Get ready to see your favourite Gladiators like never before. Gladiators: Epic Pranks is a brand-new spin-off series bringing fans behind the scenes of the BBC’s hit reboot, blending mischief, games, and all-out hilarity. Gladiator Nitro takes centre stage as the Secret Prankster, enlisting his fellow Gladiators to pull off outrageous pranks and compete in light-hearted games.
What Is Gladiators: Epic Pranks?
Gladiators: Epic Pranks offers fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of Gladiators, showing a playful side of these superhuman athletes. The series is produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK, the same team behind the BBC’s Gladiators reboot.
Set at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena during the live shows, the show follows the Gladiators as they prank each other, interact with fans, and compete in amusing games like Rock, Paper, Scissors and Charades. The action isn’t limited to the Gladiators—even unsuspecting members of the public are caught up in the fun.
Format and Episodes
The series consists of 15 episodes, each 15 minutes long, making it perfect for a younger audience and families. Will Bionic be convinced to wear a bunny costume at a calendar shoot for April? Will Viper get caught off guard by a prank involving a fake social media influencer? Expect plenty of laughs and unexpected moments throughout the series. And yes, of course they are just as competitive outside the Arena as they are in it!
When Will Gladiators: Epic Pranks Be Broadcast?
Gladiators: Epic Pranks is set to air on CBBC and iPlayer. While an exact release date hasn’t been announced, it’s expected to debut in 2025.
Nitro’s New Role
Nitro, former Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, is taking on a new role as the mastermind behind the pranks. Following a knee injury during training for series two of Gladiators, Nitro announced he’d be sitting out the arena events. Instead, he’s shifting gears to hype up his fellow Gladiators and keep the energy sky-high off the arena floor.
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. But don’t worry, I’m recharging and more energised than ever!”
Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey)
Credits
The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+, and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Melissa Hardinge. The Executive Producers are Dan Baldwin and Lou Brown for Hungry Bear Media, and Barry Poznick and Dom Bird for MGM Alternative UK. The original American Gladiators series was created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr and developed by Johnny C. Ferraro.
