Gladiators BBC reboot rakes in a whopping 6.4 MILLION viewers for its first episode... 24 years after ITV cancelled show

Hit 1990s show Gladiators returned to British TV screens on Saturday, 24 years after its last series.

And people came out in force to watch the BBC reboot – with its debut episode attracting a whopping 6.4million viewers.

The popular game show, which was originally broadcast on ITV from 1992 to 2000, sees contestants battle highly trained athletes called ‘gladiators’ in gruelling physical challenges.

According to BBC ratings, an average audience of 6million, with a peak of 6.4million, tuned in to see how the contenders fared against the new superhuman Gladiators –  Fury, Apollo, Fire, Legend, Dynamite, Giant, Sabre, Steel, Electro, Phantom, Athena, Nitro, Diamond and Viper.

The opening show saw contenders Finley, Myles, Kerry and Tascha take on the fearsome Gladiators in classic events such as Duel and Hang Tough, as well as new events The Ring and Collision.

Hit 1990s show Gladiators returned to British TV screens on Saturday, 24 years after its last series (Pictured is gladiator Diamond)

Originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson , the reboot was filmed at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena and hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney

Viewers went wild as they received a blast from the past when the opening credits, with the original theme tune started rolling at 5.50pm.

One excited viewer even said it felt like ‘1995 all over again’.

Originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson, the reboot was filmed at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena and hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney.

But despite new hosts, many praised the broadcaster for keeping the show close to the original format.

The first of the 11-episodes found viewers take a trip down memory lane, with some getting very nostalgic, calling for other popular shows to come back, including Blind Date and Noel’s House Party.

Taking to X one viewer wrote: ‘Can’t deny that I’m enjoying the new Gladiators show. Very similar to the 90s classic show. No one will be able to rival Jet though’.

A second said: ‘Used to watch the original. Thought this would be the worst with how some media talked about it. Nah am watching and feeling like a kid again.’

A third penned: ‘Well done to the BBC for not messing around with the format of #gladiators. this has been a fab first episode!!’

As BBC Gladiators made a triumphant return to Saturday night telly, fans went wild for the new reboot as they  took trips down memory lane

Taking to X one viewer wrote: ‘Can’t deny that I’m enjoying the new Gladiators show. Very similar to the 90s classic show. No one will be able to rival Jet though

When the opening credits started, viewers felt like they had received a blast from the past with stating that it felt like ‘1995 all over again’

But the show was thrown into turmoil when a contestant experienced a serious knee injury, prompting urgent medical attention and a shocking halt to the show.

Featured was athlete Finley taking on the Gauntlet challenge, where participants had to navigate four zones guarded by Gladiators within a 30-second time frame.

Despite initially appearing confident, Finley suffered a horrifying knee injury while facing Viper, Phantom, Steel, and Apollo.

In obvious pain, Finley was seen limping and covering his face, which forced the game to stop, but he expressed determination to return, stating: ‘Twisted my knee down there so I don’t know. I felt something go, but this is not the end this won’t be the last time that you see me.

‘I’m going to go in the back and recover and we’ll see what else I can give.

‘This is not the last from me. Not a chance! Not a prayer!’

Despite new hosts, in the form of funny man Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, many praised the broadcaster for keeping the show close to the original format

Contestant Finley took on the Gauntlet challenge, where participants had to navigate four zones guarded by Gladiators within a time frame but suffered a horrific knee injury

The original cast in 1998 (Back row – left to right: Warrior, Raider, Hunter, Saracen, Trojan. Second row – left to right: Falcon, Rhino, Cobra, Nightshade, Wolf, Panther. Front row – left to right: Amazon, Vogue, Lightning, Jet, Zodiac)

After receiving medical attention backstage, Finley was cleared for the next challenge but failed to score any points against Legend.

Undeterred, he emphasised his resilience and said: ‘It’s just about put together, but no matter how many times I get knocked down I’ll always get back up.’

And get back up he did, as Finley then managed to secure a spot in the quarter-finals as he beat The Eliminator.

Reflecting on his experience, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have another go.

He said: ‘I’m glad I pushed through and put on a show for everyone here and everyone watching at home.’