The people of Leeds and West Yorkshire are being encouraged to apply to take part in the BBC's revival of one of the best-loved game shows of the 90s.
The gladiators are ready for a new series, but are the contenders?
Based on an American show of the same name, Gladiators was a sports entertainment game show presented by Ulrika Jonsson, John Fashanu, and Jeremy Guscott that first aired on ITV all the way back in October 1992, and went on to be watched and loved by millions of Brits, until it eventually ended in January 2000.
If you're unfamiliar with the premise of the popular show, the format saw four contestants - usually two male and two female - compete in a number of physical challenges against the 'Gladiators', all with the aim of securing as many points as possible for the final event, known as 'The Eliminator'.
Contestants would battle against each other to win a place in the grand final, and ultimately be crowned the champion for their respective series.
People from Leeds wanted for BBC reboot of iconic 90s game show Gladiators / Credit: ITV
The success of the show led to several spin-off shows, a children's adaptation, a live arena show tour, a popular merchandise line, and of course, it's fair share of controversies, all before its eventual demise and it went off air at the turn of the millennium.
But soon, the much-loved Saturday night staple will be back on our screens.
After the BBC revealed back in August 2022 that it had bought the rights to the show, the broadcaster has now put out a casting call for a brave set of contenders who boast the speed and skill to go up against a brand-new generation of superhuman Gladiators and compete in "the ultimate test of speed and strength".
The BBC says it's also searching the UK for elite athletes "at the peak of their physical fitness" to be part of the new generation of Gladiators too.
Reckon you've got what it takes then?
With filming set to start soon, applications are now open for the new series of Gladiators, and all you need to do to be in with a chance of being selected as a contestant is being over 18 years old, and fill out and application form.
You can apply on the BBC website before applications close on 1 April 2023.
Featured Image - ITV
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Leeds United to pay tribute to fan who tragically died after medical emergency at match
Leeds United have issued a statement regarding their tribute to a fan who has sadly passed away.
Colin Westby was watching the game against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday 18 October when suddenly he became ill and was taken to hospital.
The 68-year-old was then placed into a medically induced coma but after a period of 'unresponsiveness', the difficult decision was made to stop life support.
Colin was a huge Leeds United fan, and attended matches for over 50 years as a Season Ticket Holder of the club.
Leeds United have issued a statement showing their support, and have confirmed they will be holding a tribute to Colin.
The statement posted on Leeds United's social media is as follows: "Leeds United are heartbroken to learn of the passing of supporter Colin Westby at the age of 68.
"Colin suffered a medical emergency ahead of our Premier League fixture with Manchester United on Sunday 18 October at Elland Road.
"After being transferred to hospital, he was placed into a medically induced coma and sadly following a period of unresponsiveness, the decision was made to withdraw life support.
"Colin was a long-standing Season Ticket Holder at the club, attending matches for over 50 years. The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Colin’s family and friends at this sad time.
"We will pay tribute to Colin in the 68th minute of our next Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur, on Saturday 7 November."
Of course, in true Leeds United fashion, fellow flans flocked to the comments to pay their respects to Colin and express their support for his family.
Classic FM will be playing calming music for anxious pets this Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
Classic FM will be back playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks season.
Bonfire Night may be loved by us humans for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it… but sadly, the November holiday isn’t quite so fun for our four-legged friends.
Loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives are just some of the reasons why fireworks are frightening to pets.
Not only that, but with multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays across this time of year, pets are rarely able to pinpoint when and where the booming explosions are coming from, therefore creating even more anxiety around this time of year.
Classic FM will play calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
Which is why, for the ninth year running now, Classic FM is once again teaming up with the RSPCA for two Pet Classics programmes packed with ‘the most soothing and comforting classical music’.
The music has been handpicked to help calm and settle any anxious pets.
A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) of animal owners reported their pet was distressed during fireworks season, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm or prepare their animal.
Presenters Dan Walker, Aled Jones, and Dawn O’Porter will each host a night of the specially created programme to help keep the nation’s pets calm through the whizzes and bangs.
Dan will present the first programme on Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), and then as celebrations continue throughout the weekend, Aled will be on hand to bring some peace to Friday 6 November, and Dawn picks up the baton on Saturday 7 November.
All three Pet Classics programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, and you can listen on Classic FM or Global Player available across the UK.
Emily Sergeant -
24th February 2023 
