Gladiators fans will have to wait an additional week for their next dose of the show, as the BBC has removed it from this week’s Saturday night schedule (February 8). The change is due to the FA Cup coverage taking up the early evening slot.
The fourth round FA Cup match between Birmingham City and Newcastle United will be shown on BBC One from 5.30PM, with the game starting 15 minutes later. The coverage concludes at 8.10PM, when Michael McIntyre’s Big Show is set to air.
ITV also has a sports-centric Saturday night line-up, with two consecutive Six Nations rugby matches taking over the schedule. Rugby fans can watch Italy vs Wales from 1.45PM, followed by England vs France from 4.15PM, before the channel shows The Masked Singer at 7PM.
However, Gladiators fans, along with those less interested in sports, have been voicing their dissatisfaction about the changes on X. One user posted: “No Gladiators on BBC One this Saturday? Instead it is pointless FA Cup. Not impressed, not everyone wants to watch football on a Saturday”. Another lamented the many recent schedule changes caused by sports, suggesting: “Have a separate channel for that s***e”.
The BBC’s revival of Gladiators is based on the beloved 90s TV programme, where contenders courageously face off against the Gladiators in a variety of challenges. The show is hosted by father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, and is currently in its second season, with a third one confirmed to be commissioned.
The series has proven to be a ratings success for the BBC, with the debut episode attracting eight million viewers. On New Year’s Day, a celebrity edition of the show was broadcast, featuring contestants such as presenter Louise Minchin and comedian Rob Beckett going head-to-head with the Gladiators.
The revamped version boasts a team of 16 Gladiators, including bodybuilders, a former NFL player, athletes, boxers, and even Commonwealth medallists. Throughout the programme, contestants take on the Gladiators in events like the Duel and the Ring, before competing against each other in The Eliminator obstacle course.
Gladiators will be back on February 15, and you can catch up on previous episodes on BBC iPlayer.