Gladiators: All you need to know about the filming
Free tickets are still available
Last updated 15th Jul 2025
Following the monumental success of the rebooted series of Gladiators last year, BBC bosses were quick to confirm the show would be back for a second series, and now a third series has been confirmed for 2026, along with a Celebrity Special.
After applications for series three closed on Wednesday 18th June, bosses are now gearing up for filming, which will take place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield later in July and August.
After announcing an initial run of dates, Gladiators then revealed a date for the Celebrity Special and The Grand Final, which will take place on 5th August.
Can I get tickets?
Free tickets for filming dates have now been released.
The Applause Store website states: 'Father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh will once again host this incredible, massive television event series!
'YOU are invited to be there and experience this spectacular, iconic family entertainment show LIVE!
'Brand new games alongside classic challenges will see the incredible Gladiators once again compete against brave contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength, all culminating with fan favourite...The Eliminator.
'Witness the mighty Gladiators and join the all-important arena crowd, cheering for your favourite in one of the most exciting and energetic sports TV shows ever!
'This is a brilliant day out and MASSIVE family entertainment, on a truly EPIC SCALE'
Bosses state that if your application for free tickets is successful, you will be notified with a ticket notification before each show date.
Do the tickets guarantee entry?
No, the tickets do not guarantee entry, you will need to turn up on the day and exchange them at the venue for seats.
Is there a minimum age for tickets?
The minimum age to attend filming is 5 years. Under 18's must also be accompanied by an adult.
When is filming?
The filming dates have been announced for 2025:
Wednesday 23rd July - SOLD OUT
Thursday 24th July - SOLD OUT
Friday 25th July - SOLD OUT
Saturday 26th July
Sunday 27th July
Tuesday 29th July - Celebrity Special (NEW DATE)
Wednesday 30th July
Thursday 31st July
Friday 1st August
Sunday 3rd August
Tuesday 5th August - The Grand Final (NEW DATE)
Where is it being filmed?
Just like the first two series, series three of Gladiators will take place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
Where can I park?
You can park on site at the arena for £14 per car, payment by card only. Alternatively you can park at Meadowhall for free. You can get a bus or tram between the two locations.
What items can or can't I take?
You are not allowed to take rucksacks/backpacks, however other smaller bags are allowed. They must not be larger than 30cm x 40cm x 20cm. You are also not allowed to take glass bottles, cans, or any food and drink. A full list of prohibited items can be found here.
Who are the Gladiators?
All Gladiators from the last series will return, so if you fancy seeing the likes of Diamond, Viper, Fury and Giant, you don't want to miss out!
Check out the Gladiators below:
Giant (Jamie Christian Johal)
Giant is former firefighter turned bodybuilder. At 6ft 5inches tall, he made history by becoming one of the all-time tallest bodybuilders.
Bionic (Matty Campbell)
At 6ft 6in tall, Bionic gets his name from his huge frame! Bionic found a love for bodybuilding after a car crash ended his dreams of being a professional footballer.
Fury (Jodie Ounsley)
Fury is a professional rugby player! She is the first ever deaf Gladiator.
Comet (Ella-Mae Rayner)
Comet is a former elite gymnast and diver, who also has a degree in Sports Science. She currently works as a fitness model and coach and trains six times per week. Unfortunately, Comet was forced to pull out of series one due to injury.
Electro (Jade Packer)
As a former sprinter, Electro was ranked among the Top 10 Fastest Runners in the UK for 150m at the age of just 12. She's now part of the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.
Phantom (Toby Olubi)
As well as being a sprinter, Phantom appeared at the 2018 Winter Olympics with the Team GB Bobsleigh team where they broke the world record for the fastest ever bobsleigh at 97 mph.
Dynamite (Emily Steel)
As the youngest Gladiator in the line-up, Dynamite has history in swimming, and now she's a full-time elite CrossFit athlete.
Viper (Quang Luong)
Viper has appeared in a number of movies, including James Bond! He also works as a fitness model and a bodybuilder.
Apollo (Alex Gray)
Apollo started his career playing rugby under 16s and moved onto the Premiership and then England 7s team. He captained English Rugby teams for 16's, 18's and 20's.
He was scouted to go to NFL for his skillset, making him the first British rugby player to transfer over to the NFL. Signed for Atlanta Falcons and then became the first international player to Captain an NFL team.
Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains)
As well as being an Chartered Accountant, Athena has represented Great Britain at the World and European Championships, and holds the Guinness World Record for the most bodyweight squats in a minute.
Diamond (Livi Sheldon)
Diamond is a 6ft bodybuilder. After graduating with a degree in Sports Science, she took up bodybuilding, becoming a British Finalist 'England Toned Figure'.
Fire (Montell Douglas)
Fire is a former Team GB sprinter and Olympic bobsledder. She has previously held the British women's record for the 100m sprit at 11.05 seconds and made sporting history by becoming the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Montell won Commonwealth Gold in the 4 x 100m relay in 2010 and won a European under-23 silver medal in the 100m.
Legend (Matt Morsia)
Legend is a former international long and triple jumper and silver medal winning powerlifter. After retiring from competition, Matt became a fitness influencer and YouTuber, having amassed over 355 million views. In 2020, he released his first book called 'The 24/7 Body.'
Sabre (Sheli McCoy)
Sabre is a fierce, powerful and agile athlete who trains for 16-19 hours per week! She has competed in five British Weightlifting Championships events and numerous CrossFit championships all over the world and has simultaneously been Scottish champion in both sports. Sabre runs her own gym in Dundee, hoping to inspire future generations to reach their full fitness potential.
Unfortunately, Sabre was forced to pull out due to injury.
Nitro (Harry Aikines Aryeetey)
Nitro is a Team GB sprinter who has competed at the highest level. His long list of achievements include: 2 x Olympian, 3 x European Champion, 2x Commonwealth Champion, 1x Commonwealth Silver Medallist, 1x European Bronze Medallist, 1x World Bronze Medallist, 1x British Champion, 2x World Youth Champion, 1x World Junior Champion.
Steel (Zack George)
Steel is a CrossFit champion who also won the title of the UK's Fittest Man in 2020.
Cyclone (Lystus Ebosele)
Lystus is a classic powerlifter who represents Ireland.
Hammer (Tom Wilson)
Tom is an indoor rower who won the 2024 British Indoor Rowing Championships.
Can I still apply to be on the show?
Applications for the third series of Gladiators closed on Wednesday 18th June.
When will it be on TV?
Bosses have now confirmed the third series will air in early 2026.
Now read:
BBC confirm second series of Celebrity Gladiators
All of the famous faces we'd love to see on Celebrity Gladiators
Gladiators series 3 confirmed for 2026