Gladiators (2024 British TV series) series 2

Last updated

Contents

Gladiators
Series 2
Starring Bradley Walsh
Barney Walsh
Mark Clattenburg
Sonia Mkoloma
Lee Phillips
Guy Mowbray
No. of episodes12
Release
Original network BBC One
Original release1 January (2025-01-01) (Celebrity special)
18 January 2025 (2025-01-18) (Main series) 
12 April 2025 (2025-04-12)
Series chronology
 Previous
Series 1
Next 
Series 3

The second series of Gladiators aired in the UK on 18 January 2025 on BBC One. It was recorded in August 2024 at the Sheffield Arena. [1] [2] [3]

The series was commissioned by the BBC bosses after a successful relaunch in 2024, which attracted nearly ten million viewers during its whole first series. [4] [5] [6]

The eleven-part series is being presented by the Walshes (Bradley and Barney), who also presented the first series. [7] [8] Mark Clattenburg returns as the lead referee alongside assistants Lee Phillips and Sonia Mkoloma.

In addition to the regular episodes, the series also has a "one-off" celebrity special episode, where four celebrity contestants; Rob Beckett, Joel Dommett, Louise Minchin and Ellie Taylor, took on the Gladiators. [9] [8]

The first heat episode is dedicated to original Gladiators referee John Anderson, who died in July 2024. [10]

Gladiators

All of the Gladiators from the previous series return this series, [11] with Diamond (Livi Sheldon) and Giant (Jamie Christian-Johal) being amongst the very first announced returnees. [12] [13] [8] New Gladiators Cyclone (Lystus Ebosele), and Hammer (Tom Wilson) were revealed in the course of the series. [14] [15]

MalesFemales
Gladiator nameReal nameStatsGladiator nameReal nameStats
Apollo Alex Gray 6 ft 6 in, 249 lb (1.98 m, 113 kg)Athena Karenjeet Kaur Bains 5 ft 4 in, 148 lb (1.63 m, 67 kg)
Bionic Matty Campbell 6 ft 6 in, 260 lb (1.98 m, 120 kg)Comet Ella-Mae Rayner 5 ft 8 in, 146 lb (1.73 m, 66 kg)
Giant [a] Jamie Christian-Johal 6 ft 5 in, 280 lb (1.96 m, 130 kg)Cyclone [b] Lystus Ebosele 5 ft 10 in, 209 lb (1.78 m, 95 kg)
Hammer [c] Tom Wilson 6 ft 6 in, 257 lb (1.98 m, 117 kg)Diamond Livi Sheldon 6 ft, 176 lb (1.83 m, 80 kg)
Legend Matt Morsia 6 ft 1 in, 212 lb (1.85 m, 96 kg)Dynamite Emily Steel 5 ft 5 in, 141 lb (1.65 m, 64 kg)
Electro Jade Packer 5 ft 8 in, 154 lb (1.73 m, 70 kg)
Phantom Toby Olubi 6 ft 5 in, 247 lb (1.96 m, 112 kg)Fire Montell Douglas 5 ft 10 in, 148 lb (1.78 m, 67 kg)
Steel Zack George 6 ft, 236 lb (1.83 m, 107 kg)Fury Jodie Ounsley 5 ft 7 in, 163 lb (1.70 m, 74 kg)
Viper Quang Luong 6 ft, 200 lb (1.83 m, 90 kg)Sabre Sheli J. McCoy 5 ft 7 in, 154 lb (1.70 m, 70 kg)

Not competing

Males
Gladiator nameReal nameStats
Nitro [d] Harry Aikines-Aryeetey 5 ft 11 in, 187 lb (1.80 m, 85 kg)
Notes
  1. Tore his bicep during the final heat episode of the series but still features in the locker room after the injury.
  2. Irish powerlifter joined mid-series filming.
  3. British indoors rower joined mid-series filming.
  4. Although Nitro featured on the programme, he did not appear in any of the events during the series, due to knee injury he picked up from the trainings. [16]

Contenders

The winning contenders are marked in bold. As the series contains only five heats, and three quarter finals, in addition to the winners of the previous episodes, the fastest runner-ups advance to the next stage.

