“Contender, ready! Gladiator ready!”. Those were the immortal words of referee John Anderson, who was famed for those calls when he assumed the role of referee on the hit TV show in the 1990s.
After a long hiatus, Gladiators could be returning to TV screens up and down the UK, as the BBC is reportedly going to give the classic programme a big reboot.
The show was a staple of Saturday night TV viewing, and there was something inherently exciting about contenders pitting their wits against the rather fearsome gladiators, where the likes of Wolf and Rhino attained legendary status.
There were plenty of physically exerting obstacles that tested the contenders, including the Gauntlet and Powerball, and it was a survival of the fittest style contest.
When it was initially aired on ITV, the Gladiators was immensely popular. At its peak between 1992 and 2000, the show raked in over 14 million viewers.
The original format is expected to be reprised, and as the show will be shot at Sheffield Arena, it could attract a throng of fans to catch the action.
Initially presented by Ulrika Jonsson, along with John Fashanu and Jeremy Guscott, the show had a brief comeback in 2008, but it lasted only two seasons.
But as part of a makeover by the BBC’s unscripted team, which is now headed up by Kate Phillips, they have big plans to make Gladiators a permanent fixture on the channel.
Gladiators has been an overwhelming success and it spawned spin-off series across the world. In countries, such as the USA, Finland, and South Africa, Gladiators resonated with TV audiences.
In being exported across the world, the Gladiators is one of those iconic TV shows that once it relaunches, it could be as popular the original show. Gladiators is just one of a few examples of TV shows that has provided a great source of entertainment, and TV shows in general, have inspired other industries, most notably digital casinos.
Indeed, TV shows have been a hallmark of some of the best slot titles served up by casinos online, and it enables gamblers to recreate a special atmosphere from the comfort of their own home playing titles with thunderous soundtracks and amazing graphics. Many of these fighter-style slots will also come attached with some great bonuses, such as free spins no wagering. This type of offer isn’t always common, but it is a great way for players to kickstart their betting experience with a casino.
The prospective return of Gladiators will delight many of its fans and it will be intriguing to see whether the new show stays true to the original. But if you are fast running out of things to watch on TV, then you may wish to give Gladiators a try.
