The Gladiators reboot was a huge hit, so it’s no surprise that TV bosses are making a Gladiators celebrity special.
Gladiators made an explosive return to our screens with 16 new stars as the BBC breathed new life into the 1990s ITV reality series. Fans quickly began to notice the “new” Jet and Wolf among the 2024 Gladiators lineup.
Hot on the heels of the celebrity special news are already rumors about the stars TV bosses are eyeing for the show. We take a look at all the stars rumored to be starring in the Gladiators celebrity special.
Read more: Will Gladiators return for a second series?
So far, Davina McCall, Mark Wright and Spencer Matthews have been sought after by the show. Christine Lampard said all the stars will be “brilliant” on the show when discussing the Gladiators celebrity special for Lorraine.
Yahoo News has contacted the BBC for further comment.
When will the Gladiators celebrity special be released?
The celebrity spinoff of Gladiators doesn’t have a release date yet. However, with the first series not ending until March 2024, it’s likely we won’t see the Gladiators celebrity special until the end of the year at the earliest.
In April 2024, executive producer and managing director of Hungry Bear Media, Dan Baldwin, who is Holly Willoughby’s husband, made the announcement on BBC Radio 4. He said: “I can reveal that we will be making a celebrity film special.”
He added: “You’re always watching old shows that aren’t on TV anymore. You’re always coming up with new ways to bring a show back. It is no exaggeration to say that the response to Gladiators has been phenomenal.”
Baldwin continued, “The episodes are filled with drama, thrilling action and tremendous emotion. Series 2 will see the show go from strength to strength. We have some amazing surprises for the fans.”
Who stars in the Gladiators celebrity special?
The full cast for the Gladiators celebrity spin-off has yet to be revealed. However, there is talk of the stars TV bosses would like to sign up for the show.
Davina McCall
At 56, McCall is a fitness icon, so she’d be great for the Gladiators’ special stars. McCall is also a fan of the show and admitted she would love to host it. Before Gladiators returned to our screens, she had tweeted: “Begsy presents it.”
Within a week of the special being officially announced, The Masked Singer star was attached to the show. A source told The Sun: “Davina is in incredible shape and already seems very keen to take part, even though previously she was only talking about lending her presenting skills.”
However, those who know and love McCall won’t be surprised by the rumors. The TV presenter keeps in shape with her various exercises from pilates, running and boxing to weight gloves. She never fails to impress fans as she often shares bikini photos on her Instagram.
Last year, McCall opened up about her penchant for fitness and staying motivated. She told The Mirror: “I just put on workout clothes because it means I’m always ready. If I start my day in civilian clothes, I won’t work out, that will never happen.
“If I’m in my training gear and it’s 3pm, I’m thinking, come on, again! My lycra is like my work clothes, so I spend money on lycra like other people would spend money on a work suit.”
Mark Wright
When he’s not performing, you’ll find Mark Wright training or in the gym. His Instagram is full of photos of the 37-year-old training. It’s no wonder TV bosses are reportedly keen on signing him to the Gladiators for the celebrity special.
The TV host, who is married to Netflix’s Fool Me Once actor Michelle Keegan, even helped his friend and co-star former The Only Way Is Essex star James Argent lose weight. Last year, Wright opened up about why staying in shape is really important to him and how it makes him feel personally.
He told breakingnews.ie: “Staying on top of your fitness game and your physical health is so important for your mental health too. For me, if I don’t work out and eat well and feel good, mentally I don’t feel good. The workouts keep me so straight and narrow.”
Spencer Matthews
Matthews has been on an incredible fitness journey in recent years. He is now linked with the Gladiators special with bosses reportedly keen to sign him up for the show.
A source told The Sun he wanted Wright and Matthews for the show: “As for the boys, the producers like the idea of bringing the boys in to see if their gym-toned muscles are just for show or if they have real muscles.”
Last year, the reality TV star said his “life was spinning out of control” during Made In Chelsea, days before he had a regular fitness regime. He wrote on Instagram: “It was during Made In Chelsea and I had a drinking problem. I drank to excess almost every day and had a delusional sense of grandeur. I was uncomfortable in my own skin and changing seemed like too much of an effort
The father, who is married to Vogue Williams, explained how he changed his life for the better with fitness. He added on social media: “10 years later I have embraced a different lifestyle and have self-discipline and purpose. I worked out religiously, lifted weights three times a week, ran, didn’t drink, and took care of my health.
“Routine, a clear plan and consistency are important. Your goals will not be achieved on their own. I used to get out of breath going up a flight of stairs.”
Who Will Host the Gladiators Celebrity Special?
Gladiators, which is filmed in Sheffield and airs on BBC One on Saturday nights, is hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh.
Although the duo became an instant hit with audiences, it is not clear whether they will be back in the lead in the second series of the show or in this recently announced celebrity special.
That said, given the show’s success, it would be a surprise if the Walshes didn’t return.
Celebrity film Gladiators is coming soon to BBC One and iPlayer.
