The comeback of Gladiators to UK terrestrial telly after two decades means BBC One has started 2024 strongly.
Not only has the reboot served up lashings of nostalgia for those who remember the original ITV run fondly, the sports entertainment series has provided feel-good family viewing when it is harder than ever to bring families together in front of the box.
The familiar theme tune and many of the show’s challenges have returned, too. However, new athletic stars have been cast as the Gladiators, a host of referees have been recruited to fill in for show official John Anderson (now 92), and ex hosts such as Ulrika Jonsson, John Fashanu and Jeremy Guscott are no longer on board.
Father and son duo Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh are now fronting the show. But amid social media snipes about their connection and their casting being a “mistake” – as well speculation Bradley’s pal Holly Willoughby could play a part in presenting a second series – who else might be a good fit to present Gladiators?
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