It has been announced that the hit TV show Gladiator will be returning to the BBC next year.
The show will return with an 11-episode series and will welcome a new generation of ‘superhumans’ who will compete against contestants in the ‘ultimate test of speed and strength’, the BBC said.
Airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the series will include new games in addition to classic challenges. Each episode ends with a fan-favorite and grueling obstacle course Eliminator.
At its peak, Gladiators, which ran from 1992 to 2000, echoed on TV screens on Saturday night ITV slots with “Contenders Ready? Are you Gladiators ready?”
Known by names like Trojan, Jet, Nightshade and Hunter, the format originated in the United States and spread to Australia, South Africa, Russia, Finland, Germany, Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden.
Back on Sky, which aired in 2008-2009, Kirsty Gallacher and Ian Wright took over the baton of hosting duties from original hosts Jon Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson and were the original referees. A certain Jon Anderson is also back for Sky’s revival.
TV presenter Yong-sung, 55, rose to fame as TV’s weather girl in the late ’80s, and Gladiator catapulted her to further stardom.
The BBC has yet to announce who will host the rerun, but filming is set to take place next year at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Unscripted Director, said:
“Does your competitor have the will and skill to succeed against the mighty new Gladiator? You’ll need to tune in to find out.”
The series is produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK, said Scott Crewe, executive vice president of global formats and non-scripted content for MGM Television.
“We are thrilled to bring this esteemed series to the BBC and can’t wait to introduce the British gladiators.”
Dan Baldwin, Managing Director of Hungry Bear, said:
“What other show combines electrifying excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes and a bit of pantomime? Please be careful.”
