Gladiators was a Saturday night staple in the nineties, and after more than 20 years the gameshow is back with an all-new line-up. The epic obstacle course is back for 2023, and the first of the two new Gladiators were revealed on BBC's The One Show on Wednesday night (May 3).
There was excitement on set as Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay took the microphone to introduce, in true Gladiators announcer style, professional rugby player Jodie Ounsley, who is the show's first deaf Gladiator, and CrossFit champion Zack George, who won the title of the UK’s Fittest Man in 2020.
England Women’s Rugby Sevens star Jodie was the Deaf Sports Personality of The Year winner in 2018 and wears a cochlear implant. As the Exeter Chiefs and former Sale Sharks player ran onto the set she used British Sign Language to say her Gladiator name 'Fury.'
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The Gladiators fan, who recalled watching the show when she was just seven, told fellow guest Vernon and hosts Lauren Laverne and Jermaine Jenas: "I'm proper buzzing. If I saw a Gladiator who was deaf or had a cochlear implant I would be absolutely starstuck so to be given that opportinity, it's pretty amazing."
Men's Health magazine cover model Zack is one of the world's top CrossFit athletes and a fitness influencer. His Gladiator name on the reboot, following in the footsteps of the likes of Hunter, Jet, Panther, Cobra and Wolf, is Steel.
The hosts for the show have been confirmed as Bradley and Barney Walsh. The father and son presenting duo will helm the iconic ITV show when it moves to the BBC later this year.
Gladiators saw contestants take part in a series of gruelling physical challenges against “superhuman” musclemen and women. The new 11-part series – produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK – will see brave contenders facing off against a new generation of Gladiators in the “ultimate test of speed and strength,” the BBC says.
They will take part in a series of brand-new games, as well as classic challenges like Hang Tough, Duel and fan-favourite The Eliminator. Barney’s mum and Bradley’s wife Donna was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders on the original series. Bradley and a young Barney were regular visitors on set, with Barney taking some of his first steps on the iconic arena floor.
Bradley said: “I can’t believe I’ve been asked to be part of this iconic show. I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to co-host a new version! Saturday night family entertainment at its best.”
Filming for the show will take place in June at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. It will be screened later in the year.
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