Bradley and Barney Walsh: Ready! Gladiators hosts confirmed

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Father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh have been unveield as the hosts of the BBC’s Gladiators reboot.

The iconic sports/entertainment hybrid is due to shoot at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena in June ahead of its return to TV, on its new home on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Gladiators has always been a huge part of the Walsh family; 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. Following in his infant son’s footsteps, Bradley then took part in a Celebrities vs Jockeys special in 1997.

Bradley Walsh said: “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 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.”

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Bradley and Barney Walsh
Bradley and Barney Walsh


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 gruelling Eliminator.

Further information about Gladiators, including broadcast details, will be announced in due course.

Gladiators (11 x 60’) is a Hungry Bear and MGM Alternative UK production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kate Phillips, director of unscripted. 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.

The original American Gladiators series was created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr and developed by Johnny C. Ferraro. Fans can already apply for free via the Applause Store website.

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