BBC's Gladiators set for second series after successful reboot

The show returned to TV screens across the UK on the BBC for the first time in nearly 24 years in January with a new batch of Gladiators and challenges (as well as a few of the classic games).

The original series of Gladiators aired on ITV between 1992 and 2000.

The Gladiator final for series one is set to air on Saturday (March 30). (Image: BBC / James Stack / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)

Father and son duo Bradley (The Chase) and Barney (Casualty) Walsh have taken on presenting duties on the Gladiators reboot which is filmed at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.

Gladiators set for second season

Ahead of the series one final of Gladiators, which will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday (March 30), The Mirror has revealed there is set to be a series two of the popular game show.

BBC director general, Tim Davie, speaking to the Royal Television Society on Tuesday (March 26) revealed Gladiators was among the broadcaster's priorities going forward.

Davie, according to The Mirror, said: "We will, despite budget pressures, prioritise big national occasions – from the Coronation, Eurovision, the Proms and Glastonbury, to the Olympics and the Euros, or Strictly or Gladiators, Children in Need or even that great drama: Election Night.”

Now a source has revealed to the news outlet that a second series of Gladiators has been confirmed and production will begin this month (March) before filming begins at Utilita Arena in Sheffield in August.

NEWS: #Gladiators reportedly secures second series on the BBC!

One show source said: “Everyone is delighted that Gladiators has won over a new generation of fans. Are we ready for a second outing? You bet we are.” Series two goes into production this month and will film at… pic.twitter.com/I4VSmDnCDf

— Gladiators TV (@GladiatorsTV) March 26, 2024

The source, speaking to The Mirror, said: "Everyone is delighted that Gladiators has won over a new generation of fans.

"Are we ready for a second outing? You bet we are.”

The BBC refused to comment about Gladiators series two.

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The show has proved a huge hit with viewers, with six million people tuning in to watch the launch of the new Gladiators series back in January. 

The second semi-final last Saturday (March 23) saw four million viewers tune in, the highest rating programme for that day, according to The Mirror.

The Gladiators final will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday (March 30) at 5.50pm.