Gladiators pulled from TV schedule following major BBC shake-up
BBC's Gladiators has been pulled from the schedule due to football coverage
Edward Lauder
Edward Lauder
Senior online reporter
3 minutes ago
Feb 7, 2025, 4:35 PM GMT
Share this:
Fans of Gladiators have been left disappointed after the BBC confirmed the show has been pulled from its usual Saturday night slot.
The rebooted challenge show, which returned to BBC One in January 2024, has been temporarily removed from the schedule due to coverage of the FA Cup. Match of the Day will air in its place, showing the Birmingham City vs Newcastle United match.
WATCH: Bradley Walsh shocked by huge Gladiators announcement
Fans react to Gladiators being replaced
Bradley Walsh was thrilled with new developments on BBC's Gladiators© BBC
Bradley Walsh was thrilled with new developments on BBC's Gladiators
Many viewers took to social media to vent their frustration over the schedule change.
One fan fumed on X, formerly Twitter: "No #Gladiators next week for football, rugby on ITV as well. Saturdays best night for TV and you've got sport ruining it."
Another echoed the sentiment, writing: "Oh goodie. No #Gladiators next week cos of football."
You may also like
Gladiators' Bradley Walsh left stunned as show halted to make huge announcement
Gladiators' Bradley Walsh left stunned as show halted to make huge announcement
Bradley Walsh hit in the face on BBC Gladiators amid on-air chaos
Bradley Walsh hit in the face on BBC Gladiators amid on-air chaos
First look at Bradley Walsh and two new Gladiators as BBC 'leaks' the new trailer
First look at Bradley Walsh and two new Gladiators as BBC 'leaks' the new trailer
Gladiators' Hunter has a famous secret girlfriend!
Gladiators' Hunter has a famous secret girlfriend!
A third user added: "No Gladiators on BBC One this Saturday? Instead, it is pointless FA Cup. Not impressed, not everyone wants to watch football on a Saturday night."
Despite the backlash, the BBC has not confirmed when Gladiators will return to its regular slot.
Gladiators has been a hit since its BBC reboot
Bradley and his son Barney with the BBC's Gladiators© BBC
Bradley and his son Barney with the BBC's Gladiators
The iconic 90s competition show made a triumphant return to screens earlier this year, drawing strong ratings and leading to the BBC commissioning a third series before the second has even aired.
The format sees members of the public take on elite Gladiators in a series of high-intensity physical challenges, culminating in the famous Eliminator race.
With its mix of nostalgia and new talent, the reboot has been well received by audiences, though the show has also made headlines for its intense physical challenges and contestant injuries.
Injury drama on Gladiators
Louise got a bloody nose on Gladiators© BBC
Louise got a bloody nose on Gladiators
In the most recent episode, which aired on 25 January, contestant Nikki suffered a serious injury during the challenge known as The Edge.
Competing against Gladiator Dynamite, Nikki took a hard fall into the safety net, prompting immediate concern. As she winced in pain, commentators expressed their worries, with one stating: "There's some concern from Dynamite, Nikki looks like she's got herself injured."
The show was briefly halted, with host Bradley Walsh calling for medics: "Just go and get checked off-camera." Nikki was led away for medical attention.
Nikki forced to withdraw from the competition
Gladiators: Bradley Walsh, Barney Walsh© James Stack
Bradley Walsh and his son Barney are the presenters of BBC's Gladiators
An update was later provided, with Bradley explaining: "Earlier on, we saw Nikki sustain an injury on The Edge."
Co-host Barney Walsh added: "She's been checked over by our brilliant medical team but unfortunately, she will not be able to compete in the Eliminator."
Nikki's exit meant that her competitor Keeva advanced to the quarter-finals by default. Speaking about the bittersweet result, Keeva said: "I'm absolutely devastated for Nikki. As much as I'm happy that I'm in the quarter-finals, it's tough, but I'm sure she's in good hands."
The BBC's Gladiators© BBC
The BBC's Gladiators
The BBC has not confirmed the exact date Gladiators will return, but it is expected to resume in its usual slot once FA Cup coverage concludes.
For now, fans will have to wait to see their favourite Gladiators back in action.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings