UK revives Gladiators

Britain is reviving Gladiators after a 13 year break, as Saturday night family entertainment.

The original series ran from 1992 to 2000, , making household names of the likes of Jet, Wolf, Lightning, Warrior and Cobra with a revival in 2008 and 2009.

The new series will include brand new games alongside classic challenges, culminating at the end of each episode with fan favourite The Eliminator.

Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC, says: “Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other. Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out!”

Scot Cru, EVP of Global Formats and Unscripted Content, MGM Television, says: “Gladiators is a format that resonates with viewers worldwide. We are thrilled to bring this revered series to the BBC and can’t wait to introduce our UK Gladiators.”

In Australia the series ran from 1995 – 1996 on Seven hosted by Kimberley Joseph and Aaron Pedersen with Mike Hammond joining for second and third seasons. In 2008 it was revived with hosts Tom Williams and Zoe Naylor.

Seven toyed with the genre for Ultimate Tag only last year, but it failed to fire.