Who is your favourite Gladiator?

[noblegiraffe]

We've been watching this every week with the kids and have been pleasantly surprised that it's something that we're all really enjoying, even our hard to drag away from his computer teen boy sits down willingly.

Our family favourite is definitely Legend, he's hilarious and we all hope that when he's competing that he'll be interviewed at the end. Loved the bit where he complained about the lights being in his eyes when he failed on the Wall.

From the women it's a toss-up between Sabre and Fury. Oh to have the confidence of Sabre! And Fury is just awesome and so fierce.

@noblegiraffe I'm sure you're right about the budget, in that Sheffield looks to be a smaller venue than the Birmingham venue of the 90s, so I reckon games have been chosen to fit the space. The Eliminator is definitely smaller.

I liked Skytrak from the 90s! Agree with PP, I'm sure Pyramid was stopped after Jet was badly injured on it and that was why she only did a few series.

I think the gauntlet used to be a lot narrower with less of a flat base.

I recommend watching shadow on duel on YouTube, absolutely fascinating!

We were remembering his staring eyes! He was a machine!

I love Legend, hilarious 😂

He was right about the segment!

I'm a little late to the party.. Always been an avid fan, loved the original series and the Sky versions. My faves are Giant and Bionic..Love how awesome those massive big guys look in those shiny lycra cozzies! lol :)

I am ridiculously excited about the final next week.

As we've seen more of them I've become more fond of Apollo, particularly after he put the annoying Jake in the bin.

DD's favourite female is now Athena.

Legend is still the best though.

I like Apollo, but he doesn't get enough screen time.

Athough can't understand why he ditched Rugby for NFL but each to their own.

I like how they're starting to show their personalities more as the series goes on. But 10 episodes doesn't seem like much.

No, 10 episodes means we're just really getting into it! I read somewhere that it was only going to be a one-off special so we were lucky to get a series at all.

I hope now they've realised they've got a hit they'll get the next series through really quickly. I don't want to have to wait a year.

I hope so too, its brought back 90s Saturday night TV nostalgia to many people. It's also something multi generations can watch together. Haven't seen what the viewing figures are though.

And although Barney is a bit wooden he's improved as the series has gone on.

Yes, I think it's come at just the right time that people who watched it in the 90s with their parents can now watch it with their kids. There doesn't seem to be much like that on TV anymore.

We are definitely getting another series and extra celeb episodes etc. This has already been confirmed by Kate Phillips, head of BBC unscripted. Bringing back the glads was her long term ambition and she really fought the BBC to bring it back to us. I really believe there will be more coming too. I think we're just a few of many that don't want to wait an entire year before we're treated to seeing more massive hunks in shiny lycra cozzies again! lol :).

The show has been extremely successful in the viewing ratings apparently, although I can't quote figures I've seen it described as amongst the highest in numbers of viewings. The new series is already in the planning stage in addition to extra episodes/celebs etc.. I'm siding with the vast majority though and want the Walsh presenters replaced. Has to be a female presenter in there surely? :)

I think I like the Walsh duo with their silly corny lines, and it only really works because they're father and son and can have that ready-made dynamic.

Not sure about celeb episodes, do I want to see something like Strictly where you get Ed Balls trying to outrun Nitro?

Lol funny thought..I'd personally love the concept of a good ''freak show! There's a few I'd pay good money to see facing Giant or Bionic in the duel.. Ed Balls could be one! After all he did at least attempt a wrestling match! Oh and one or two I'd like to see get whooped by Diamond , Sabre etc,, Angela Rayner would be good.. Oh and Jane McDonald coming into mind! lol :)

I think Apollo is my least favourite. That speech yesterday about too fast to be last etc was just weird to me - it just sounded arrogant. When Legend does it he delivers it so deadpan and it’s hilarious but with Apollo I’m not sure if he’s going for the same thing or if it’s genuine!

But yeah, forgive him anything after Jake.

I really like all the finalists so just hope for an exciting contest!

Legend has been doing YouTube videos for years so I guess he is just more practiced at engaging with the public.

The others are gradually warming up to it. Viper even got a line!

@PedantScorner the only correct answer.

Fury for me, but my little girl (5) is absolutely obsessed with Athena - apparently she's going to be calling her first born daughter Athena!

I know it's just a TV show, and just meant to be a bit of fun, but I can't explain how much I love sitting down with my little girl, and watching some big, strong women being absolutely awesome, and being loudly celebrated for it. It's a pity there isn't a bit more body diversity amongst the male gladiators, though- they could have had at least a couple of regular-human-sized ones.

Yeah, Duel never seems like a fair fight for the men, they're always totally dwarfed by the Gladiator. It seems much more evenly matched for the women.

I like Fury and Nitro. Also Legend cracks me up. DD is a big fan of Sabre.
I love Gladiators - such great fun watching it with my DC on a Sat night

I found out today that Phantom's real name is Toby. Toby! He looks way too cool to be a Toby.

I don't think he's that comfortable in front of the camera yet as he seems awkward and wooden at times.

I always think Apollo's head doesn't look like it goes with his body! His little baby face 😂. Bionic is the same.