Gladiators' celebrity special confirms multiple Strictly Come Dancing favourites for line-up

Do these four brave celebrities have what it takes?

Bradley and Barney Walsh stood next to each other leaning forward with their fists pointed forward.

BBC/Hungry Bear Media Ltd/Graeme Hunter

Published: Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at 10:24 am

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The BBC has unveiled the four brave famous faces preparing to take on the Gladiators in an epic celebrity special.

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Stepping out into the arena for the very first time are AJ Odudu, Chris Ramsey, George Clarke and Sara Pascoe, where they must battle through fan favourite events like Duel, Unleash and Powerball.

But it wouldn't be an outing of Gladiators without the brave contenders going head-to-head in the iconic Eliminator.

AJ Odudu, current host of Big Brother, said: "I am stepping inside the TV to do the show I wanted to do as a kid, it's so exciting."

While Chris Ramsey commented: "As someone who religiously watched Gladiators as a kid, it's beyond incredible to be taking part in the show myself! However, a large part of me does wish it could have been while I was in my 20’s and not 40… but there you go. I’m looking forward to the challenge, the excitement, the crowd and going head-to-head with the Gladiators and the inevitable months of rehab and physiotherapy that will no doubt follow."

AJ Odudu stood posing for a photo wearing a long black dress.

AJ Odudu. Scott Garfitt/BAFTA via Getty Images

George Clarke, who recently took part in Strictly Come Dancing, said: "I was missing the BBC packing me into a small tight outfit, so Gladiators felt perfect! Unfortunately, I don’t think I can rely on a partner to carry me through this one. Might have to get training!"

"Celebrity Gladiators is the ideal opportunity for me to live out my childhood dream of humiliating myself on national television," joked Sara Pascoe.

Father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh will return as the Gladiators get ready to put the courageous celebrity contenders through their paces, showcasing their speed, strength and charisma.

Season 3 of Gladiators concluded earlier this year, which saw Emily Bell and Josh McDonald crowned the Gladiators champions of 2026.

Emily became the first contender to last the full 30 seconds on Duel with Cyclone before beating her again in the quarter-finals - and won the show on her birthday!

27-year-old sales manager Josh bested the majority of the Gladiators during his rounds, but was knocked out of the competition after losing at the Eliminator. But when Mark had to drop out due to injury, Josh stepped in his place and won his Eliminator.

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Gladiators: Celebrity Special will air on BBC One and iPlayer.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

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.

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