What time does Gladiators start today? BBC start time and new event Destruction explained
The start time for the next episode of Gladiators has been confirmed! 👀📺
- Gladiators is back for a brand new series in 2026.
- Even more challengers will take on the Saturday Night Superheroes.
- But when can you watch the latest episode?
It would not be a Saturday night in winter without Gladiators. The BBC has revived the iconic family-friendly game show for a whole new generation.
Now in its fourth series, even more challengers will be stepping into the arena looking to prove themselves against the Gladiators! This year’s crop of contestants will face a brand new event in a shake-up.
But when can you expect the next episode? Here’s all you need to know:
What time does Gladiators start today?
Since it was revived in 2024, the show has become a favourite with viewers both old and young. Fortunately, it once again has a very family-friendly early evening spot on BBC One.
The show’s newest season started last week (January 17) and it will continue to air weekly on Saturdays - including today (January 24). Gladiators is set to start at 5.45pm and will run for an hour.
Viewers can watch it live on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The episode (and all the previous ones) will be available to watch on demand via the catch-up service as well.
Who are the presenters on Gladiators?
Once again, the 2026 series is hosted by father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh. They will be overseeing all the action as challenges take on the eponymous Gladiators.
Viewers will recognise Bradley from The Chase, Doctor Who, Coronation Street, and more. Speaking about the new season, he said: “I love the sheer energy of it. Gladiators is big, loud, and proper family entertainment - there’s nothing else like it.
“Seeing the Gladiators push themselves, seeing the Contenders push themselves, the crowd going wild, and doing it all with Barney by my side is just brilliant. We have an absolute blast every time we’re in the arena.”
Alongside appearing with his dad in Gladiators and other shows, Barney has also had roles in Law and Order: UK, Casualty, and Doctors. On the new series, he said: “I absolutely love everything about it - the Contenders giving it their all, the Gladiators going full throttle, and the crowd in the arena are always absolutely buzzing.
“Being part of that, and doing it alongside my Dad, makes it really special. It’s loud, fun, and just a brilliant show to be part of.”
Who are the Gladiators in 2026?
Plenty of familiar faces are returning to the arena for this new season of Gladiators. It includes:
- Apollo
- Athena
- Bionic
- Comet
- Cyclone
- Diamond
- Dynamite
- Electro
- Fire
- Fury
- Giant
- Hammer
- Legend
- Nitro
- Phantom
- Sabre
- Steel
- Viper
How does the new event work for 2026?
Destruction is fast and fierce, pitting two Contenders against one Gladiator in a no-holds-barred race of raw power. The battle? Each player charges down their own lane, facing four gigantic 8ft barriers, the first to smash through and slam the final button wins.
The four brutal barriers must be conquered differently: some smashed through with sheer body power, another obliterated with a battering ram, and one conquered by climbing.
No tricks or shortcuts. Just strength, speed and total Destruction.
Remind yourself which celebrities took part in the Gladiators Christmas special last year. See the full line-up.