The iconic sports entertainment show Gladiators has once again proved its legendary status, following a hugely successful return to Utilita Arena Sheffield for the filming of Series 3, including an all-new Celebrity Special, set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Production began transforming the Arena into a giant television studio in June, before hosting 12 action-packed shows across July and August. More than 40,000 fans filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere as Contenders went head-to-head with the mighty Gladiators in epic battles for glory.

Proudly recognised as the home of Gladiators, Utilita Arena Sheffield provided the perfect stage for the spectacle — and fans embraced it in full force. Nearly 12,000 foam fingers were sold across four colours (with red taking the crown at 3,932!), alongside 3,000+ youth t-shirts and 4,667 official programmes, underlining the show’s huge popularity.

Series 3 raises the stakes even higher, introducing bigger battles, brand-new events and a star-studded Celebrity Special featuring Joe Wicks MBE, Sam Thompson, Nicola Adams OBE and Vogue Williams, all stepping into the Gladiator gauntlet. Fan favourites including Apollo, Sabre, Electro and Giant returned, joined by a new wave of fearless contenders ready to take on the challenge.

Let’s take a look back at what it takes to bring Gladiators to life:

🏗️ 18-day transformation into the Gladiators TV set
💪 7 days of Contender and Gladiator training
📄 4 days of show rehearsals
🎥 12 action-packed shows across 11 filming days
✨ 40,000 fans through our doors
☝️ Nearly 12,000 foam fingers sold
⚒️ 3 days of show de-rigging
⏰ Countless hours from our incredible Arena team, working alongside BBC and Hungry Bear Media to deliver another unforgettable series

Following the success of Series 2, which attracted 5.3 million viewers and became the most-watched Saturday night series on BBC iPlayer, it was no surprise the BBC returned to Sheffield, further cementing the city’s status as the spiritual home of Gladiators.

Gladiators Series 3 returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 17 January from 5.45pm, with Series 1 and 2 available to stream now on BBC iPlayer. Broadcast details for the Celebrity Special will be announced soon.

Bigger. Bolder. Stronger than ever, Gladiators is back.