The latest episode of Saturday night’s Gladiators took a dramatic turn shortly after starting for a big announcement.
The dynamic father-and-son hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh were back in their roles with 27-year-old Barney set to divulge some exciting news.
Before the audience could meet the contestants, Barney excitedly proclaimed: “There’s a storm brewing over the arena!” A puzzled Bradley, 64, queried: “What does that mean, what does that mean?”
To which Barney proudly declared: “Well, tonight we’re going to be introducing a brand new Gladiator!” leading Bradley to exclaim: “No!” only for Barney to affirm: “Yes!”
Earlier this year, it was announced that the Gladiators would welcome two new Gladiators to their squad, reports the Mirror.
Stepping into the arena is the first new Gladiator, Cyclone, a 23-year-old Powerlifter hailing from Ireland. She boasts being the complete sports package. “I’ve got the look, I’ve got the energy and I’ve got the muscles,” Cyclone claimed in her introductory remarks.
Meanwhile, Cyclone is joined by World Rowing Champion Hammer, who is 32-years-old. At 6ft 5 inches tall, Hammer believes that his height, strength and speed set him apart from everyone else. “When you’ve got 19 stone sprinting at you, you’ve got no chance. I’m getting you,” he shared in a statement.
During Saturday night’s episode, Bradley and his son Barney introduced the audience to brand-new Gladiator Cyclone. Excitedly, Bradley exclaimed: “There’s a storm heading right for us, Barns, a brand new Gladiator is about to enter the arena and let me tell you, this girl is a whirlwind of destruction! Look what she’s done to my brolly” as he showcased a destroyed umbrella amidst laughter from the audience.
Barney chimed in with equal enthusiasm, proclaiming: “To be blown away by the awesome power of… Cyclone!” as Cyclone made her electrifying debut to the cheers of the crowd.
Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were quick to share their excitement as one person said: “Cyclone making a good entrance with her first appearances on Duel #Gladiators”, a different account wrote: “We already love Cyclone! What an entrance! #Gladiators”, another put: “Welcome new Gladiator, Cyclone! #Gladiators” while a different account added: “#Gladiators IT’S CYCLONE TIME! She looks so awesome!”
Gladiators season two debuted last week, Saturday, January 18, with the same superhumans ready to put themselves through the ultimate test.
Gladiators continues on Saturday nights at 5:50pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.