Gladiators line-up facing shake-up for new series

The new series of Gladiators could feature a noticeably different line-up, with Bionic and Athena expected to miss out after suffering injuries.

The BBC has confirmed that the revived Saturday night entertainment show will return for a fourth series in 2027, alongside a one-off celebrity special, with Bradley and Barney Walsh back as hosts.

However, reports have suggested Bionic, whose real name is Matty Campbell, and Athena, real name Karenjeet Kaur Bains, will not appear in the upcoming series. Bionic was injured during the Hang Tough challenge, while Athena suffered a serious knee injury and later underwent surgery which she continues to recover from.

There has already been change in the arena, with Jamie Bigg, who appeared as Giant, not returning for series four.

Three-time World's Strongest Man Tom Stoltman has since been announced as a new Gladiator, with more additions to the Gladiators line-up rumoured too.

Meanwhile, former England rugby union star and TV personality Joe Marler has been linked with a possible appearance on the show. Reports have suggested he could be joining as a Gladiator, rather than appearing as a celeb contender, although his involvement has not been officially confirmed and it remains unclear whether any appearance would be a guest role.

Newsround contacted the BBC and Joe Marler's publicist for comment.

The BBC press office said: "We do not comment on speculation."

Who would you like to see join the Glads line-up as a Gladiator? Let us know in the comments below.

Taking part in the Gladiators: Celebrity Special later this year are presenter AJ Odudu, comedian Chris Ramsey, YouTuber George Clarke, and comedian Sara Pascoe.

George Clarke who appeared on the last series of Strictly says: "I was missing the BBC packing me into a small tight outfit, so Gladiators felt perfect! Unfortunately, I don't think I can rely on a partner to carry me through this one. Might have to get training!"

Sara Pascoe says: "Celebrity Gladiators is the ideal opportunity for me to live out my childhood dream of humiliating myself on national television."

AJ Odudu says "I am stepping inside the TV to do the show I wanted to do as a kid, it's so exciting."

Chris Ramsey says "As someone who religiously watched Gladiators as a kid, it's beyond incredible to be taking part in the show myself! However, a large part of me does wish it could have been while I was in my 20's and not 40… but there you go."