Television favourite Bradley Walsh has spoken candidly about the unique experience of presenting hit BBC show Gladiators alongside his son, Barney. The duo are preparing to front the brand new series, which launches this weekend, marking their third season as co-hosts.
A Father-Son Partnership Like No Other
In a recent interview, Bradley Walsh, 65, did not hold back his enthusiasm for working with his 28-year-old son. He described the experience as "brilliant" and "special", emphasising the unique thrill of sharing the arena spotlight with family. "Seeing the Gladiators push themselves, seeing the Contenders push themselves, the crowd going wild, and doing it all with Barney by my side is just brilliant," Bradley told the BBC. "We have an absolute blast every time we're in the arena."
Barney Walsh echoed his father's sentiments, highlighting the electric atmosphere and the unbeatable combination of family and entertainment. "I absolutely love everything about it," he said. "Being part of that, and doing it alongside my Dad, makes it really special. It's loud, fun, and just a brilliant show to be part of."
New Challenges and Returning Favourites
The upcoming series promises fresh excitement with the introduction of a brand new event called Destruction. Described as "fast and fierce", this challenge pits two Contenders against each other in a brutal race. They must smash through towering 8ft barriers—one with physical force, another with a battering ram—before a climbing section and a final dash to hit the buzzer.
True to Gladiators form, there is a twist: a Gladiator is released to hinder both competitors, guaranteeing chaos. Bradley teased, "We've got three new events that really raise the stakes... There are definitely a few surprises in store." Barney added that one event is perfect for "letting out some aggression", with a playful nod to the notorious Gladiator, Viper.
Fans will also welcome the return of fan favourites and a key Gladiator. Nitro, real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, is back after missing series two due to a severe knee injury. He joins the full roster of returning Gladiators, including Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper.
When to Watch
The brand new series of Gladiators launches with a full hour of action from Sheffield Arena. Viewers can catch all the thrills on BBC One on Saturday, January 17 at 5.45pm. With a heart-warming hosting team, new events, and the return of iconic characters, the stage is set for another explosive season of the legendary competition.
