New Gladiator rumoured to be joining BBC show is ‘revealed’

The show will be returning next year, with contestants once again taking on the iconic Gladiators in various challenges to be crowned champion.

And it is rumoured that there will be a new face joining the team of athletes, replacing an outgoing star.

New Gladiator rumoured to be joining BBC show ‘revealed’

Bodybuilder and fitness instructor Ahmad Rabus, 37, has been cast on the BBC show, according to The Sun.

A source told the publisher: “Gladiators bosses loved Ahmad’s energy and positivity, they think he will be a great addition to the team.

“There are also rumours that there could be a few other newbies joining the gang.”

It is not confirmed what the fitness instructor’s Gladiator name will be.

He will replace Jamie Bigg, who was known as Giant, who will not return for a new series.

Bigg said he was told not to return to the BBC show after plans to make his relationship with his partner, a creator on adult content site OnlyFans, public.

He posted on Instagram that he would be stepping down due to a “choice” that did not align with his values, and that his departure was not a decision he made.

In a statement to the Press Association, he said: “I made it clear that I was planning to go public with my relationship, including the fact my partner works as an OnlyFans creator, and shortly after that I was told I wouldn’t be continuing on Gladiators.

“It wasn’t something I expected, especially given the commitment I’ve shown to the role.

“I’ve always taken being in the public eye seriously, and I believe being a role model is about honesty as well as professionalism.

“For me, that means not hiding parts of who I am or the people I care about.

“My partner is an incredible person, and I have huge respect for everything she does – I’m proud to stand by her.

“I’m grateful to the BBC and everyone involved in the show for the opportunity and the experiences I’ve had.

“Now, my focus is on the future.

“I’m excited for what’s next and ready to move into a new chapter, both personally and professionally.”

A Gladiators spokesperson said: “After three formidable series, Giant is leaving Gladiators.

“We’d like to thank him for everything he has contributed to the show and wish him well for the future.”

The BBC declined to comment on the rumours of his replacement.

Gladiators to return for new series in 2027

Gladiators will return to screens in 2027 after the BBC confirmed the show would be back for a fourth series.

It will be filmed once again at Sheffield Arena, with presenters Bradley and Barney Walsh returning.

Bradley and son Barney Walsh present the reboot of the iconic series (Image: BBC / Graeme Hunter / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)

A new celebrity special will also be recorded as part of the upcoming series, with four celebrities set to take on the Gladiators.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, said: “Since Gladiators burst back onto screens in 2024, it’s been amazing to see families across the UK rally behind the contenders and champion our phenomenal Gladiators as the true stars of Saturday nights.

“With a brand-new series confirmed and another celebrity special on the way, audiences can look forward to even more colossal clashes, even more edge-of-your-seat excitement, and plenty of opportunities to raise those foam fingers high once again.”

Iconic games like Duel, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator will return, alongside last year’s popular additions Everest, Destruction, and Suspension Bridge.

A new event will also be introduced, with details to be revealed soon.

The show has continued to be a ratings hit, drawing an average of 4.6 million viewers across 28 days on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and remains especially popular with younger audiences.

Who is your favourite Gladiator? Let us know in the comments.