Gladiators reboot ‘will begin filming in May 2023 – with hopefuls set for drugs tests first’

Production on the Gladiators reboot will allegedly begin in May 2023, with hopefuls set to undergo drugs tests as well as medical and background checks beforehand.

The BBC confirmed this summer that the show will make a comeback with an 11-episode series and will be welcoming a new generation of ‘superhumans’ who will compete against contestants in the ‘ultimate test of speed and strength’.

However, the broadcaster is keen to avoid another steroids scandal, according to reports, and is demanding applicants meet a very strict criteria before being cast.

Comeback: Production on the Gladiators reboot will allegedly begin in May 2023, with hopefuls set to undergo drugs tests as well as medical and background checks beforehand (cast pictured in 1995)

A source told The Sun: ‘They have their work cut out on this one because the type of eye-popping muscles they will want displayed on screen don’t just come from eating lettuce, chicken and protein shakes!’ 

According to the publication, a casting form asks: ‘Do you have a registered GP?’ before stating, ‘All Gladiators/contenders will be subject to routine drug testing prior (to) and during the series.’

It also reportedly questions, ‘Have you ever used performance enhancing drugs?’ before asking candidates to name an actor who would play them in a Hollywood movie.

Candidates are also asked to name their superpower as well as their ‘proudest achievement in life’, it has been claimed.

Oh dear: Producers’ fear over drugs stems from the original show’s involvement in a number of steroid and cocaine controversies (former star Warren Furman is pictured in the 90s)

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Producers’ fear over drugs stems from the original show’s involvement in a number of steroid and cocaine controversies.

Former star Warren Furman, who was better known as Ace, previously admitted he dabbled in banned steroids in a bid to bulk up and that he was warned by bosses he would be sacked if he didn’t stop.

Hawk, real name Aleks Georgijev, has also confessed to taking the drug while Cobra (Michael Wilson) alleged bosses ‘turned a blind eye’ when Shadow (Michael Jefferson King) developed a drug addiction.

Wow! Hawk, real name Aleks Georgijev, has also confessed to taking the drug

He said: ‘They knew he was doing cocaine and steroids for six months and they turned a blind eye to it.’

Eventually, in 2021, a 60-year-old Michael was jailed for more than six years for his role in drug-fuelled blackmail plot after holding a victim captive and demanding £1,000 from his family to let him go.

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. 

The programme, originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu, will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and feature a host of new games alongside the classic challenges that long-time fans will know and love.  

Each show will end with the ultimate fan favourite challenge – the intense obstacle course known as The Eliminator.

The rebooted programme will be filmed at Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023, while the new hosts have yet to be announced.

At its peak, Gladiators drew huge audiences to its Saturday evening ITV slot as the famous call of ‘Contenders Ready? Gladiators Ready?’ echoed across TV screens.

Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, said of the reboot: ‘Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other.  

‘Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out.’

The new series is to be made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK. 

Scot Cru, executive vice president of global formats and Unscripted Content for MGM Television, adding: ‘Gladiators is a format that resonates with viewers worldwide.

‘We are thrilled to bring this revered series to the BBC and can’t wait to introduce our UK Gladiators.’

Dan Baldwin, managing director of Hungry Bear, said of the show’s big comeback: ‘It’s the perfect time for Gladiators to return.  

‘What other show combines electric excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes, and a pinch of pantomime?

‘Watch out for the new breed of superhuman, supersized, superstars bursting on to your screens on BBC One and iPlayer.’

The classic show, originally aired on ITV, made household names of the Gladiators including Wolf, Jet, Lightening, Nightshade, Hunter and Warrior.

The format – which originated in the US – was recreated in Australia, South Africa, Russia, Finland, Germany, Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden.  

The series was watched by over 14 million viewers and gruff referee John Anderson – known for his catchphrase ‘Contenders Ready? Gladiators Ready?’ – was on hand to keep the Gladiators and contestants in check.

But the show was axed in 1999 after it lost over half its viewers in later series dropping to six million.

It has seen many spin-offs and was briefly revived by Sky One in 2009, but only lasted two series.

Battle: The series has seen many spin-offs and was briefly revived by Sky One in 2009, but only lasted one series