Gladiators reboot ‘will begin filming in May 2023 – with hopefuls set for drugs tests first’
Production on the Gladiators reboot will reportedly begin in May 2023, with hopefuls undergoing drug tests as well as medical and background checks beforehand.
The BBC confirmed this summer that the show will return with an 11-episode series, welcoming a new generation of ‘superhumans’ who will compete against contestants in the ‘ultimate test of speed and strength’.
However, the broadcaster wants to avoid another steroids scandal, reportedly, and requires applicants to meet very strict criteria before being chosen.
Return: Production on the Gladiators reboot will reportedly begin in May 2023, with hopefuls undergoing drug tests as well as medical and background checks beforehand (cast shown in 1995)
said a source Sun: ‘They’ve got a lot of work on this because the kind of flashy muscles you’ll want to show off on screen doesn’t just come from eating lettuce, chicken and protein shakes!’
According to the publication, a casting form asks: ‘Do you have a registered GP?’ before affirming, “All gladiators/contestants will be subject to routine drug testing before (of) and during the series.”
He also reportedly asks: ‘Have you ever used performance-enhancing drugs?’ before asking the candidates to name an actor who would play them in a Hollywood movie.
Candidates are also asked to name their superpower, as well as their “proudest achievement in life”, it has been claimed.
OMG: The producers’ fear of drugs stems from the original show’s involvement in a series of steroids and cocaine controversies (former star Warren Furman appears in the ’90s).
The producers’ fear of drugs stems from the original show’s involvement in a series of steroid and cocaine controversies.
Former star Warren Furman, better known as Ace, previously admitted that he dabbled in banned steroids in an attempt to bulk up and was warned by bosses that he would be fired if he didn’t stop.
Hawk, whose real name is Aleks Georgijev, has also confessed to using the drug, while Cobra (Michael Wilson) alleged that the bosses “turned a blind eye” when Shadow (Michael Jefferson King) developed a drug addiction.
Wow! Hawk, whose real name is Aleks Georgijev, has also confessed to taking the drug.
He said: ‘They knew I was on cocaine and steroids for six months and they turned a blind eye.’
Finally, in 2021, Michael, 60, was Jailed for over six years for his role in a drug-fuelled blackmail plot after holding a victim captive and demanding £1,000 from his family to let him go.
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
Originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu, the show will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, featuring a host of new games alongside classic challenges longtime fans will know and love.
Each show will end with the ultimate fan-favorite challenge: the intense obstacle course known as The Eliminator.
The rebooted show will film at Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023, while new hosts have yet to be announced.
At its height, Gladiators drew huge audiences to its Saturday night ITV slot when the famous call for ‘Contenders Ready? Gladiators ready? echoed on television screens.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted programmes, said of the reboot: “Gladiators is back and a new generation of viewers can now look forward to seeing a Saturday night show like no other.”
‘Will the contenders have the will and skill to triumph against our powerful new gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out.
The new series will be made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK.
Scot Cru, Executive Vice President of Global Formats and Unscripted Content at MGM Television, added: ‘Gladiators is a format that resonates with viewers around the world.
“We are delighted to bring this revered series to the BBC and can’t wait to introduce our UK Gladiators.”
Dan Baldwin, Hungry Bear’s managing director, said of the show’s big return, “It’s the perfect time for Gladiators to return.”
‘What other show combines electric thrills, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes, and a dash of pantomime?
“Watch out for the new breed of oversized, superhuman superstars bursting onto your screens on BBC One and iPlayer.”
The classic show, originally broadcast on ITV, made household names out of the Gladiators, including Wolf, Jet, Lightening, Nightshade, Hunter and Warrior.
The format, which originated in the US, has been recreated in Australia, South Africa, Russia, Finland, Germany, Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden.
The series was watched by more than 14 million viewers and gruff referee John Anderson, known for his catchphrase ‘Contenders Ready? Gladiators ready? – was on hand to keep gladiators and contestants at bay.
But the show was dropped in 1999 after it lost more than half its viewers in subsequent series, falling to six million.
It has seen many spin-offs and was briefly revived by Sky One in 2009, but it only lasted for two series.
Battle – The series has seen many spin-offs and was briefly revived by Sky One in 2009, but it only lasted for one series.