The BBC has officially confirmed that Gladiators will return for a third series in 2026, along with a new stand-alone Celebrity Special. Described as “hotter than ever”, the next instalment promises fresh physical challenges and a host of familiar faces as the hit revival continues to capture audiences across the UK.

Presenters Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh will reprise their roles as hosts, guiding viewers through another eleven episodes of high-octane Saturday night entertainment from the Sheffield Arena.

Returning to the arena will be the show’s line-up of modern-day ‘Superheroes’ — a formidable group of contenders with names such as Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel and Viper.

The announcement follows the success of the first Celebrity Special, which featured TV personalities Ellie Taylor, Louise Minchin, Rob Beckett, and Joel Dommett — each taking on the Gladiators with varying levels of success.

Produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK, the revamped Gladiators has drawn impressive ratings, averaging 5.3 million viewers across its two series. The show has resonated particularly well with family audiences, attracting approximately 1.3 million younger viewers per episode — a significant indicator of its wide generational appeal.

Dan Baldwin, Managing Director of Hungry Bear, expressed his excitement at the show’s continuation:

“We are extremely excited to deliver another series, so expect even more spandex, hairspray, protein shakes and fake tan this summer in Sheffield!”

???? Series Three Air Date and Streaming Availability
Series three of Gladiators is set to air on BBC One in 2026. Viewers can catch up on series one and two via BBC iPlayer.