The BBC's revival of the classic game show Gladiators premiered on Saturday night, drawing enthusiastic reactions from viewers who praised its faithful adherence to the original format. The show, which originally aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000, sees contestants compete against elite athletes in physical challenges.
Hosted by comedian Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, the reboot aired at 5:50pm on BBC One, with the iconic theme tune and opening credits prompting many to express nostalgia on social media. One viewer wrote on X: 'God I love this new #gladiators. It's exactly the same down to the last detail. 1995 all over again.'
The first episode featured seventeen gladiators showcasing their athleticism in events such as wrestling, climbing walls, and swinging on rings. The live audience reacted with excitement as contestants battled the trained athletes, which include rugby players, swimmers, sprinters, and powerlifters.
Referees for the series include former Premier League official Mark Clattenburg, former England netball player Sonia Mkoloma, and fitness professional Lee Phillips. The 11-episode series was filmed at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.
Fans took to social media to express their delight, with many calling for other classic shows like Blind Date and Noel's House Party to be revived. One viewer commented: 'Absolutely nailed the #gladiators reboot. Just perfect Saturday night fun.'