EpisodesMale ContendersFemale Contenders
Celebrity Special Rob Beckett Joel Dommett Ellie Taylor Louise Minchin
Heat 1Nathan BlandScott CastellZavia HillKatie Ip
Heat 2Joe HolroydeAman YadhNikki BillinghamKeeva Neely [a]
Heat 3Lewis Prothero Mus DumbuyaToni ProtheroAmanda Wah
Heat 4Joe FishburnJunior CunninghamStacey BrownPoppy Bulmer
Heat 5Nush SajjadAndy MitchellRachel Bruno-Hardy [17] Aneila Afsar
Quarter Final 1Joe HolroydeMus DumbuyaZavia HillPoppy Bulmer
Quarter Final 2Joe FishburnLewis ProtheroAneila AfsarAmanda Wah
Quarter Final 3Nathan BlandAndy MitchellRachel Bruno-HardyKeeva Neely
Semi Final 1Joe FishburnJoe HolroydeKeeva NeelyAmanda Wah
Semi Final 2Nathan BlandMus DumbuyaZavia HillAneila Afsar
Grand FinalJoe FishburnMus DumbuyaZavia Hill/Aneila Afsar [b] Amanda Wah
WinnersJoe FishburnAmanda Wah
Notes
  1. Contender Keeva advanced directly to the Quarter Finals round, as Nikki was unable to participate in the Eliminator due to sustaining an injury after The Edge prior.
  2. Though Zavia won in the Eliminator in the semi final, a post from the official Gladiators Instragram later revealed that she was forced to withdraw before the Grand Final due to an injury she had sustained during the Powerball event, with Aneila, who was the fastest runner-up, taking her place in the Grand Final. Zavia appeared in the audience throughout the Final.

Events

In addition to all of the events from the previous series (Duel, Gauntlet, Hang Tough, Collision, The Ring, Powerball, The Wall, The Edge and The Eliminator), some new events are introduced on the second series of Gladiators. [11] [18]

Following events were added to the roster:

As the result of fan feedback from the previous series, the Gauntlet received some major upgrades for this series. [11] An additional fifth zone/Gladiator was added, and a new "shield" weapon resembling the shape of a claw or bucket was introduced. [20]

Episodes

Note, that some of the episodes are shown in a different order from that which they were filmed in.

No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleBBC One airdateUK viewers
(millions) [21]
Weekly Rank [21]
"Celebrity Special"1 January 2025 (2025-01-01)5.158

Competing in the New Year’s Celebrity Special are: Rob Beckett, Louise Minchin, Joel Dommett and Ellie Taylor. [22] [23] [24]

The celebrities face the Gladiators in events like the classical Duel and the updated version of Gauntlet, before taking on each other in the legendary Eliminator. The episode saw gladiator Sabre's very first appearance on Collision, and Comet's first appearance on the show since major injury she suffered last series. Male gladiator Giant featured only in the locker room with the other Gladiators in this episode. [20]

This special episode was announced by the BBC on 7 August 2024, and was recorded in between the regular series' production. [22]

 
121"Heat 1"18 January 2025 (2025-01-18)4.768

The heats begin. The 15 returning Gladiators face another set of contenders from all over the UK. Two new Gladiators are introduced this series – and some new events. For this series, Gladiator Nitro shifts to support his fellow colleagues due to an injury he picked up during training sessions.

The contenders for the heat are: Nathan Bland and Scott Castell, Zavia Hill and Katie Ip. The first heat sees classical events like Duel and The Wall being played, in addition to the returning 90's classic Atlaspheres. Giant, who is so far unbeaten in the event – returns to Duel. [10]

 
132"Heat 2"25 January 2025 (2025-01-25)4.27< 10

Second of the heats. The contenders for the heat are: Joe and Aman; and Nikki and Keeva. New female Gladiator, Cyclone, debuts in this episode.

