Contenders, ready! Gladiators, ready! One of the most exciting and iconic sports entertainment gameshows ever, Gladiators has returned to TV in its brand new home on the BBC.
The hotly anticipated series, made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK, gripped the nation and quickly became the biggest entertainment launch for a new series in seven years with 28-day figures showing that 9.8m viewers watched the first episode, with the series averaging 8.3 million viewers to date.
The hugely successful first series hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh saw 16 new superhuman Gladiators: Sabre, Legend, Nitro, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Fire, Giant, Dynamite, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Comet, Steel and Fury quickly become household names as viewers cheered on their favourites as they competed against Contenders in iconic events such as Duel and Powerball, culminating in the iconic Eliminator.
Now it’s back! Bigger and tougher for the hotly anticipated Series 2 – are YOU ready?
More Info
Gladiators is hosted by Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh.
Taking on one of the most iconic catchphrases of the 90s, is ex-Premier League Football referee, Mark Clattenburg. Picking up their whistles and joining him to keep the mighty Gladiators in check, are, Sonia Mkoloma and Lee Phillips.
Football commentator Guy Mowbray provided the voiceover commentary on all the action for the show as the brave Contenders take on the mighty challenges and the even mightier Gladiators.
Series 2 sees the return of a fan favourite event from the original series, Atlaspheres. The Contenders and Gladiators are inside huge metal balls known as Atlaspheres. The Contenders need to roll themselves over scoring pods on the arena floor, whilst the Gladiators smash into them to try to stop them.
Unleash: The Contenders start in a smoke-filled tunnel and race around a track and up some steps to grab the winning flag, but an unknown Gladiator is unleashed behind them trying to chase them down.
New Gladiators
Throughout the series two brand new Gladiators will make their hotly anticipated debut.
Hammer is a 32-year-old World Rowing Champion from Nottingham. At 6 foot 5, Hammer claims that the combination of his strength and speed, at the height and size that he is, is rare and sets him apart from everyone else.
23-year-old Cyclone is an Irish Powerlifter and at 5 foot 10 considers herself the ultimate all-round athlete. Wexford-born Cyclone is the first-ever Irish Gladiator.
Father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh bring their charm, wit and on-screen chemistry to the Gladiators arena as they host the iconic sports entertainment show.
Gladiators has always been a huge part of the Walsh family; Donna Walsh, Barney’s mum and Bradley’s wife, was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders ‘G-Force’ on the original series. Bradley, and a very young Barney, were regular visitors on set, with Barney taking some of his first steps on the iconic arena floor. Not to be outdone, Bradley followed in his small son’s footsteps when he took part in a Celebrities vs Jockeys special in 1997!
The Referees
Mark Clattenburg
Head Referee
He became a Premier League referee in 2004 before becoming a FIFA-listed referee in 2006 – meaning he could take charge of international fixtures. He oversaw several big games – including the 2012 Men’s Olympics final, the 2012 Carabao Cup final, the 2014 European Super Cup as well as the 2016 FA Cup, Champions League, and European Championships Finals. Mark is considered one of the most highly rated European referees of his generation. Mark Clattenburg is one of England’s most decorated referees.
Sonia Mkoloma
Assistant Referee
Sonia Mkoloma is a former English international netball player and made her debut for the English National Team ‘Vitality Roses’ in 1999. During her career, Sonia has competed at five Netball World Cups and three Commonwealth Games – making an incredible 123 international test appearances. Sonia now works as the England Netball Assistant Head coach.
Lee Phillips
Assistant Referee
Lee Phillips is a fitness professional, firefighter, and athlete. Following University, he became a full-time firefighter. After joining the fire service, Lee began competing in firefighter fitness competitions and in 2017 and 2022 competed in the World Police and Firefighter Games in Los Angeles and Rotterdam amongst 10,000 athletes. He won gold in the Ultimate Firefighter and CrossFit competitions, making him 4 times World Champion.