elite athletes, also known as the Gladiators, in a series of five speed and strength-based events, and try to gain as many points as possible to get them an advantage for the final Eliminator game at the end of the episode. The winners of the Eliminators will hope for a place in the Quarter-Finals, and possibly advance to the Semi, and Grand Finals.

At the end of the series, only one female and one male contender can win the competition, and be crowned as a Gladiators champion.

Events

During an appearance on BBC Breakfast in May 2023, Gladiators Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Livi Sheldon, also known as “Nitro” and “Diamond”, stated that there would be a "great host of new games" and that the series would see the return of some games, specifically mentioned were Hang Tough, The Wall, Powerball, and Duel. In addition, during an appearance in This Morning the same month, Gladiators Jamie Christian Johal, aka “Giant”, Matt Morsia, aka “Legend”, and Montell Douglas, aka “Fire”, confirmed about the return of the event Gauntlet.

Cast and crew

Presenters
On 3 May 2023, it was announced that Bradley Walsh would co-host the revived series alongside his son Barney Walsh. Donna Walsh, Barney’s mum and Bradley’s wife, was head choreographer for the cheerleaders on the original series. Bradley also took part in a "Celebrities vs Jockeys" special in 1997.

The Gladiators
Throughout May 2023, the 16-strong roster of Gladiators were announced on Morning Live and The One Show, among other media outlets.  Profiles were also released on the BBC Media Centre website.

Two of the female Gladiators, Comet (Ella-Mae Rayner) and Sabre (Sheli McCoy) sustained several 'severe injuries' during the filming of the first series. In fact, Comet's injuries were so bad, that she had to step out from the series mid-filming. Sabre also sustained an injury on her leg, but was luckily able to participate on the Grand Finals.

Referees
On 31 May 2023, the BBC announced the three referees for the series. Acting as the main referee is Mark Clattenburg, a former international football referee who adjudicated the 2012 Men's Olympic final and the 2016 Champions League and European Championship finals. 

Picking up the cards and whistles with Clattenburg, are former international netball player Sonia Mkoloma who competed at five Netball World Cups and three Commonwealth Games, and fitness professional and firefighter Lee Phillips who is a World champion in both the Ultimate Firefighter and CrossFit competitions at the World Police and Fire Games.

Contenders
The casting for the new contenders to face 'the new generation of Gladiators' began early in 2023, and try-outs for the new series took place across the UK were announced to be taking place in England, as well as a Scotland and Northern Ireland, in April 2023 with applications closing on 1 April 2023.

Total number of 10 women and men made it through the try-outs to the actual 11-episode show in Sheffield Arena, making it to total of 20 contenders for series one.

Controversies

Over ticketing
Numerous people turned up for the first day of filming having successfully applied for free tickets, only to be denied entry, due to the venue having reached its capacity.  Many people arrived hours before the stated start time and were still denied entry, with some having travelled long distances and having paid £5 to park—while another group had travelled for four hours and stayed in a hotel overnight.  This resulted in "lots of unhappy people and upset children."

Ticketing was organised by Applause Store, whose website states that tickets for TV and radio shows are "distributed in excess of studio capacity to compensate for "no shows.""

Their website says, that “seats are limited and ticket holders will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the capacity of the studio", and that admission is not guaranteed for any show or production. Applause Store also advises prospective attendees to arrive as early as possible, "before the 'arrive by' time on your ticket," to make sure you get a seat.

Injuries
Two Gladiators during filming for the series sustained injuries. Ella-Mae Rayner—aka Comet—sustained a "severe foot injury."  After a series of scans and X-rays, Rayner found out that she had broken her ankle and foot in multiple places, including the talus.  Her other injuries included: a Lisfranc injury, 3 ruptured ligaments, and a dislocated bone. Sheli McCoy—aka Sabre—tore her hamstring. A spokesperson for the BBC said: "The health and well-being of all Gladiators, contenders and crew is of paramount importance.  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", and regularly give updates on their progress via their personal instagram accounts.

References

External links 
 
 

2023 British television series debuts
2020s British game shows
BBC television game shows
English-language television shows
Television series by MGM Television
Television series by Hungry Bear Media
British television series based on American television series
Television series reboots
2023