Gladiators reveal brand new event Destruction as we confirm exactly what time it is on this weekend
Hosts Bradley and Barney have described the new series as 'explosive'Gladiators is just days away from making its huge comeback and bosses have now unveiled one of its brand new events.
The BBC show is returning for series 3 this weekend and the new “thrilling” event has been revealed.
Destruction has been described as “fast and fierce” and sees two Contenders going head-to-head.
They will each have to stay in their own lanes and smash through a series of 8ft barriers.
One has to be destroyed using sheer body power and another crashed through with a battering ram.
They will also have to climb over one of them. The first player to reach the buzzer at the end of the race course wins, but there is a twist.
One of the Gladiators will be unleashed during the event to try and hold both contenders back. Exciting!
Gladiators’ new event Destruction
Destruction is one of three new events being introduced to Gladiators for series 3, but the BBC is remaining tight-lipped on the other two.
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One is completely new, and the other is an old fan favourite. A throwback to the 90s series, perhaps?
Show hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh have given their verdicts.
Bradley teased: “We’ve got three new events that really raise the stakes, testing both the Gladiators and Contenders in completely different ways.”
He added: “There are definitely a few surprises in store, with some unbelievable edge of your seat moments.”
His co-host and son Barney has also shared his thoughts: “We have two brand new events for this series which were so thrilling to watch in the arena, I think the viewers are going to love them,” he said.
“One really tests both the Gladiator and Contender strength, the other is the perfect event for when you need to let out some aggression and release your energy… I’m looking at you, Viper.
“We also have a third event which is the return of an original and I think people will be glad to have it back.”
Bradley and Barney’s TV reunion
This will be the third series of Gladiators Bradley and Barney have presented together. And they couldn’t be more thrilled about reuniting on screen.
Speaking about working with his son again, Bradley said: “Seeing the Gladiators push themselves, seeing the Contenders push themselves, the crowd going wild, and doing it all with Barney by my side is just brilliant.
“We have an absolute blast every time we’re in the arena.”
Barney has shared his dad’s sentiments. He added: “I absolutely love everything about it – the Contenders giving it their all, the Gladiators going full throttle, and the crowd in the arena are always absolutely buzzing.
“Being part of that, and doing it alongside my Dad, makes it really special. It’s loud, fun, and just a brilliant show to be part of.”
What time is Gladiators on?
The brand new series of Gladiators kicks off this Saturday (January 17, 2026). The show starts at 5.45pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Fans can enjoy a full hour of action from Sheffield Arena, with the show ending at 6.45pm.
This series sees the return of Nitro – real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Nitro had to bow out of series 2 after suffering a painful knee injury, which he has now thankfully recovered from.
Also showcasing their strength and muscles this series are; Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper (booo to the last one!).
Gladiators, ready? Viewers, ready? Hell yeah!
Read more: Gladiators’ Legend: Is Matt Morsia married and does he have kids?
