Gladiators, ready!
Decades after its initial series debuted, generations of fans were thrilled to welcome back the hit show Gladiators, but to a new home on the BBC. It was back in the 90s that we were first introduced to the popular game show, which sees members of the public, known as contenders, compete against elite, superhuman athletes, known as the Gladiators, in various physical challenges.
It’s now been over 30 years since the original Gladiators series first came to our screens in the UK. But if you had to choose, which original Gladiator would you be?
Check out our quiz below to find out if you’re more Hunter, Lightning, Saracen, Wolf, Rhino, Panther, Falcon or Zodiac. Here, BBC Bitesize also takes a closer look at the history of gladiators, how the series became a phenomenon and what we can learn from today’s BBC line-up.
What is a gladiator?
It’s now been over 1,500 years since the last Roman gladiators fought. But what is a gladiator?
Well, the term is said to derive from the Latin word gladius, meaning swordsman and historically refers to a combatant who would fight, often brutally, in public against opponents for the entertainment of spectators. People would go to watch gladiators fight for their lives in Roman amphitheatres, which were large, outdoor arenas.
Gladiators were usually normal men from various backgrounds. Some were enslaved or criminals punished to fight in the arenas, whereas others volunteered to make money and take home the glory.
What inspired the original TV Gladiators series?
Like the ancient Romans who fought for entertainment, the Gladiators TV show introduced us to several athletes and body builders, all with their own superhuman names, identities and strengths, who go up against everyday contestants in various challenges. However, the show is nothing like the violent tales we read about in our history books - it is all about competing in iconic sporty challenges like Dual and Hang Tough to win a prize.
Each episode, players, known as contenders, compete in a series of physical challenges against the Gladiators to reach the contenders-only final event, which is known as the Eliminator. In the original UK series, which first aired on ITV back in 1992, Gladiator combatants stepped into the arena wearing bold and unforgettable lycra-clad outfits.
The original UK series was presented by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu and the show ran for eight series until 2000. It was briefly resurrected between 2008 and 2009 by Sky, with Kirsty Gallacher, Ian Wright and Caroline Flack hosting.
Who were the original TV Gladiators?
In the first UK series, airing on ITV in 1992, we were initially introduced to 12 Gladiators and along the way, we were introduced to many more. Out of the original series one line-up, only four competed in all the series - Cobra (Michael Wilson), Lightning (Kim Betts), Saracen (Michael Lewis) and Wolf (Michael van Wijk).
There are so many to name, but other memorable Gladiators from the first UK series include Falcon, Hunter, Panther, Rhino and Zodiac.
Which original TV Gladiator are you?
Other famous gladiators on our screens
The fascination with gladiators on our screens isn’t confined to the popular gameshow loved by generations in the UK. Older generations will remember the 1960 film Spartacus, starring Kirk Douglas and the TV series, which aired in the early 2010s, was inspired by the same gladiator who led a slave uprising against the Roman Republic.
Another famous film is Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, which hit cinemas in 2000. Its sequel, starring Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal, was released in 2024.
However, these are only fictional depictions – and Bitesize previously took a closer look at the common misconceptions about gladiators seen in film and television.
When was Gladiators rebooted?
Gladiators fans may remember a brief revival of the show on Sky One in the late 2000s, but after years off our screens, Gladiators returned to a brand-new home on the BBC in January 2024. Hosted by father and son presenters Bradley and Barney Walsh, the revival has become a huge success, introducing new audiences to one of TV's most exciting sports entertainment shows.
Welcoming a new generation of superhuman Gladiators and contenders, each week they take on classic challenges, including fan-favourite The Eliminator, as well as new games. In the first BBC series, the Gladiators on our screens were Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel and Viper.
Since its revival, two more series of BBC's Gladiators have come to our screens. Famous faces have also got in on the action in the celebrity specials.
Who are the current BBC Gladiators?
In January 2026, Gladiators made its triumphant return to our screens for its third series. But who are the 18 Gladiators taking over our screens?
Well, in the line-up are 18 faces you’ll no doubt recognise from the first two series. They are Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel and Viper.
What can we learn from the Gladiators?
The Gladiators TV programme has been entertaining audiences across the world for generations – but it is far more than just a game show. If you look closely, it teaches many skills and important life lessons, as well as celebrates pros and contestants who are inspiring role models.
As much as the show is about physical strength and health, it is also about having a strong mental mindset. In the challenges, we see Gladiators and contenders overcome physical obstacles, but the same can also be said for personal ones.
On the show, confidence is key and it is important to stay resilient – even if you don’t succeed first time, it’s important to dust yourself off and try again. All Gladiators and contenders are different with different strengths and skills and on the show, they are all celebrated.
Another vital theme is teamwork and even if it’s a small victory, the players don’t forget to celebrate it.
When is BBC's Gladiators back on our screens in 2026?
Gladiators returned to BBC One and iPlayer for its third series on 24 January 2026. It usually airs weekly on Saturday at 5.45pm.
In the latest series, Gladiators and contenders will be taking on new events, such as Destruction and Everest. But if you missed out on the action in series one and two, you can still catch up with them on BBC iPlayer.
This article was written in January 2026
