BBC Gladiators ‘first’ as Giant shares show shake-up which changes everything

Gladiators stars Giant and Diamond appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the new series of their show

Gladiators star Giant has revealed an “inside secret” ahead of the new series of the BBC show.

The rebooted series – which was resurrected in 2024 having been a massive hit in the 90s – returns this weekend for a new run, with Bradley Walsh and his son Barney back as hosts.

Gladiator Giant teased that there will be “some good surprises” and also let slip a show secret as he appeared on BBC Breakfast on Friday (January 16) alongside fellow Gladiator Diamond.

He told hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt: “We had a little, I’m letting you into an inside a 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.”

“Oh, that’s not fair!” Naga teased, as Giant (real name Jamie Christian-Johal) explained: “We’re sizing them up a little bit.”

“They’ve been able to watch us the last time,” Diamond pointed out, as Giant agreed he thought it was “even” now.

“There’s a few big guys, strong-looking girls,” he said. “And then you think, right, he’s my target.”

Discussing this year’s contenders, Diamond, whose real name is Livi Sheldon, said: “I think every year they get stronger.”

She went on: “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 added: “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 also asked the pair if they had got used to the response from fans.

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“It really is amazing,” said Diamond. “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 said.

BBC Breakfast airs on BBC One from 6am and Gladiators returns to iPlayer and BBC One on Saturday January 17 from 5.45pm