Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh are set to host the ‘Gladiators’ reboot.
Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh are set to host the Gladiators reboot
The father and son duo are expected to front the BBC revamp of the 90s Saturday night classic - which was presented by Ulrika Jonsson, alongside John Fashanu and Jeremy Guscott, during its original run - when it returns to screens next year.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s TV Biz column: “The BBC love the idea of having a unique duo fronting 'Gladiators' and that’s what hiring a father and son gives them.
“It’s certainly a break from the presenters the show had previously."
BBC bosses are said to be big fans of the ‘The Chase’ presenter, 62, and his 24-year-old son’s “great dynamic”.
The insider added: “They already know they have a great dynamic, thanks to appearing together on their travelogue, ‘Breaking Dad’, as well as drama, ‘The Larkins’."
Last month, the BBC confirmed 'Gladiators' - which was originally broadcast from 1992 to 2000 - would be returning to TV.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Head 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. Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out!”
Dan Baldwin, the managing director of Hungry Bear, their production partner, added: “It’s the perfect time for 'Gladiators' to return. What other show combines electric excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes, and a pinch of pantomime?”
The 'Gladiators' format was brought back in a short lived run on Sky One from 2008 and 2009, with Ian Wright and Kirsty Gallacher co-hosting.
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