First look at Celebrity Gladiators with Sam Thompson, Vogue Williams and more

Since its reboot at the beginning of 2024, Gladiators has been one of the most successful shows on TV, with the BBC quick to renew the show for a second and third series, as well as the first ever celebrity special.

Following the celeb special, which aired on New Year's Day, it's now been confirmed a second celebrity series will air later in December with four new celebs, so here's everything we know so far...

Will there be another series?

Yes! BBC bosses confirmed the news on Tuesday 24th June, revealing a second celebrity series will air later in 2025.

Which celebs are on the show?

On Tuesday 29th July, four celebs were announced for the upcoming second series, including Hits Radio presenter Sam Thompson!

Sam will compete against Joe Wicks MBE, with Nicola Adams OBE and Vogue Williams also taking part.

The news was announced on social media alongside the caption: 'We’re excited to share that four daring celebrities will be taking on the mighty Gladiators in Gladiators: Celebrity Special.🌟Joe Wicks MBE, Sam Thompson, Nicola Adams OBE and Vogue Williams, are digging out their gym kits to take on iconic challenges such as Duel, The Wall and the legendary Eliminator.💪

'Gladiators: Celebrity Special will be coming later in the year to BBC One'. (sic)

When is it on TV?

The celebrity special will air at 3.35pm on Christmas Day.

On Tuesday 9th December, a number of first look photos were released, showing this year's celebrity contenders going up against the super-human Gladiators in some of the show's most brutal games.

Check out the first look photos below:

Who hosts the show?

Just like the main show, father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh host the celebrity special.

Who won series one?

Joel Dommett was crowned the Celebrity Gladiators male champion.

Ellie Taylor was crowned the Celebrity Gladiators female champion.

Is there more series of Gladiators?

The second series of Gladiators aired at the beginning of 2025, with series three also now confirmed for 2026.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC said: “Audiences have loved getting together to watch our mighty Gladiators take on contenders from all across the UK with younger fans especially excited to cheer on their Saturday night superheroes. With this brand-new series and another Celebrity Special confirmed there will be even more epic battles, more high-octane action and of course even more foam fingers than ever before for everyone to look forward to!”

Dan Baldwin, Managing Director of Hungry Bear Media added: “We have been absolutely blown away by the reception Gladiators has received from families up and down the country. It has become a HUGE part of Saturday night viewing on the BBC. We are extremely excited to deliver another series, so expect even more spandex, hairspray, protein shakes and fake tan this summer in Sheffield!”

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