Bradley and Barney Walsh Confirmed As Hosts For ‘Gladiators’ Revival On BBC
The BBC has confirmed that the father and son duo of Bradley and Barney Walsh will host the revival of the physical challenge game show ‘Gladiators‘.
The 11-part series made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK will see a new generation of superhuman Gladiators compete against a brave set of contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength. They will take part in a series of brand-new games alongside classic challenges including fan-favourites DUEL, HANG TOUGH and THE ELIMINATOR.
Interstingly, the Walsh family does already have a connection to the iconic tv series. Donna Walsh, Barney’s mum and Bradley’s wife, was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders on the original series. Bradley, and a very young Barney, were regular visitors on set, with Barney taking some of his first steps on the iconic arena floor. Not to be outdone, Bradley followed in his small son’s footsteps when he took part in a Celebrities vs Jockeys special in 1997!
“Wow! I can’t believe that I’ve been asked to be part of this iconic show,” said Bradley. “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 ?!“
His son, Barney adds: “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.”
‘Gladiators’ is a Hungry Bear and MGM Alternative UK for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kate Phillips Director of Unscripted. The Executive Producers are Dan Baldwin and Lou Brown for Hungry Bear, Dom Bird for MGM Alternative and Johnny C. Ferraro. The Head of Entertainment Commissioning is Kalpna Patel Knight and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Clodagh O’Donoghue.
If you fancy getting into the audience for the new ‘Gladiators’, which films at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, you can apply for free tickets here (Terms and Conditions apply).
‘Gladiators‘ will air on BBC One and iPlayer in the latter half of 2023. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when they get a UK premiere date.
