Gladiators Returns in 2026 with New Battles, New Celebrities and Even More Saturday Night Spectacle

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

The arena in Sheffield is gearing up once again for a new round of bone-rattling battles and fierce competition as Gladiators storms back to BBC screens in 2026. Following a triumphant return to television, the show is confirmed for another full series along with a brand-new Celebrity Special.

Bradley and Barney Walsh are back as hosts, bringing their signature energy and humour to the arena floor. The returning line-up of Gladiators includes Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper. These modern-day warriors will once again take on contenders from across the UK in a contest of pure grit, athleticism and willpower, all played out in front of a roaring Sheffield crowd.

This time around, the series promises to raise the stakes even higher with the introduction of brand-new events and challenges. Alongside the main series, a fresh batch of four celebrities will step into the arena to take on the most demanding obstacle course on British television. With strength, speed, and stamina all put to the test, the celebrity contenders will be hoping to survive the hits and maybe even score a victory over the Gladiators themselves.

The show is produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK, part of Amazon MGM Studios. Since its return, Gladiators has captured a new generation of viewers while also drawing in fans of the original series. Averaging 5.3 million viewers, with nearly two fifths watching on demand, it has become the most watched Saturday night show on BBC iPlayer. It also holds the title of the third most watched entertainment series overall. What's more, younger audiences have embraced it, with 1.3 million tuning in for each episode—making up nearly a quarter of the total viewership.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, credits the show's mix of family appeal and action for its success. She highlighted the excitement from younger fans and the communal viewing experience, promising even more high-energy contests and iconic foam fingers in the next run.

Dan Baldwin, Managing Director of Hungry Bear Media, said the reception from audiences has been overwhelming and described the show as a central part of the BBC's weekend line-up. He teased even more outrageous costumes, high-energy training and everything viewers have come to expect from the Gladiators brand.

From MGM Alternative, Dom Bird praised the show's impact and its ability to ignite imaginations across the country. With production already in motion, Series 3 is expected to deliver even bigger moments, celebrating strength and determination in front of a nationwide audience.

All current episodes of Gladiators are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, where fans can also add the show to their watchlist ahead of the 2026 return. With bold new challenges, familiar faces and a wave of fresh contenders and celebrity guests, the arena is once again ready for action.