1990s TV Hit Gladiators Is Set To Return With The BBC In Talks To Reboot The Show

One of the most popular TV shows of the 1990s, Gladiators, could soon be making a return to British screens.

The BBC is reportedly in talks to revive the show, which saw contestants take on professional 'Gladiators' in a series of physically demanding challenges.

Three decades after it first aired, BBC One is in talks with rights holders MGM Studios to bring back the format.

Reports claim the show could return as early as next year.

"It's exactly the kind of Saturday night family entertainment show that BBC One needs," a source told Broadcast magazine.

Reports claim that a new set of preliminary "gladiators" have already been selected and that filming is scheduled to begin in early 2023.

The original series, which was based on the US show American Gladiators, aired in the UK between 1992 and 2000 on ITV.

Presented by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu, the show pitted amateur contestants against professionals, who competed under nicknames such as Jet, Scorpio and Wolf.

They battled against each other in a series of challenges, including the 'Gauntlet' and 'Powerball', with contestants aiming to reach the series grand finale.

The show was briefly revived for two seasons in 2008 and 2009 by Sky, with Ian Wright and Kirsty Gallagher hosting the show.

And fans are excited about the prospect of the show making another comeback.

"Yes!!!!!!! Can't wait," wrote one fan on Twitter.

Another added: "Yes! This has to be good! Although i hope it's the public who are contestants not 'celebs’'we don't need, all ex love Island / TOWIE people."

A third wrote: "GLADIATORS IS COMING BACK OMFG IM SO EXCITED."