Start date teased for second series of Gladiators in new trailer

The Gladiators are back!

Author: Alex RossPublished 8 hours ago

It's safe the say the BBC's reboot of 90s gameshow Gladiators was certainly a success earlier this year! With millions of viewers tuning in each week, the show was praised, with many calling it the 'best reboot yet'.

Ahead of the series one final on Saturday 30th March, bosses confirmed the show had been renewed for a second series, and now more information has been announced ahead of the show's return in early 2025.

Is Gladiators getting a second series?

BBC bosses confirmed the news on Thursday 28th March, writing on social media: '📢 Get ready to feel the power again! #Gladiators is OFFICIALLY returning to the BBC'. (sic)

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC said: “Gladiators has really kicked this year off with a bang, and we’re so delighted that the fans have come to the show in their masses. It has been wonderful to hear how much families have loved watching this together, as part of the BBC’s Saturday evening entertainment offering. We can’t wait for more action from the Gladiators.”

Dan Baldwin, Managing Director Hungry Bear Media added: “It’s no exaggeration to say that the response to Gladiators has been phenomenal. The episodes have been packed with nail-biting drama, thrilling action and huge emotion. Series 2 will see the show go from strength-to-strength. We have some amazing surprises in store for the fans. Are you ready?!?”

Dom Bird, SVP, MGM Alternative, International then said: “It's been incredible to see Gladiators re-igniting the excitement that this show has always delivered on Saturday nights in the UK. We are delighted a second series has been confirmed for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and we can’t wait to get back into the arena with our partners at Hungry Bear Media and the BBC.”

Is there a trailer?

Yes! The full trailer was released on Saturday 21st December, alongside the caption: 'Gladiators series 2 is coming...

'Back and tougher than ever before 🔥💪 NEW #Gladiators on #iPlayer from January'.

When is it on TV?

There's no exact start date just yet, but bosses have now teased it will return in January 2025.

Who are the Gladiators?

On Tuesday 23rd July, BBC bosses confirmed all 16 Gladiators from series one would be returning for the second series, including the likes of Fury, Giant, Viper, Athena, Diamond and Legend.

Check out all 16 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.

How many episodes?

Series two will be made up of 11 episodes.

What channel is it on?

Just like series one, the second series of Gladiators will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Who is hosting the show?

Father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh will be back to host the show for the second series.

Can I apply for series two?

Applications for series two closed at midnight on Wednesday 19th June 2024.

The application website stated: 'Gladiators, one of the most exciting and energetic sports entertainment game shows ever is back for a second series.

'We are on the look out for the bravest members of the British public who have the speed and skill to take on our superhuman Gladiators.

'If you believe you have what it takes, then apply via the link below'.

Check out which other TV shows you can apply to be on:

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Apply to be on The Apprentice right here.


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Apply to be on MAFS UK

Although the 2024 series hasn't aired yet, bosses are on the lookout for singletons to apply for the 2025 series of MAFS UK! If you are currently single and fancy marrying a stranger, this one could be for you!


Apply to be on MAFS UK right here.


Closing date: 1st February 2025.

Apply to be on The Traitors

Although applications for series three closed in March this year, BBC bosses have now renewed the hit show for a fourth series, and applications are now open! Filming is due to begin in 2025.


Apply for The Traitors right here.


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With series five due to air in 2025, BBC bosses have now confirmed Race Across The World has been renewed for a sixth series. Applications are now open, with the show expected to air in 2026.


Apply to be on Race Across The World right here.


Closing date: 6th April 2025.

Apply to be on Big Brother

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You can apply to be on Big Brother right here.


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Apply to be on My Mum, Your Dad

Applications for ITV/STV dating show My Mum, Your Dad are now open! Grown-up children are being encouraged to nominate their single parents for the show, which is hosted by Davina McCall. Although there's been no official confirmation of a third series just yet, you can register your interest now.


You can apply for My Mum, Your Dad right here.


Closing date: Unknown

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Bosses are on the lookout for applicants for the 2025 series of Love Island.


Apply for Love Island right here.


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Apply to be on Come Dine With Me

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Apply to be on Come Dine With Me right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on Dragons' Den

BBC bosses have confirmed Dragons' Den will return for a 22nd series next year, with applications now open! If you have a business or business idea that's looking for investment, this one is for you!


Apply to be on Dragons' Den right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on The Repair Shop

The BBC are looking for applicants for the upcoming series of hit show The Repair Shop. If you have a treasured item that's seen better days and you think the experts can help, get applying!


Apply for The Repair Shop now.


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Apply to be on Countdown

Channel 4 are on the lookout for brain box contestants to appear on game show Countdown.


Apply to be on Countdown right here.


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Apply to be on The Chase

Bosses are on the hunt for contestant for series 15 of The Chase, with filming due to take place later in 2023.


Apply to be on The Chase right here.


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Apply to be on Four In A Bed

If you're a hotel or B&B owner and you're interested in taking part in hit Channel 4 show Four In A Bed, applications are now open!


Apply to be on Four In A Bed right here.


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Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out

Although series five of Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out hasn't aired yet, it looks like the show will be back for a sixth series, as bosses are urging applicants to register their interest online.


Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on DIY SOS

DIY SOS is returning to BBC and Nick Knowles is on the hunt for applicants. If you want to nominate a family, or apply for yourself, you can register online now.


Apply to be on DIY SOS right here.


Closing date: 19th December 2025.

Apply to be on Love Is Blind: UK

Following a successful first series, Netflix confirmed in August that Love Is Blind: UK has been renewed for a second series which will air in 2025.


Apply to be on Love Is Blind: UK right here.


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Apply to be on MasterChef: The Professionals right here.


Closing date: 18th April 2025.

Apply to be on Pointless

BBC bosses are always looking for contestants to appear on daytime quiz show Pointless. If you have a friend, colleague or family member who knows the obscurest of information then apply now!


Apply to be on Pointless right here.


Closing date: 3rd October 2025.

Apply to be on Dragons' Den

BBC bosses are on the lookout for entrepreneurs who would like to take part in a future series of Dragons' Den. You can show your interest now.


Apply for Dragons' Den right here.


Closing date: Unknown.

Apply to be on The Wheel

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Apply to be on The Wheel right here.


Closing date: 30th May 2025.

Series one of Gladiators is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now, with a special celebrity edition airing on New Year's Day, ahead of the second series.

Now read:

Celebrity Gladiators: Date, hosts and contestants

All of the TV shows we can’t wait to return

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