Gladiators: A look back at series 3
The final took place on Saturday 28th March
Last updated 7 hours ago
Following the second celebrity special in December, the third series of Gladiators returned on Saturday 17th January, continuing with episodes every Saturday. The final took place on Saturday 28th March, and saw four finalists going head-to-head to take home the Gladiators trophy.
This year's finalists were: Tyler Spence and Josh McDonald, and Naomi Church and Emily Bell. Find out more about the third series and who won.
Who were the contenders?
Below is the list of series 3 contenders. Unfortunately in the first Quarter Final Mark injured his knee meaning Josh (the fastest runner up) took over from him.
Then, in the first Semi Final, Mo injured himself falling off Everest, meaning Tyler took over from him, going on to win the Eliminator.
Heat One: Finn (winner), Josh, Rachael, Naomi (winner)
Heat Two: Mark (winner), Jason, Gail, Emily (winner)
Heat Three: Elliot, Tyler (winner), Ellie (winner), Millie
Heat Four: Shaun, Hinley (winner), Ella (winner), Ciara
Heat Five: Mo (winner), Sid, Helena (winner), Nikki
Quarter Final 1: Mark/Josh (winner), Tyler, Ellie, Naomi (winner)
Quarter Final 2: Mo, Shaun (winner), Helena, Millie (winner)
Quarter Final 3: Finn (winner), Hinley, Ella (winner), Emily
Semi Final 1: Mo/Tyler (winner), Finn, Ella, Naomi (winner)
Semi Final 2: Shaun and Josh (winner), Millie, Emily (winner)
Grand Final: Tyler and Josh (winner), Naomi and Emily (winner)
Who won series 3 of Gladiators?
After several rounds and a tense eliminator, Josh and Emily were crowned winners of this year's series.
When was it on TV?
The third series of Gladiators began at 5.45pm on Saturday 17th January 2026, and continued with new episodes every Saturday night.
The exciting news was announced on social media, alongside the caption: 'Fast. Fierce. Unstoppable. The wait is nearly over… Are you ready? 💪💥
'Brand New Gladiators - Sat 17th Jan. 5.45pm BBC One and @bbciplayer' . (sic)
The final episode took place at 5.45pm on Saturday 28th March.
What channel was it on?
Series three was on BBC One. You can watch all previous episodes on BBC iPlayer now.
Were there any new events?
Yes, there were. There were three new events in series three. There were two brand new events, Everest and Destruction, and returning 90s classic Suspension Bridge.
How many episodes?
Series three was made up of 11 episodes.
Who was hosting?
Father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh hosted the show again.
When was the filming?
Filming took place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield in July 2025.
Will there be another series of Gladiators?
Confirming a new series on Tuesday 24th June 2025, Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said: “Audiences have loved getting together to watch our mighty Gladiators take on contenders from all across the UK with younger fans especially excited to cheer on their Saturday night superheroes. With this brand-new series and another Celebrity Special confirmed there will be even more epic battles, more high-octane action and of course even more foam fingers than ever before for everyone to look forward to!”
Dan Baldwin, Managing Director of Hungry Bear Media added: “We have been absolutely blown away by the reception Gladiators has received from families up and down the country. It has become a HUGE part of Saturday night viewing on the BBC. We are extremely excited to deliver another series, so expect even more spandex, hairspray, protein shakes and fake tan this summer in Sheffield!”
How to apply
Applications are now open for the next series of Gladiators, closing on 31st May 2026.
Who are the Gladiators?
Series three features Fire, Hammer, Legend, Comet, Dynamite, Apollo, Sabre, Nitro, Giant, Cyclone, Fury, Viper, Athena, Steel, Diamond, Bionic, Phantom and Electro.
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