BBC plans Gladiators 2026 series, new Celebrity Special

The BBC has confirmed that the popular competition show Gladiators will return for a third series in 2026, along with a new Celebrity Special. Hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, the series will feature the return of fan-favorite Gladiators such as Apollo, Athena, Bionic, and others, who will compete against challengers in the Sheffield arena. The show has become a Saturday night sensation, averaging 5.3 million viewers and ranking as the most-watched Saturday night series on BBC iPlayer, with a strong following among younger audiences. New events and four celebrity contestants will add excitement to the competition, promising more high-octane action and epic battles. BBC's Head of Entertainment Kalpna Patel-Knight highlighted the show's appeal to families and younger fans, while producers expressed enthusiasm about delivering an even bigger and better series. Gladiators continues to be a major part of BBC's entertainment lineup, celebrated for its strength, spirit, and entertainment value.