London, United Kingdom – Gladiators, the beloved teatime show from the 1990s, is making a comeback on BBC One. Although the channel has changed, the format remains the same, featuring explosive physical challenges between fitness addicts and retired athletes. The new cohort of gladiators includes sprinters, gymnasts, and bodybuilders with stage names like Giant, Fire, Electro, Nitro, and Comet. These muscular gladiators dazzle the audience with their signature poses before obliterating the unsuspecting volunteers.
The revival of Gladiators brings back familiar games like Duel, Hang Tough, and Gauntlet. In Duel, gladiators poke contestants with giant spongy cotton buds until they fall off a plinth. Hang Tough requires challengers to cling to gymnastic rings while gladiators attempt to yank them off. In Gauntlet, contenders face gladiators wielding padded sticks as they race down a half-pipe.
Surprisingly, the commentary box for the show has an unexpected addition in Guy Mowbray, renowned as the BBC’s distinguished football commentator. While Mowbray is known for his measured and erudite commentary, the camp and energetic atmosphere of Gladiators presents a unique challenge. However, Mowbray manages to professionally summarize the action, and viewers hope to see him bring more excitement in future episodes.
Another addition to the team is young co-host Barney Walsh, who joins his famous father Bradley in presenting the show and conducting post-grapple interviews. While Bradley Walsh’s experience shines through, Barney is still finding his footing, adding little to the dynamic duo at this stage.
The revival introduces new games like Collision and The Ring. Collision requires contestants to run across a wobbly bridge while gladiators swing across on ropes, attempting to knock them off. The Ring is a reworked version of Powerball, where contestants must press a button in the middle of the arena while avoiding gladiators.
In this high-energy show, Mark Clattenburg, a former Premier League referee, takes on the role of the referee, bringing urgency and catchphrases like “Gladiators, ready!” to the proceedings. However, the overall atmosphere remains light-hearted, even during the final obstacle course, featuring the iconic moving walkway known as the Travelator.
Gladiators on BBC One and iPlayer captures the essence of the original show, providing a nostalgic and exhilarating experience for fans.