GLADIATORS fans will really need to be ready for the new series, as BBC bosses have planned a super-sized return for the hit show.
I can reveal two new Gladiators have joined the pack for series two of the revived gameshow, boosting the squad to 18.
The extra muscle will be needed because I can also share that another game has been added — and viewers of a certain age will recognise it.
Execs on the BBC One show have brought back the legendary Atlaspheres, in which contenders take on the Gladiators while caged in a giant hamster ball.
A source said: “Atlaspheres is one of Gladiators’ most iconic games and was a real fan favourite in the Nineties.
“So when the cages were rolled out into Sheffield Arena this summer to film the game for the first time, the crowd erupted.
“Bosses know it’ll be a real blast from the past for older viewers, plus creates great telly for the new fans.”
In the game, a contender takes on two Gladiators as they try to roll their Atlasphere onto the scoring pods spaced across the arena floor.
Back in the day, smoke, light and sound signals were used to indicate a contender had hit the pod.
But it wasn’t without its casualties.
In 1992 Michael Ahearne, who played Warrior, had to be taken to hospital after busting his knee while playing the game.
The hunk, who needed surgery on the dislocated joint, said: “I was in tremendous pain when the accident occurred . . . I turned around and my knee stayed behind me.
“I thought I broke my leg at first when I heard the noise and I realised it was my knee that had dislocated.
“But it makes people realise what a tough game it is.”
I can’t wait.
CHANNEL 4 will shine fresh light on Nelson Mandela in a new three-part documentary.
It will explore how a fierce political struggle and cultural battle was waged to bring about his freedom in 1990 after 27 years behind bars in South Africa.
Free Nelson Mandela will air next year.
ITV has ordered a full series of You Bet! after the reboot proved worth the punt.
The first of two specials with hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern pulled in 4.1 million viewers earlier this month, with the second airing this Sunday.
The show challenges people to perform extraordinary feats while a panel of celebrities place bets.
A casting appeal ahead of filming next year reads: “Are you so skilled at your job you could turn it into a crazy You Bet! challenge? Could your speed, strength or memory help you win big?”
The Nineties throwback is the channel’s biggest entertainment launch for 16-34s since The 1% Club in April 2022.
I’m betting there will be a few series of this family fave.
COMEDY G’Wed, about a group of Liverpudlian teens, will return for series two and three on ITVX.
The debut has been streamed six million times and bagged actor Dylan Thomas Smith a nomination as Breakthrough Talent at this year’s Edinburgh TV Awards.
Filming will begin this summer.
JOOLS HOLLAND has a bumper line-up for his Annual Hootenanny on New Year’s Eve.
The show, from 11.30pm on BBC Two, will feature a mix of legends, new stars and artists who have had huge success this year.
Icons The Boomtown Rats, Kathy Sledge from Sister Sledge, Soft Cell’s Marc Almond and Roger Taylor of Queen are the biggies.
And of course Jools’ Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will help them all make sweet music.
Jools will count down the seconds to midnight for viewers to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.
