Gladiators reveals its new celebrity contenders for 2026

Celebrities, READY?

BBC One has confirmed which four celebrities will be taking part in the next Gladiators: Celebrity Special. Stepping out into the arena to the roar of the Sheffield crowd for the very first time will beAJ Odudu, Chris Ramsey, George Clarke, and Sara Pascoe.

Gladiators: Celebrity Special will see the fearless four put their skill, power and agility to the test as they take on the ultimate prime time powerhouses, the Gladiators. These brave celebrities will battle through fan favourite events such as Duel, Unleash and Powerball, before going head-to-head in the iconic Eliminator. Who will have the will and the skill to emerge victorious?

On taking part in Gladiators, AJ Odudu said "I am stepping inside the TV to do the show I wanted to do as a kid, it’s so exciting."

To which Chris Ramsey added "As someone who religiously watched Gladiators as a kid, it’s beyond incredible to be taking part in the show myself! However, a large part of me does wish it could have been while I was in my 20’s and not 40… but there you go. I’m looking forward to the challenge, the excitement, the crowd and going head-to-head with the Gladiators and the inevitable months of rehab and physiotherapy that will no doubt follow."

On his decision to take part, George Clarke said "I was missing the BBC packing me into a small tight outfit, so Gladiators felt perfect! Unfortunately, I don’t think I can rely on a partner to carry me through this one. Might have to get training!"

To which Sara Pascoe added "Celebrity Gladiators is the ideal opportunity for me to live out my childhood dream of humiliating myself on national television."

Hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh will return with the titans of the arena as the Gladiators get ready to put the courageous celebrity Contenders through their paces, showcasing their speed, strength and charisma.

Made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, Gladiators: Celebrity Special is executive produced by Dan Baldwin, Lou Brown and Reshmi Bajnath for Hungry Bear, and Dom Bird for MGM Alternative UK.

Gladiators: Celebrity Special returns later this year on BBC One