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.”