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
Trending
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Festival-goers can now get cash back for returning their used tents after Leeds Festival
Clementine Hall
Those heading to Leeds Fest this weekend could get some of their money back thanks to a new tent pledge.
And it's all in an attempt to stop festival waste.
Decathlon is encouraging festival-goers to ditch the ‘one and done’ approach to festival camping by offering refunds when used tents are returned. How class is that?
Under the tent pledge, customers can get 100% of the original purchase price back as a Decathlon gift card, or claim up to 50% back in cash, depending on the condition of their tent.
The offer is available on Decathlon’s QUECHUA tents until Sunday 6 September.
It comes as concerns continue to grow around the amount of waste left behind at UK festivals. According to Decathlon, UK festivals generate around 25,800 tonnes of waste every year, while as many as 250,000 tents are abandoned in fields each summer.
But instead of leaving your tent behind, Decathlon is asking campers to bring it back to one of its stores, along with proof of purchase. It really is as simple as that.
Returned tents in good condition will be assessed, cleaned and potentially resold through the retailer’s Second Life programme, giving them another lease of life rather than sending them to landfill.
Customers have got to be Decathlon Members to take part, although membership is free and the retailer says refunds can be transferred to customers’ bank accounts in as little as an hour.
“Our No Tent Life Behind scheme goes from strength to strength each year,” says Chris Allen, Sustainability Leader at Decathlon UK.
“What started as a small-scale initiative has become an important part of how we approach camping and festivals more broadly - encouraging customers to return used equipment, keep valuable materials in circulation, and give more products a second chapter through our Second Life programme.
"This year, we’re helping customers’ pockets as well as our planet. With our new one-hour bank transfer service, we’re providing the flexibility and value needed to turn unused gear into new adventures."
Emily Sergeant -
24th February 2023 
