Gladiators series two: When does the competition show return? BBC confirms air date for new series

The revival of the hit 90s competition series become a huge hit for the BBC when it returned in 2024, drawing in almost nine million viewers. The show became the channel’s most successful family entertainment show launch in the last seven years.

The success of the show has seen the BBC commission a celebrity edition, due to air on New Years’ Day, with a second series on the way in 2025. Here’s everything we know so far about the new series.

When will Gladiator series two be on TV?

The BBC has confirmed that the new series of Gladiators will return to screens this month. Last year’s revival series premiered on January 13, so fans may have had a hunch that it was coming soon when teaser trailers began airing on TV.

Episode one of Gladiators series two will premiere at 5.50pm on Saturday, January 18. Each subsequent episode will air in a similar timeslot every Saturday night.

Which Gladiators are returning for series two?

The BBC previously announce that all gladiators from series one will be returning to take on the contenders for the new series. Those donning the famously metallic outfits once again are:

• Sabre
• Legend
• Phantom
• Diamond
• Viper
• Nitro
• Athena
• Bionic
• Giant
• Fire
• Electro
• Dynamite
• Comet
• Apollo
• Steel
• Fury

When is Celebrity Gladiators on TV?

Celebrity Gladiators will air at 6pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The celeb contestants include comedian Rob Beckett and actress Ellie Taylor, with broadcaster Louise Minchin, TV presenter Joel Dommett also taking on the challenge.

The celebrity special will be available on catch-up on the BBC iPlayer shortly after it airs live, with all previous episode from series one also available to watch now on the streaming service.