Gladiators 2026: Release date and latest news
The series returns to our screens at long last!
Saturday nights are about to get a whole lot more action-packed as Gladiators returns to our screens for season 3.
Once again, Bradley and Barney Walsh are back to host the show, which continues to see superhuman Gladiators pitted against brave members of the general public.
The reboot of the competition series has continued to be a very successful show for the BBC, with the second instalment becoming the most-watched Saturday night series on BBC iPlayer and the third most-watched entertainment show overall.
This season also sees a brand new game called Destruction, which is set to be "the most explosive event yet". Destruction will see each player charge down their own lane, facing four massive 8-foot barriers, but the first to smash through and slam the final button wins.
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However, each barrier must be conquered differently, whether the contestant or Gladiator uses body power, a battering ram or climbing is up to them. But we're sure it'll make for more gripping TV.
But when exactly does season 3 of Gladiators land on our screens? Read on to find out.
Gladiators season 3 release date
Gladiators season 3 returns on Saturday 17th January at 5:45pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
On the announcement of season 3, Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, previously said: "Audiences have loved getting together to watch our mighty Gladiators take on contenders from all across the UK with younger fans especially excited to cheer on their Saturday night superheroes.
"With this brand-new series and another Celebrity Special confirmed there will be even more epic battles, more high-octane action and, of course, even more foam fingers than ever before for everyone to look forward to!"
Can you apply for Gladiators 2026?
No, applications have now closed for next year's instalment of Gladiators.
Applications closed on Friday 30th May 2025.
Who will appear in Gladiators season 3?
The BBC has confirmed the Gladiators will return, along with 2025 newcomers Cyclone and Hammer.
- Giant – Jamie Christian Johal
- Legend – Matt Morsia
- Fire – Montell Douglas
- Nitro – Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
- Diamond – Livi Sheldon
- Fury – Jodie Ounsley
- Steel – Zack George
- Comet – Ella-Mae Rayner
- Bionic – Matty Campbell
- Electro – Jade Packer
- Phantom – Toby Olubi
- Viper – Quang Luong
- Athena – Karenjeet Kaur Bains
- Cyclone - Lystus Ebosele
- Hammer - Tom Wilson
- Apollo - Alex Gray
- Dynamite - Emily Steel
- Sabre - Sheli McCoy
Gladiators returns on Saturday 17th January at 5:45pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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Authors
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
