Bradley and Barney Walsh confirmed as Gladiators hosts for BBC revival

Father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh have been confirmed as the hosts of the BBC’s revival of Gladiators.

Doctor Who star Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh are to host the BBC’s rebooted Gladiators.

The show, which hasn’t aired in the UK for almost 25 years, is coming back later this year along with another rebooted show, Survivors, on the BBC.

The original series of Gladiators hit our television screens in 1992 and was broadcast on ITV, lasting for eight seasons until 2000, and it’s now officially coming back, with The Chase star and his son at the forefront. The show previously aired on ITV between 1992 and 2000 and is a version of American Gladiators, which was syndicated between 1989 and 1996.

The programme, which was hosted by the likes of Ulrika Jonsson, saw athletic TV fans battle as Contenders against the show’s mighty Gladiators, in events that test their speed, skill, stamina and strength.

And now, more than two decades after being on our screens, Bradley, 62, and Barney will be hosting a brand new generation of superhuman Gladiators as they compete against a brave set of contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength.

Gladiators has always been a huge part of the Walsh family; Donna Walsh, Barney’s mum and Bradley’s wife, was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders on the original series.

Bradley, and a very young Barney were regular visitors on set, with Barney taking some of his first steps on the iconic arena floor.

Not to be outdone, Bradley followed in his small son’s footsteps when he took part in a celebrities vs jockeys special, in 1997.

Bradley said: ‘Wow! I can’t believe that I’ve been asked to be part of this iconic show.

‘I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to co-host a new version of GLADIATORS!!!

‘Saturday night family entertainment at its best…ARE YOU READY ?!’

Barney added: ‘Gladiators has been a massive part of our family and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this iconic show.

‘I’m so excited for everyone to see the spectacle, elite athletes and fantastic family entertainment that is GLADIATORS.’

The official announcement comes after much speculation over the pair presenting the reboot together, despite Bradley previously shutting down rumours.

‘The BBC love the idea of having a unique duo fronting Gladiators and that’s what hiring a father and son gives them,’ a source had said.

‘It’s certainly a break from the presenters the show had previously.’

The insider continued to The Sun: ‘They already know they have a great dynamic, thanks to appearing together on their travelogue, Breaking Dad as well as drama, The Larkins.’

Gladiators returns to BBC (no date yet set)