How Gladiators works: Rules, games and news
Here's everything you need to know as the competition show returns.
Classic '90s game show Gladiators returned to screens earlier this month and has welcomed a new generation of fans to the epic sports entertainment show.
Rebooted by the BBC, the competition is hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, and features a brand new line-up of professional athletes who will be going head to head with contestants in some truly epic challenges.
While the upcoming season will feature fresh games, there will also be the return of some classic challenges, including fan favourite The Eliminator.
"Gladiators is back, and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other. Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out!" said BBC director Kate Phillips.
But wait, how does Gladiators work? As the show begins on BBC One, read on for everything you need to know about Gladiators, including the various rules, games and epic prize.
Gladiators rules explained
What are the different games on Gladiators?
As well as the introduction of new games, some of the show's classics will be making a return to Gladiators:
- Duel
- The Wall
- Powerball
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- The Eliminator
- The Ring
- Collision
- The Edge
The games returning to the revived show include Duel, The Wall, Powerball, Gauntlet, Hang Tough and the infamous Eliminator.
As we all as these, three new games have been added to the show. The new games include The Ring, Collision and The Edge.
Speaking ahead of the show's launch, co-host Barney Walsh said he would take on The Edge: "I don't really have a fear of heights, so I think The Edge would be one that I'd like," he explained.
"Imagine a game like British bulldog, but it's suspended up in the air and if you fall you land into a net – that sounds like my cup of tea! I think I'd have fun with Hang Tough and I'd like to think I’d be good a Duel, unless someone like Giant is at the other end, I don't think I'd win that, but with the others I might just have a chance!"
What are the rules of the new Gladiators games?
In The Ring, two contestants must enter the ring and attempt to hit the G logo in the centre in order to win points. However, stood in their way are two Gladiators who will do everything they can to stop them.
Points are then added to the final score and the player with the most points gets a head start in the infamous Eliminator challenge.
Collision is also a brand new game in the 2024 reboot. In this challenge, each contestant must try and cross a suspension bridge, all while taking balls from one side to the other. But, of course, there is a twist. Four Gladiators will be swinging from either side in order to prevent the contestant from crossing the bridge.
Eight metres above the arena floor, Contenders traverse a narrow network of beams as many times as possible to score points, without falling or being thrown off by the oncoming fearless Gladiator.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
What is the prize on Gladiators?
It isn't yet known what the prize of the rebooted Gladiators could be.
In the past UK series, 12 cars and prizes totalling more than £45,000 were won on ITV.
When is Gladiators on TV?
It has been confirmed that Gladiators will return with an 11-episode season on BBC One and iPlayer. The show continues on Saturday 27th January at 5:50pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Gladiators continues on Saturday 27th January on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
If you're looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide. Visit our Entertainment hub for all the latest news.
Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
