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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jasmine Allday

Gladiators 'set to return' to TV after over two decades off screen with BBC at helm

Gladiators is reportedly being rebooted - with it "set to return" to television very soon.

Reports suggest that the iconic 1990s ITV show - which carved out the careers of the likes of Jet, Cobra, Saracen, Phoenix, Zodiac, Panther, Shadow, Wolf and Scorpio amongst others - has been picked up by the BBC, MGM Studios and Hungry Bear.

During the 90s, Gladiators aired for eight seasons, turning the professional athletes into overnight stars in their own right. It was hosted by Ulrika Jonsson as the contestants pitted themselves against the gladiators in a test of speed, skill, stamina and strength.

Filming is expected to take place as soon as next year, with Sheffield Arena expected to be the venue, Broadcast reports.

Gladiators has been replicated across the world in different countries, whilst it was also given a revival on Sky One for two series in 2008, with three episodes that saw the new Gladiators take on the original ones.

It comes after Jet - whose real name is Diana Youdale - revealed the stars were in "talks" to return for a 30th anniversary show.

Wolf (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Jet (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking on the Celebrity Catch Up podcast, she said: "Yes, there will be. We don’t know yet, none of us do.

"I’m hoping ITV does something to celebrate our 30th. It will be like reaching one of your big zero birthdays and turning up and no one’s remembered. It would be nice, hint hint ITV – there’s been talk."

And even if nothing happened, Jet says they'll make plans themselves.

"One of the guys we work with on The GladPod is an ITV producer and I think he’s got his heart set on whatever process that may be," she added, "And if not, I know for a fact that there is another producer called Paul.

"Since then he’s become a lovely friend and basically knows everything and anything about every Gladiators across the globe. He’s a superfan. Between these two producers, I’m pretty sure if ITV doesn’t do anything then we’ll cuff something up together."

Former Gladiators presenter Ulrika has lifted the lid in the past on the saucy antics that went on backstage of the huge show - admitting the muscled stars took part in plenty of "bed-hopping".

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