Tickets for the first ever Gladiators Experience in the UK are now on sale
It will give fans a chance to take part in the iconic games
Last updated 28th Nov 2025
The BBC's reboot of Gladiators has become one of the most-successful TV reboots of the last century, and as fans prepare for the latest series and the celebrity special, bosses have dropped some VERY exciting news.
As well as the Gladiators live arena shows earlier this year, it's been announced a Gladiators Experience will open in 2026, allowing fans to become contenders themselves!
What is the Gladiators Experience?
The first-ever Gladiators Experience promises to be an unforgettable adventure for fans, where they can become Gladiators contenders themselves - testing their speed, strength, and skill on the iconic challenges from the show.
Bosses say: 'The Gladiators Experience will combine exhilarating physical challenges and inspiring behind-the-scenes attractions suitable for all ages and abilities. Whether it’s a family day out, or friends challenging each other in friendly competition - there’s something for everyone.
'Away from the Arena action, a host of fun, family-friendly attractions will immerse fans in the world of Gladiators. The Vault will deliver an unmissable look behind the scenes of the nation’s favourite TV show, the Gladiator Training Facility will sharpen the skillset needed to be a true Gladiator, and a huge superstore will offer exclusive merchandise. With a number of other surprises along the way, Gladiators Experience promises to be a spectacle like no other!
'Visitors to the Gladiators Experience will have the opportunity to take on some of the most recognisable challenges from the iconic BBC television show. From testing their balance and grip on Hang Tough, to facing off in Duel, tackling The Wall, and completing the legendary Eliminator, participants will step into the role of a contender and put their physical ability to the test in an authentic recreation of the Gladiators arena'.
When does it open?
Although there's no exact opening date just yet, we do know it will open sometime in May 2026.
Where is it?
It will take place at the NEC Arena in Birmingham.
Dom Bird, Senior Vice President at MGM Alternative Television says: “We are incredibly proud to see how Gladiators continues to delight huge audiences on BBC One, and thrilled that our 2025 Gladiators Arena Tour sold out in record time. Now, fans young and old will get one step closer to walking in the footsteps of their heroes, as we announce our brand new Gladiators Experience.
"Based at the NEC Birmingham, everyone finally has the chance to test their skills on the iconic games - from Duel and Hang Tough, to The Wall, and of course the legendary Travelator. Come and see if you've got what it takes!”
How to buy tickets
General tickets went on sale at 10am on Friday 28th November.
Check out all of the current 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.
The BBC chose to reboot the iconic entertainment show back in January 2024, with series two airing earlier this year. Following the incredible viewing figures, the show has now been renewed for a third series, which is due to begin in early 2026, as well as a second series of Celebrity Gladiators.
Due to the show's success, the first-ever Gladiators Live Tour also begins this week, taking place in Liverpool, London, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham.
Now read:
Gladiators series 3 confirmed for 2026
The rebooted series of American Gladiators is coming to Prime Video
Gladiators announce first ever UK tour