BBC’s Gladiators is back for a new series this weekend, with stars Giant and Diamond appearing on BBC Breakfast to talk about what fans can expect
Giant and Diamond opened up about Gladiators series three on BBC Breakfast(Image: BBC screengrab)
Gladiators star Giant has spilled an “inside secret” ahead of the new series of the BBC show.
The rebooted series, which was revived in 2024 after its massive success in the 90s, is set to return for a third season this weekend, with Bradley Walsh and son Barney reprising their roles as hosts, reports the Daily Star.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast alongside fellow Gladiator Diamond on Friday (January 16), Giant hinted at “some good surprises” and shared a behind-the-scenes secret.
Speaking to hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, he revealed: “We had a little, I’m letting you into an inside secret this time. So the previous series we’ve been kept away from the contenders while they’re training. This time we’ve been allowed a little look while they’re training.”
Naga playfully responded with: “Oh, that’s not fair!” as Giant, whose real name is Jamie Christian-Johal, explained: “We’re sizing them up a little bit.”
Diamond chimed in, reminding everyone that “they’ve been able to watch us the last time,” leading Giant to agree that things were now “even”.
“There’s a few big guys, strong-looking girls,” he observed. “And then you think, right, he’s my target.”
Discussing this year’s contenders, Diamond, real name Livi Sheldon, commented: “I think every year they get stronger.”
She added: “Even though we go up on to like, Duel for example, and we hit everyone off as hard as we can, it’s all really friendly afterwards and stuff and we support and we encourage the contenders as well because at the end of the day it’s a huge thing for them to come up against us.”
Giant revealed: “I would say this season is ramped up on every single level. So there’s more interaction with contenders. We as a team of athletes and friends are just looking out for each other on all the games. There’s new games to look forward to.”
Naga then queried if they had become accustomed to the fan response.
“It really is amazing,” Diamond admitted. “I mean we walk down in supermarkets don’t we and we get stopped and asked for photos.”
“It’s lovely and for children, adults, everyone to recognise you, it just really shows the love for Gladiators, for how well it’s been received as the past three series,” she added.
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BBC Breakfast airs on BBC One from 6am and Gladiators returns to iPlayer and BBC One on Saturday January 17 from 5.45pm