Gladiators hosts confirmed as The Chases Bradley Walsh and son Barney
Bradley Walsh and his son Barney have finally been confirmed as the new hosts for rebooted show Gladiator, after months of speculation surrounding their involvement in the 'superhuman' competition.
The Chase presenter, 62, and his budding actor son, 25, will be tag teaming the presenting duties as the '90s game show is brought back to life by the BBC this summer.
Previously hosted by Ulrika Jonsson over two decades ago, the weekly TV event ran from 1992 until 2000 and saw athletic fans battle as Contenders against the show's resident team of 'superhuman' Gladiators, in challenges of speed, strength and stamina.
The BBC confirmed the news on Wednesday after a wave of speculation, sharing that there was a connection behind the casting decision.
The pair are no strangers to the show and even used to visit the original set as Donna Walsh, Bradley's wife and Barney's mother, was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders on the previous series.
Not only has Bradley visited the show, but he even took part in the Celebrities vs Jockeys special episode which broadcast in 1997.
Speaking on the new gig, Bradley said: “Wow! I can’t believe that I’ve been asked to be part of this iconic show. I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to co-host a new version of GLADIATORS!!! Saturday night family entertainment at its best…ARE YOU READY?!“
While his son echoed: “Gladiators has been a massive part of our family and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this iconic show.
“I’m so excited for everyone to see the spectacle, elite athletes and fantastic family entertainment that is Gladiators.”
Barney and Bradley will be quite comfortable being alongside one another on screen, after filming two series of their joint travel show Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad.
Gladiators confirmed last summer that it would be returning this year for an 11-part-series – with filming taking place in the Utilita Arena Sheffield .
The series, which will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, will include new games alongside classic challenges – with each episode ending with fan favourite, gruelling obstacle course The Eliminator.
At the time, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, said: “Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other."
Those hopeful to see the action in person can even apply for free tickets to the arena during filming.
It was previously reported that the father-son duo would take to the show's helm, with Bradley brushing off the claims in October by saying he had "no idea" about who is hosting the revival.
READ MORE:
– Click here for today's top showbiz news
– IAC camp split into two teams in major twist that will pit them against each other
– Sheridan Smith lands role in bestselling thriller adaptation The Castaways
– Strictly's Kai and Nadiya on marriage and baby plans: 'We're focused on our work'
– Joel Dommett and wife Hannah Cooper announce they’re expecting first child in sweet post
Source: Read Full Article