The wait is over. Gladiators is back, bringing bigger challenges, tougher competition, and even more excitement to BBC One and iPlayer. With new events, new Gladiators, and fan-favourite challenges making a comeback, this is the series GladFans won’t want to miss.
When Does BBC Gladiators Series 2 Start?
Mark your calendars: Gladiators Series 2 premieres on Saturday 18th January at 5:50pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Bradley and Barney Walsh return as hosts, kicking off the action-packed series where Contenders battle superhuman Gladiators in iconic events before facing the gruelling Eliminator.
What’s New in Series 2?
This season introduces a mix of thrilling updates and nostalgic moments.
- New Gladiators: Two new Gladiators Cyclone and Hammer join the team for Series 2. Their addition boosts the team to an impressive 18 superhuman athletes.
To find out more about Cyclone and Hammer check out our Meet the New Gladiators article.
- Returning Favourites: Series 2 brings back all the fan-favourites including Legend, Fury, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Giant, Dynamite, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Steel, and Fire. Notably making a comeback, Comet and Sabre are returning after recovering from injuries that sidelined them during Series 1.
- Nitro Sidelined: Due to a knee injury sustained in training, Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey) will sit out the events but promises to bring his energy and charisma to the sidelines. “Speed is my thing, but sometimes life throws a curveball,” he shared on Instagram, reassuring fans he’ll still bring the “Nitro spirit” to the show.
Atlaspheres Returns
Fans of the original series will be thrilled by the return of one of the most iconic events in Gladiators history, Atlaspheres.
Contenders and Gladiators are inside huge metal hamster balls. Contenders roll over set points in the arena to score, while Gladiators smash into them to stop their progress. It’s a real battle of power and precision.
Bradley Walsh
This event hasn’t been seen in action since 1999’s Battle of the Giants episode, where the male Gladiators faced off to determine the Ultimate Gladiator.
Atlaspheres was the very first event played on the debut episode of UK Gladiators back on 10th October 1992.
But Atlaspheres wasn’t without its drama. In Heat 6 of Series 1 (1992), Warrior (Michael Ahearne) dislocated his knee chasing contender Dean Jackson while attempting to go over a pod.
In a lighter moment, Gladiator Rio (Jane Omorogbe) found herself locked in her Atlasphere in Heat 7 of Series 7 (1998) after crashing into a Contender so hard that the door jammed. Crew members had to roll her Atlasphere backstage and use hammers to release her!
A Brand-New Event: Unleash
Series 2 also debuts Unleash, a high-stakes chase event designed to test speed and strategy.
Barney Walsh says: “The contenders start in a smoke-filled tunnel and race around a track, grabbing a winning flag. But an unknown Gladiator is unleashed behind them, trying to chase them down. You’re going to love it!”
The Referees Keeping Series 2 in Check
The Gladiators referees are back to ensure fairness, enforce the rules, and, most importantly, keep the mighty Gladiators in check—especially the ever-rebellious Viper.
Leading the charge is Mark Clattenburg, one of the most decorated referees in English football, assisted by former international netball star Sonia Mkoloma and world-champion firefighter athlete Lee Phillips.
Celebrity Special Recap
Ahead of Series 2, the Gladiators Celebrity Special aired on New Year’s Day and drew an impressive 5.15 million viewers, placing it in the top five most-watched shows of the day.
Comedians Rob Beckett and Joel Dommett, TV presenter Louise Minchin, and Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor battled it out. Joel and Ellie emerged victorious in the male and female competitions, respectively.
Series 2: Bigger, Better, and Back in Action
With its highly-anticipated return, Gladiators Series 2 promises action, drama, and unforgettable moments. Fans can look forward to iconic events like the Eliminator and the return of Atlaspheres, alongside the debut of the thrilling new event Unleash.
Catch all the excitement starting Saturday 18th January at 5:50pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Add it to your BBC iPlayer Watchlist so that you never miss a moment.
For exclusive behind-the-scenes updates, follow @bbcgladiators. And for all the latest in the Gladiators world, join the conversation at @gladiatorstv.
