Popular father and son duo revealed as hosts for reboot of Gladiators

The hit gameshow will return later this year

Author: Alex RossPublished 3rd May 2023
Last updated 3rd May 2023

Ever since BBC bosses confirmed they had plans to reboot 90s gameshow Gladiators last year, rumours have been rife about who will host the show when it returns later in 2023, and now we finally have answers!

Who is hosting Gladiators?

The news was confirmed on Wednesday 3rd May that father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh will host the rebooted series of Gladiators.

Bradley Walsh said of his new role: “Wow! I can’t believe that I’ve been asked to be part of this iconic show. I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to co-host a new version of GLADIATORS!!! Saturday night family entertainment at its best...ARE YOU READY ?!“

Barney Walsh, who is currently appearing in Casualty, added: “Gladiators has been a massive part of our family and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this iconic show. I’m so excited for everyone to see the spectacle, elite athletes and fantastic family entertainment that is GLADIATORS.”

Fans of the pair may not know this, but Gladiators has always been a major part of the Walsh family.

During the original series in the 90s, Bradley's wife and Barney's mum Donna Walsh was the head choreographer for the cheerleaders, whilst Barney often visited the iconic set, taking some of his first steps on the arena floor.

Bradley also took part in a Celebrities vs Jockeys special of the show in 1997.

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News of Gladiators' reboot was first announced by the BBC back in 2022, with Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, saying: “Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other.

“Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out.”

The revived series, which will air on BBC and BBC iPlayer, will be an 11-part series, and is due to be filmed at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in early June.

Although the new Gladiators are yet to be unveiled, bosses have been on the lookout for both Gladiators and contestants to take part in iconic challenges, as well as brand new games.

Gladiators will air later in the year.

Now read:

Applications for Gladiators are now open

Everything you need to know about the return of Gladiators

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