The BBC's popular Gladiators competition is back for its third series, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh. Fresh contenders will face off against the gladiators in intense physical challenges, including newly introduced events. The series promises bigger and bolder action on BBC One and iPlayer.
The third series of Gladiators launches on BBC One and iPlayer, featuring Bradley and Barney Walsh as presenters. They have described the new season as "bigger, bolder" with fresh contenders who are "bringing more fight than ever before." Each episode involves contenders competing in five demanding events before tackling the Eliminator, where they must conquer the Travelator to secure a quarter-final spot.
Due to sports scheduling conflicts, episodes 5 and 6 will air later than usual. Episode 5 is set for Saturday, 21 February, at 7.15pm on BBC One, but it will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am for early viewers. Previous series 1 and 2 are also accessible on iPlayer.
Among the highlights are three new or returning events. Destruction pits two contenders against one gladiator in a high-speed race down lanes blocked by four 8ft barriers. Competitors must smash through some with body power, use a battering ram on others, and climb the rest, with the first to hit the final button declared the winner.
Everest is a dramatic head-to-head suspended 21ft above the arena floor—twice the height of the Duel event. The gladiator and contender stand on a narrow, tilting platform separated by a 250kg Perspex barrier reinforced with steel. The objective is to push the opponent off while maintaining balance amid periodic tilts.
Suspension Bridge revives a classic format, testing strength, balance, and bravery. The contender starts on a podium and must cross the bridge to the opposite side, using hammerheads to battle the gladiator positioned in the middle who defends the path.
These events emphasize raw power, speed, and nerve, capturing the essence of the original Gladiators series.
