Gladiators is going to return to TV screens on the BBC, more than 30 years on from its debut in the early 1990s.
For Brits of a certain age, Gladiators simply was Saturday night. In an era when Roy Walker would still be saying 'say what you see' on Catchphrase and Cilla Black was the nation's number one matchmaker on Blind Date, Gladiators was one of the most watched shows on primetime weekend television.
After the American version proved to be a huge success, Gladiators premiered on ITV in 1992 and quickly became a big success with viewers of all ages. Hosted by Ulrika Jonsson, who up to then was best known for being a TV:AM weather girl and Wimbledon footballer John Fashanu, the programme introduced millions to the likes of Wolf, Jet, Hunter and Lightning, who all became household names, while referee John Anderson's 'Contenders readddyyyy, Gladiators readdddyyyy," line was instantly iconic.
READ MORE: What happened to the Gladiators as BBC confirm show's return
Fans were on the edges of their seats as brave contenders took on the Gladiators in likes of The Wall, Duel and Hang Tough, before going against each other in the thrilling Eliminator, including the dreaded Travelator. After airing on ITV until 2000 and inspiring a number of UK v the World specials, Gladiators was picked up by Sky, where it aired in 2008 and 2009.
And now the BBC have announced they have picked it up for an 11 part series, with filming to take place at the Utlilita Arena in Sheffield.
Confirming the news, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, said: “Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other.
“Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out.”
The series is to be made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK, with Dan Baldwin, managing director of Hungry Bear, said: “It’s the perfect time for Gladiators to return.
“What other show combines electric excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes, and a pinch of pantomime? Watch out for the new breed of superhuman, supersized, superstars bursting on to your screens on BBC One and iPlayer.”
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