Gladiators BBC reboot rakes in a whopping 6.4 MILLION viewers for its first episode… 24 years after ITV cancelled show

Hit 1990s show Gladiators returned to British TV screens on Saturday, 24 years after the last series.

And people flocked to watch the BBC’s reboot, with the debut episode attracting a whopping 6.4 million viewers.

The popular game show, which originally aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000, pits contestants against highly trained athletes called ‘gladiators’ in grueling physical challenges.

According to BBC ratings, an average audience of 6 million people, with a peak of 6.4 million, tuned in to see how the contenders fared against the new superhuman gladiators: Fury, Apollo, Fire, Legend, Dynamite, Giant , Sabre, Steel, Electro, Phantom, Athena, Nitro, Diamond and Viper.

The opening show saw contenders Finley, Myles, Kerry and Tascha take on the fearsome Gladiators in classic events such as Duel and Hang Tough, as well as new events The Ring and Collision.

Originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson, the reboot was filmed at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena and presented by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney

Viewers went wild as they did got a blast from the past when the opening credits sounded, with the original theme tune starting to roll at 5:50 p.m.

One excited viewer even said it felt like “1995 all over again.”

Originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson, the reboot was filmed at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena and presented by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney.

But despite new presenters, many praised the broadcaster for keeping the show close to the original format.

The first of the eleven episodes viewers have found take a trip down memory lane, with some getting very nostalgic and calling for other popular shows to come back, including Blind Date and Noel’s House Party.

One viewer who went to X wrote: ‘I can’t deny that I’m enjoying the new Gladiators show. Very similar to the classic 90’s show. However, no one will be able to match Jet.’

A second said: ‘I’ve always watched the original. I thought this would be the worst, given the way some media outlets were talking about it. No, I look and feel like a child again.’

A third wrote: ‘Well done to the BBC for not messing with the format of #gladiators. this was a fantastic first episode!!”

As BBC Gladiators made a triumphant return to television on Saturday night, fans went wild for the new reboot as they reminisced

One viewer who went to X wrote: ‘I can’t deny that I’m enjoying the new Gladiators show. Very similar to the classic 90’s show. However, no one will be able to match Jet

As the opening credits started, viewers felt like they had gotten a blast from the past, saying it felt like “1995 all over again.”

But the show was thrown into turmoil when a contestant suffered a serious knee injury, prompting emergency medical attention and a shock cancellation of the show.

Featured was athlete Finley who took on the Gauntlet challenge, which required participants to navigate through four zones guarded by Gladiators within a 30-second time frame.

Despite initially appearing confident, Finley suffered a horrific knee injury while facing Viper, Phantom, Steel and Apollo.

In obvious pain, Finley was seen limping and covering his face, forcing a stop in play, but he was determined to return, saying, “I twisted my knee down there, so I don’t know.” I felt something go, but this isn’t the end, this won’t be the last time you see me.

“I’ll go back and recover and we’ll see what more I can give.

“This isn’t the last of me. No chance! No prayer!’

Despite new presenters in the form of funnyman Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, many praised the broadcaster for keeping the show close to its original format.

Contestant Finley took on the Gauntlet Challenge, which required participants to navigate four zones guarded by Gladiators within a time frame, but suffered a horrific knee injury

The original cast from 1998 (Back row – left to right: Warrior, Raider, Hunter, Saracen, Trojan. Second row – left to right: Falcon, Rhino, Cobra, Nightshade, Wolf, Panther. Front row – left to right: Amazon, Vogue, Lightning, Jet, Zodiac)

After receiving medical attention backstage, Finley was cleared for the next challenge, but scored no points against Legend.

Undeterred, he emphasized his resilience, saying: “It’s pretty much just that, but no matter how many times I get knocked down, I always get back up.”

And he got up again, as Finley went on to secure a spot in the quarterfinals by defeating The Eliminator.

Reflecting on his experiences, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to try again.

He said: ‘I’m glad I persevered and put on a show for everyone here and everyone watching at home.’