The wait is over, Gladiators is back tougher. Bradley and Barney Walsh kick off a brand-new series of the iconic competition which sees the return of Sabre, Legend, Nitro, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Fire, Giant, Dynamite, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Comet, Steel and Fury as they face a fresh crop of gritty Contenders in five brutal events before going head-to-head in the gruelling Eliminator.
The new series will also see the long awaited return of the legendary metal-crunching event Atlaspheres and brand new event Unleash as well as two new Gladiators entering the arena!
MJ
- Watch Gladiators series two on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 18 January from 5.50pm
- Find out everything you need to know for Gladiators series 2
Hear what presenters Bradley and Barney have to say about the new series...
Bradley Walsh
Gladiators is back! What can you tell us about the new series?
The new series is just fantastic, the Gladiators mean business and they are back tougher than before! There are some new events this series including the return of a fan favourite, and throughout the series lots of other exciting surprises. The contenders now have helmet cameras fitted, you might have seen from the celebrity special, so you can literally see what they are faced with when going up against the Gladiators. It’s a great new feature and brings a whole new dimension to what you see.
You mentioned new events, can you tell us more?
The producers have brought back an event from the original series, Atlaspheres, which fans of the original series will remember. The Contenders and Gladiators are inside huge metal hamster balls - the contenders need to roll themselves over set points in the arena to score points, whilst the Gladiators smash into them to try to stop them.
What can you tell us about any new Gladiators?
Ha! Nothing – it’s top secret – you’ll need to watch! What I can say is they are going to become huge fan favourites. They're monsters, but the best kind of monsters!
Why do you think the last series was such a success?
The original Gladiators show in the 90’s was very successful first time around and the production team behind our version have done a fantastic job in bringing the show back and staying fairly true to the original and not changing too much. They have just added to it and so it is packed with nostalgia, but still works for a new audience, and its great that kids can sit down with their parents, nan, grandad and watch the show.
The public have really taken the new Gladiators to their hearts, why do you think that is?
They are a great bunch of characters and the audience in the arena and at home really love to cheer for their favourites. It's kind of like football where everyone has a favourite player in their team, or a box of chocolates - all of them are slightly different but there's something for everyone. They all have their different signature moves that the kids all like to copy, my favourite move to copy is Sabre’s one leg move !
What has the atmosphere been like in the arena?
It’s been amazing, there were even more banner in the arena this series. Its great to see all the kids cheering for their favourite Gladiator, they really get behind them which is lovely. But the adults get really into it too. One woman had a banner saying ‘The Future Mrs Legend!’.
Bradley, have you managed to get Viper to crack a smile yet?
I don’t think anyone can get Viper to smile… only microphones!
Which Gladiator event do you look forward to watching?
I really enjoy the new events, especially Unleash but I really love watching The Edge. I’d say that’s my favourite event, it is so dramatic, in the arena it makes the hairs on your arms stand up, and it is so high up it’s both terrifying and electric to watch!
Gladiators really does have everything, wrapped up in tight, bright spandex. Its great entertainment for all the family with lots of action. It's proper event TV which you can watch with all the family, and you'll be backing the contestants all the way.
Barney Walsh
Gladiators is back! What can you tell us about the new series?
The Gladiators are back tougher, but so are the Contenders. This series the contenders are incredible, but the Gladiators are ready and bringing their A game. There are some great battles and exciting moments. There are some surprises this series including some new games, including the return of Atlaspheres.
Speaking of new events, can you tell us more?
One of the new games is called Unleash. The contenders start in a smoke filled tunned and race around a track and up some steps to grab the winning flag, but an unknown Gladiator is unleashed behind them trying to chase them down. You’re going to love it!
Can you tell us anything about the new Gladiators?
Not much – apart from that they are formidable!
Why do you think the Gladiators has been such a success?
Because the original was such a smash hit, we hoped people would enjoy the new series, so it was great that so many people did. There’s something really special about seeing the return of a beloved show, that captures that same sense of excitement but has a modern twist. I think it’s the mix of familiarity and newness that has resonated with people. It’s a show that brings families together around the TV, which doesn't happen so much anymore. Parents who used to watch the original 90’s show, now sit and watch the new series with their kids, it's like a full circle moment.
The public have really taken the new Gladiators to their hearts, why do you think that is?
I think the public have really connected with the Gladiators because they have strong identities, all with slightly different strengths and disciplines and all with distinctive moves - so everyone can have a different favourite. All the Gladiators are incredible athletes, they are inspiring and super competitive but respect the contenders and bring great sportsmanship… well, apart from Legend and Viper!
Which Gladiator event do you look forward to watching?
It’s tricky I have a few favourites for different reasons. Gauntlet this series has been made tougher, and that is great because it’s so brutal, the Eliminators are incredible, the crowds cheering the contenders on and watching people dig deep and find the last ounce of energy to get up the travelator is amazing. But I think my actual favourite is the new event, Unleash, it is just really exciting!
We love being part of Gladiators and we are dying to take part in the show! The insurers won't let us. That and my dad's dodgy hip...knee....ankle....toe...and both arms. Other than that we're ready!"
How would you best describe the new series?
Tough, thrilling an unmissable.