In a dazzling return to the small screen, the iconic British television show “Gladiators” is back, promising excitement, action, and a healthy dose of adrenaline. Barney, the co-host of the new series, sat down with us to share his thoughts on this much-anticipated revival.
“It’s going to be very, very exciting,” Barney exclaimed, his enthusiasm palpable. “I’m thrilled that Gladiators is coming back, and hosting it with Dad was incredible.”
The new series pays homage to the original, capturing the essence that made it a pillar of British television culture. Barney is particularly excited about the show’s generational appeal, noting, “What I love is that we’re now at a point where the people who watched Gladiators when they were younger are now grown up and have children of their own, so it’s a real generational family event.”
When asked about his motivation to be part of the show, Barney expressed deep respect, saying, “It’s such a pillar of British television culture, it was such a massive thing back in the day, and to be asked to be a part of it is an honour for me.”
Filming the series with his father brought a ton of funny moments. “It’s great working with Dad, because when we’re together we just have a laugh. We’re mates first and foremost, so we just have fun with it and are always cracking jokes.”
The electrifying atmosphere of filming in front of a live audience in Sheffield left a lasting impression on Barney. “I didn’t expect the atmosphere to be the way it was coming out onto the stage. That’s a vivid memory for me, walking out the first time because 3,500 people is a massive number.”
Reflecting on the original Gladiators, Barney revealed his favorite, “Wolf definitely! He was so menacing, and such a baddie, and I love that. We do have characters like that in the new Gladiators, one of them being Viper, he’s a real baddie.”
The set itself left Barney awe-struck. “I was absolutely blown away because it just looks magnificent walking out there and seeing it even just the colour contrast of the blues and the reds, that colour scheme in general is just so exciting to me.”
Discussing the games, Barney shared, “I don’t really have a fear of heights, so I think The Edge would be one that I’d like. Imagine a game like British bulldog but it’s suspended up in the air and if you fall you land into a net – that sounds like my cup of tea!”
While contemplating competition with the Gladiators, Barney admitted, “I wouldn’t want to go up against Nitro in anything speed intensive, he would be tough to beat on The Wall because he’s very quick.”
On a lighter note, when asked who would win between Bradley and Barney, Barney chuckled, “On Duel, Dad would definitely cheat, even though you’re not allowed to poke with the pugil sticks, he’d just start poking and he would win through cheating.”
As the conversation wrapped up, Barney offered a glimpse of what viewers can expect from the new series. “Excitement, action, adrenaline, it’s going to be an amazing show. We’ve put so much into it and it’s just spectacular, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. For me and Dad, it’s been a real honour to be able to host this show and to bring Gladiators back to Britain.”
The return of Gladiators promises to be a thrilling adventure, blending nostalgia with fresh excitement for both new and returning fans. The arena awaits, and the battles are set to begin anew.
Gladiators will go on the first whistle on Saturday 13 January 2024 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
