The wait is nearly over for Gladiators enthusiasts, as the BBC has announced the line-up and premiere date for the highly anticipated second season of the revived gameshow, presented by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney.
The new season, set to be the most gruelling yet, will debut this weekend. The first episode is scheduled to air tonight (January 18) at 5:50 pm, and new episodes will be broadcast every week.
Popular competitors making their return to the programme include Sabre, Legend, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Giant, Dynamite, Comet, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Fury, Steel, and Fire, who recently showcased her skills on Strictly Come Dancing.
Additionally, the new series will welcome two more Gladiators, but their identities remain a secret for now, reports the Mirror.
Unfortunately, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known as Nitro, will not participate in the upcoming events following a training injury. Rather than competing, he will support and encourage his comrades from the sidelines.
Nitro posted a message on Instagram last month, sharing the unwelcome development: “Speed is my thing, but sometimes life throws a curveball! During training for series 2 earlier this year, I picked up an unexpected knee injury, which means I’ll be shifting gears this series and sitting out the events.”
However, he promised fans that he would still contribute by bringing excitement to their screens: “But don’t worry, I’m recharging and more energised than ever! You’ll still catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators, and keeping the energy sky-high. Bring on series 2 of Gladiators!”
The upcoming series of Gladiators will introduce two fresh faces and new events, including the return of the iconic Atlaspheres.
This classic challenge from the original 90s show involves contenders and Gladiators getting into large metal spheres resembling hamster balls. The aim for the contenders is to navigate these spheres across certain points in the arena to gain scores, all while dodging the Gladiators.
Bradley teased the new series, saying, “The new series is just fantastic. The Gladiators mean business, and they are back tougher than before!”
He also disclosed an exciting update, revealing that the contenders will be equipped with helmet cameras, offering a first-person perspective of the action. “It’s a great new feature and brings a whole new dimension to what you see,” he enthused.
Gladiators season two premieres at 5:50pm tonight (January 18) on BBC One, with new episodes airing weekly.