Popular BBC show from schedules on Saturday in huge shake-up
Fans of the show Gladiators will have to wait an extra week for their next fix of the show, after the BBC pulled it from Saturday night schedules this week (February 8).
The change has been made to the schedule as the BBC will be airing football in the early evening. Coverage of the fourth round FA Cup match between Birmingham City and Newcastle United will air on BBC One from 5.30PM, with kick off 15 minutes later. The coverage finishes at 8.10PM, when Michael McIntyre's Big Show is scheduled.
ITV will also have a sports-focused Saturday night line-up, with two back to back Six Nations rugby matches dominating the schedule. Rugby fans will be able to watch coverage of Italy vs Wales from 1.45PM, then England vs France from 4.15PM, followed by The Masked Singer at 7PM.
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But Gladiators fans, and those who aren't so keen on sports, have been complaining on X about the changes. One user wrote: "No Gladiators on BBC One this Saturday? Instead it is pointless FA Cup. Not impressed, not everyone wants to watch football on a Saturday". Another complained about the many schedule changes caused by sports and suggested: "Have a separate channel for that s***e."
The BBC's reboot of Gladiators is based on the popular 90s TV show, where contenders bravely take on the Gladiators in a series of challenges. The show is presented by father son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, and so far is on its second season, with a third one confirmed as being commissioned.
The series has been a ratings hit for the BBC, with its first episode pulling in eight million viewers. On New Year's Day, the BBC aired a celebrity version of the show, with contestants including presenter Louise Minchin and comedian Rob Beckett taking on the Gladiators.
The reboot stars a 16-strong roster of Gladiators including bodybuilders, a former NFL player, athletes, boxers, and even former Commonwealth medallists. Throughout the show, the contestants challenge the Gladiators at events such as the Duel and the Ring, before facing off against each other in The Eliminator obstacle course.
Gladiators returns February 15, or you can stream previous episodes on BBC iPlayer.
