Celebrity Gladiators 2026 line-up confirmed as BBC reveals multiple Strictly favourites are heading into the arena
The famous faces for this year's series have been announcedCelebrity Gladiators has confirmed the famous faces brave enough to enter the arena for 2026 – but they may want to start stretching now.
The one-off BBC special is filming this week at Sheffield Arena and will air later this year on BBC One.
Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh are returning as hosts, while the celebrity edition is now into its third run.
The four-person line-up mixes Strictly connections, Big Brother hosting duties and comedy, so there should be plenty for Saturday night telly fans to get behind.
Celebrity Gladiators 2026 line-up confirmed
The famous contenders heading into the area this year are AJ Odudu, Chris Ramsey, George Clarke and Sara Pascoe.
AJ, who currently hosts Big Brother and starred in Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, said: “I am stepping inside the TV to do the show I wanted to do as a kid, it’s so exciting.”
Comedian Sara was just as ready to lean into the chaos. She said: “Celebrity Gladiators is the ideal opportunity for me to live out my childhood dream of humiliating myself on national television.”
Chris, also a funnyman and presenter, said he “religiously watched Gladiators as a kid” and called taking part “beyond incredible”.
The Strictly 2019 contestant also joked that part of him wished the chance had come in his 20s rather than his 40s, before looking ahead to the “inevitable months of rehab and physiotherapy” that may follow.
YouTuber George, who also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year(!), also brought the jokes:”I was missing the BBC packing me into a small tight outfit, so Gladiators felt perfect!” he said.
What Gladiator events will they face?
The celebrities will take on fan-favourite events including Duel, Unleash and Powerball. And obviously, the Eliminator is also set to feature.
The final challenge’s Travelator has long been one of Gladiators’ most recognisable hurdles.
That means the famous four must prepare for speed, strength and a very loud arena crowd rather than a cosy celebrity panel show.
The celebrity special follows the latest series of the BBC reboot.
Gladiators 2026 concluded earlier this year with Emily Bell and Josh McDonald crowned the champions.
Celebrity Gladiators will air later this year on BBC One and iPlayer. Expect it on screens at Christmas!
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