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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Entertainment
Kerri-Ann Roper, PA Entertainment Editor & Sophie Buchan

Iconic 90s show to return to BBC after 30 years since its debut

An iconic TV show is set to come back on our screens very soon - more than 30 years after its debut in the early 90s.

Yes, that's right, Gladiators is making its big return on the BBC and we'll be on the edge of our seats once again.

For those of you who don't know and are perhaps are too young to remember, Gladiators was what millions of people watched of a Saturday night and it was iconic for a reason.

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Set to return next year, as announced by the BBC, the show will air on BBC One and iPlayer featuring 11 episodes welcoming a new generation of “superhumans” who will compete against contestants in the “ultimate test of speed and strength."

The series will include new games alongside classic challenges, with each episode ending with fan favourite, gruelling obstacle course, The Eliminator.

Gladiators was on air with ITV from 1992 until 2000 as the well-known “Contenders Ready? Gladiators Ready?” echoed across screens.

When it returned to Sky, airing between 2008-2009, Kirsty Gallacher and Ian Wright took up the baton of hosting duties from original hosts John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson – with original referee John Anderson also returning for the Sky revival.

As of now, the BBC has not announced who will host the show upon its return in 2023; however, filming will take place very soon at the Sheffield Arena.

Confirming the news, Gladiators took to Instagram and captioned their post: "We’re back! @GladiatorsTV is making a triumphant return to UK television screens in 2023 on @BBC One and @BBCiPlayer.

"The 11-episode series, made by @hungrybearmedia and @mgmstudios, will welcome a brand new generation of superhumans who will compete on brand new events, alongside classic challenges, culminating with the iconic Eliminator at the end of each episode.

"Who’s excited? Are YOU Ready?"

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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 Scot Cru, executive vice president of global formats and Unscripted Content for MGM Television, saying: “Gladiators is a format that resonates with viewers worldwide. We are thrilled to bring this revered series to the BBC and can’t wait to introduce our UK Gladiators.”

Dan Baldwin, managing director of Hungry Bear, added: “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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