Events for this heat include the classics Duel and The Wall, in addition to the renewed Gauntlet. During the event The Edge, female contender Nikki suffered an injury upon falling from the edge with Gladiator Dynamite. She was subsequently dispatched from the competition by the medical team, and was not able to do the Eliminator – therefore putting Keeva straight through to the Quarter Finals. This marks the first time in the show's history where only one Eliminator is played. [26]

 
143"Heat 3"1 February 2025 (2025-02-01)4.488

Third of the heats. A new event, a fast-paced pursuit game Unleash, is revealed. Other events include The Wall, Atlaspheres and The Ring, which is being played for the first time this series. The contenders for this heat are: Lewis and Mus, and Toni and Amanda.

 
154"Heat 4"15 February 2025 (2025-02-15)N/ATBA

Fourth of the heats. Hang Tough event returns for the first time in this series. The contenders for the heat are: Joe and Junior, and Stacey and Poppy.

 
165"Heat 5"22 February 2025 (2025-02-22)N/ATBA

The last of the heats include Duel, Hang Tough and Unleash being played. The contenders for the heat are: Nush and Andy, and Rachel and Aneila. Gladiator Giant tore his biceps on Powerball, and had to be sidelined for the rest of the series.

 
176"Quarter Final 1"1 March 2025 (2025-03-01)N/ATBA

New male Gladiator, Hammer, debuts in this episode. Injured Gladiator Giant is still seen in the locker room after the arm injury in Powerball event in heat 5. Contenders for this quarter finals are Joe from heat 2, Mus from heat 3, Zavia from heat 1 and Poppy from heat 4.

 
187"Quarter Final 2"8 March 2025 (2025-03-08)N/ATBA

New event Crash Course appears in this episode. Contenders in this episode are: Joe from heat 4, Lewis from heat 3, Aneila from heat 5 and Amanda from heat 3. Lewis was the fastest runner-up for the male contenders.

 
198"Quarter Final 3"15 March 2025 (2025-03-15)N/ATBA

The third and final of the quarter finals. Giant featured in the show to detail his injury on Powerball he suffered in the last heat episode. Contenders in this quarter final are: Nathan from heat 1, Andy from heat 5, Rachel from heat 5 as the fastest runner-up from the female contenders, and Keeva from heat 2.

 
209"Semi Final 1"22 March 2025 (2025-03-22)N/ATBA

The first of the semi-finals. Contenders in this episode are: Joe F, Joe H, Keeva and Amanda, with Joe H qualified as the fastest runner up of the male contenders from the quarter-finals.

 
2110"Semi Final 2"5 April 2025 (2025-04-05)N/ATBA

The second of the semi-finals. Contenders in this episode are: Nathan, Mus, Zavia and Aneila, with Aneila qualified as the fastest runner up of the female contenders from the quarter finals.

 
2211"The Final"12 April 2025 (2025-04-12)N/ATBA

The series champions are crowned at the end of this episode. The male contenders are Joe F and Mus and the female finalists were Aneila and Amanda. It was announced that Zavia withdrew after the injury during the semi-final with Aneila replacing her for the final.

 

Contenders progress (excluding Celebrity Special)

Color key:

  Series champions
  The contender won the episode and advanced
  The contender was medically withdrawn from the competition
  The contender lost the episode but was the fastest finisher out of the other eliminated contenders and thus qualified
  The contender lost the episode and was eliminated
ContendersEpisodes
HeatsQuarter FinalsSemi FinalsFinal
1234567891011
AmandaWINWINWINWINNER
Joe F.WINWINWINWINNER
MusWINWINWINRUNNER-UP
AneilaWINFFFFRUNNER-UP
ZaviaWINWINWINWDR
NathanWINWINOUT
Joe H.WINFFOUT
KeevaWINWINOUT
AndyWINOUT
RachelFFOUT
LewisFFOUT
PoppyWINOUT
NushOUT
JuniorOUT
StaceyOUT
ToniOUT
AmanOUT
NikkiWDR
ScottOUT
KatieOUT

Ratings

Weekly ratings for each show on BBC One. Ratings are provided by BARB Audiences [21]

