BBC confirm Gladiators line-up as smash hit show returns for second series – including injured fan favourite
THE BBC has confirmed the line-up for Gladiators, as the smash hit show is set for a huge return.
The network rebooted the hit ITV physical action competition earlier this year, with Bradley Walsh hosting it alongside his son, Barney.
Millions tuned into BBC One to watch a new set of aspiring fitness fanatics take on the huge Gladiators.
Fans previously labelled the nostalgic format as ‘the saviour’ of Saturday night telly.
Now the full roster of stars has been revealed ahead of it’s return for series two.
Filming for the second series will start in August at the Sheffield Arena.
All 16 Gladiators from series one will be back on screen as they attempt to defeat competitors from the male and female teams.
In the first series, Comet (Ella-Mae Rayner) had to depart the show early due to a broken foot and ankle.
At the time, she revealed: “I think it goes to show how tough it is – even the professional athletes get hurt.”
However, she will be making a welcome return to the show alongside her co-stars, such as Giant (Jamie Christian Johal) and Bionic (Matty Campbell).
Rugby player Fury (Jodie Ounsley) – the first ever deaf Gladiator – will also attempt to outsmart the players once more.
For the ladies, Dynamite (Emily Steel) will showcase her immense athleticism, while bodybuilder Diamond (Livi Sheldon) will flaunt her strength.
Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains), holds the Guinness World Record for the most bodyweight squats in a minute and is sure to strike fear into the hearts of the contestants.
Other returnees include Apollo (Alex Gray), and James Bond extra Viper (Quang Luong) who will attempt to antagonise the contributors and get under their skin.
In series one, weightlifter Sabre (Sheli McCoy) was also forced to withdraw from the show after a leg injury.
Meet the Gladiators finalists
The Gladiators final takes place on Easter Saturday at 5.30pm on BBC One.
After ten gruelling weeks facing the superhuman Gladiators, four contenders have made it through to the grand final.
The Gladiators 2024 finalists are:
Finlay Anderson – Army officer Finlay, 34, from Edinburgh has made it to the final despite being injured in the quarter-final.
Wesley Male – Even though he joined in the quarter-final stage, part-time Leeds wrestler Wesley, 35, has proved a force to be reckoned with on the Gladiators gauntlet.
Bronte Jones – This 23-year-old firefighter from Sheffield is the youngest contender in the final.
Marie-Louise Nicholson – Hailing from Dublin, Marie-Louise, 28, is a fitness coach who has scored maximum points five times on Gladiators.
She was left needing treatment in hospital, but it seems the star has now recovered in time for the next series.
Completing the roster are former long jumper Legend (Matt Morsia), 2020 ‘Fittest Man’ Steel (Zack George), Team GB sprinter Nitro (Harry Aikines Aryeetey), Electro (Jade Packer), Phantom (Toby Olubi), and Fire (Montell Douglas).
The bosses in charge of the show have teased that series two will see some “amazing surprises.”
Dan Baldwin is the boss of Hungry Bear Media, which makes the primetime competition, and he gushed about the success of the show.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that the response to Gladiators has been phenomenal,” he explained.
“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?”
Gladiators will return to BBC One soon.