Bradley Walsh and his son Barney have been announced as the hosts of the BBC’s reboot of Gladiators.
The iconic sports show ran for eight seasons on ITV between 1992 and 2000, but now it’s set for an epic comeback on BBC One after two decades.
And on Wednesday (May 3) the BBC revealed that it’s father-son duo Bradley and Barney who are going to present it and bring their “charm, wit and on-screen chemistry” to the Gladiators arena when it returns.
READ MORE:Blankety Blank fans distracted by ‘handsome’ player as Bradley Walsh fumes at question
And it makes perfect sense, because Bradley’s wife Donna was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders on the original series, and both Bradley and Barney were regular visitors on set.
(Image: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
A statement from the BBC read: “Gladiators has always been a huge part of the Walsh family; Donna Walsh, Barney’s mum and Bradley’s wife, was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders on the original series.
If you can’t see the poll, click here
“Bradley, and a very young Barney were regular visitors on set, with Barney taking some of his first steps on the iconic arena floor. Not to be outdone, Bradley followed in his small son’s footsteps when he took part in a celebrities vs jockeys special, in 1997!”
The Chase host Bradley said of his new role: “Wow! I can’t believe that I’ve been asked to be part of this iconic show.
(Image: ITV)
“I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to co-host a new version of GLADIATORS!!! Saturday night family entertainment at its best…ARE YOU READY ?!“”
Son Barney added: “Gladiators has been a massive part of our family and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this iconic show. I’m so excited for everyone to see the spectacle, elite athletes and fantastic family entertainment that is GLADIATORS.”
(Image: BBC / Hungry Bear Media)
The 11-part series will see “a new generation of superhuman Gladiators compete against a brave set of contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength”.
The BBC added: “They will take part in a series of brand new games alongside classic challenges including fan-favourites Duel, Hang Tough and The Eliminator.”
The original programme was hosted by stars like Ulrika Jonsson and involved members of the public take on the show’s Gladiators in gruelling challenges.
READ NEXT:
For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