EpisodeDateWeekly viewers
(millions)
Weekly rank (BBC1)Weekly rank
Celebrity Special1 January 20255.158th11th
Heat 118 January 20254.768th9th
Heat 225 January 20254.2712th16th
Heat 31 February 20254.488th9th
Heat 415 February 20254.424th9th
Heat 522 February 20254.2310th18th
Quarter Final 11 March 20254.315th10th
Quarter Final 28 March 20253.7411th24th
Quarter Final 315 March 20254.603rd10th
Semi Final 122 March 20253.3912th28th
Semi Final 25 April 20253.509th21st
The Final12 April 20253.954th10th
Series average20254.23

References

  1. Methven, Nicola (26 March 2024). "EXCLUSIVE: BBC Gladiators secures second series with bosses ready for record number of applicants". Mirror.
  2. "BBC commission Gladiators for second series before this weekend's final". Yahoo! Movies. 28 March 2024.
  3. "BBC Gladiators series 2 gets major update as very telling detail spotted". The Mirror. 20 June 2024.
  4. "Gladiators is set to return to the BBC". BBC Media Centre .
  5. "Gladiators revival 'will return for another run in 2025'". Yahoo! Movies. 17 January 2024.
  6. "Gladiators season two 'confirmed' by BBC as bosses put reboot on 'big priority' list". Express. 27 March 2024.
  7. Tonks, Phoebe (2 April 2024). "Bradley Walsh and son Barney's BBC Gladiators fate revealed after show renewal". Mirror.
  8. 1 2 3 "GLADIATORS LINE-UP CONFIRMED FOR SECOND SERIES ON BBC ONE". TV Zone UK. 23 July 2024.
  9. Darvill, Josh (4 April 2024). "Gladiators Celebrity special coming to BBC One". tellymix.co.uk.
  10. 1 2 "BBC One – Gladiators, Series 2, Episode 1". bbc.co.uk.
  11. 1 2 3 "Gladiators Sheffield: TV show's maker on what to expect from next series and why they had to return to city". The Sun. 3 April 2024.
  12. Evans, Alex (7 April 2024). "BBC Gladiators Diamond star makes decision on her future on show in emotional statement as fans issue plea". Leeds Live.
  13. Brinsford, James (30 March 2024). "Gladiators star Giant 'given second chance' by BBC bosses despite dangerous steroid remarks". Mirror.
  14. 1 2 "Gladiators Series 2 – Meet the new additions to the Gladiators Class of 2025". BBC Media Centre. 15 January 2025.
  15. "GLADIATORS: MEET CYCLONE AND HAMMER, THE TWO NEW SUPERHUMANS JOINING BBC SERIES". TV Zone UK. 15 January 2025.
  16. @nitro_thegladiator; (2 December 2024). "During training for series 2 earlier this year, I picked up an unexpected knee injury, which means I'll be shifting gears this series and sitting out the events" via Instagram.
  17. "Frank Bruno's daughter to appear on Gladiators". Female First. 17 February 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  18. @bbcgladiators; (1 January 2025). "There's SO much more to come... Bring on the brand new series of #Gladiators on #iPlayer from January" via Instagram.
  19. 1 2 "Gladiators hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh tease "tougher" series 2, the return of Atlaspheres and new event Unleash". BBC Media Centre. 14 January 2025.
  20. 1 2 "BBC One – Gladiators, Series 2, Celebrity Special". bbc.co.uk. 1 January 2025.
  21. 1 2 3 "Weekly Top 50 Shows". BARB . Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  22. 1 2 "Celebrities Ready? Rob Beckett, Louise Minchin, Joel Dommett and Ellie Taylor are taking on the Gladiators in a new Celebrity Special". BBC Media Centre. 7 August 2024.
  23. "CELEBRITY GLADIATORS: FAMOUS FACES TAKING PART REVEALED". TV Zone UK. 7 August 2024.
  24. Mensah, Katelyn (3 December 2024). "Celebrity Gladiators release date confirmed by BBC". radiotimes.com.
  25. 1 2 "Winners of Gladiators: Celebrity Special crowned". glasgowtimes.co.uk. 1 January 2025.
  26. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0027f5s