The ultimate test of strength, speed, and skill is back as Gladiators returns for Series 3 in 2026 – and it’s shaping up to be the most action-packed and unmissable series yet.
Whether you want to know which Gladiators are returning, or you are curious about new events and specials, here’s everything you need to know…
When Does BBC Gladiators Series 3 Start?
The Utilita Arena Sheffield is ready for battle once again as Gladiators storms back onto the BBC with another unmissable series – plus a brand-new Celebrity Special.
Returning to host the action are father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, overseeing epic showdowns between the nation’s bravest Contenders and the full roster of Gladiators from Series 1 and 2.
Gladiators Series 3 premieres on Saturday 17th January at 5:45pm on BBC One and iPlayer. You can watch brand new episodes every Saturday.
A Saturday Night Hit
Gladiators has become a Saturday night sensation, with some impressive achievements under its belt:
- Average audience of 5.3 million viewers
- Most-watched Saturday night series on BBC iPlayer
- 3rd most-watched Entertainment series overall
- A huge hit with younger viewers, drawing 1.3 million under-35s per episode, making it the #1 most-watched entertainment show for that age group.
What’s New in Series 3?
News about what’s in store for Gladiators Series 3 is limited, but here’s what we know so far. Filming will take place in 2025 at the Utilita Arena Sheffield, with the series set to air on BBC One and iPlayer in 2026.
- Two brand-new events have been added to the line-up, Destruction and Everest, plus the return of a classic from the original 90’s series.
- A brand-new Celebrity Special sees four famous faces take on one of the toughest game shows on telly as they battle against the mighty Gladiators. This one-hour special saw the nation’s PE teacher Joe Wicks MBE versus presenter Sam Thompson, and boxing legend Nicola Adams OBE taking on podcaster Vogue Williams.
- All your favourites are back for Series 3. Get ready to see these Saturday night superheroes in action: Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Hammer, Legend, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper. GladFans will be thrilled to know that Nitro and Giant, who were sidelined in Series 2 due to injury, are also back in action!
What is the new event Destruction?
Destruction is fast and fierce, pitting two Contenders against one Gladiator in a no-holds-barred race of raw power.
Each player charges down their own lane, facing four gigantic 8ft barriers, the first to smash through and slam the final button wins.
The four brutal barriers must be conquered differently: some smashed through with sheer body power, another obliterated with a battering ram, and one conquered by climbing.
No tricks or shortcuts. Just strength, speed and total Destruction.
What is the new event Everest?
Everest is a head-to-head battle of sheer power between one Contender against one Gladiator, locked in a test of strength and nerve.
Suspended 21ft above the arena floor – twice the height of Duel – there is nowhere to hide. Standing face to face on a narrow platform, the aim is clear: push your opponent off.
Both competitors are positioned on a platform, demanding total focus and balance. Between them stands a formidable obstacle: a Perspex barrier, reinforced with a steel frame and weighing 250kg, demanding maximum effort from both competitors.
And the challenge doesn’t stop there. At set intervals, the platform begins to tilt, shifting the balance and offering sudden advantage to either the Contender or the Gladiator.
The objective is simple. The challenge is anything but. Will the Contenders overpower the Gladiators and send them plunging from the platform?
How can I apply to be a Contender?
Applications for Gladiators: Series 4 are now open. If you believe you have the speed, strength and skill to take on the superhuman Gladiators, then fill in the online application form.
The closing date for applications is 31 May 2026.
Where can I watch Gladiators Series 3?
Catch all the excitement every Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer. Add it to your BBC iPlayer Watchlist so that you never miss a moment.
