The BBC are reviving Gladiators and the new version of the much-loved gameshow will include a familiar face to football fans.
The show’s initial run on ITV began in 1992 and lasted until the turn of the millennium, making the likes of Jet and Wolf household names. Sky attempted to revive the show back in 2008 with Arsenal legend Ian Wright working as a co-presenter until it was cancelled after two series.
Filming is now underway at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield for the BBC’s version of Gladiators, which will be fronted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney. The full cast has been confirmed and includes someone who is well-known within English football.
The original Gladiators - and Sky remake - gave a starring role to referee John Anderson, who served as an official trainer on the show. The new series sees former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg take on the role, alongside ex-England netballer Sonia Mkoloma and fitness professional Lee Phillips.
Original presenter John Fashanu and Ian Wright were both former footballers and Clattenburg will continue the sport’s link to the iconic gameshow. He has refereed an FA Cup and Champions League final but Clatteburg has admitted that appearing on Gladiators will be among his greatest achievements.
“It’s amazing. When you look back to when it first started in the 90s, Gladiators was so iconic and wherever you go in the world, people have heard of Gladiators,” he told the BBC. “Growing up, I used to sit and watch every show. John Anderson, the original referee, was so legendary.
“For me, it’s such an honour and such a privilege to now in 2023 to now be part of Gladiators. To be named referee after John Anderson is such an honour. Even though I’ve refereed some of the biggest games in the World – this is one the most amazing things I will do in my life.”
The BBC have named 16 Gladiators for the new series, which include a sprinter and bobsledder from Team GB, bodybuilders, an England rugby union international and a CrossFit athlete.
This year they are: Legend, Fire, Bionic, Diamond, Nitro, Electro, Giant, Steel, Apollo, Comet, Viper, Athena, Fury, Phantom, Sabre and Dynamite.
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