Bradley and Barney Walsh stopped the BBC show just seconds in to reveal some major news with viewers

Gladiators ground to a halt mere seconds after the opening as presenters Bradley and Barney Walsh delivered massive programme news to audiences.

The cherished BBC programme made its comeback on Saturday evening (January 27) for its third series, with the father-and-son presenting team once again taking charge.

This latest series features a fresh group of challengers facing off against the mighty Gladiators, including Fire, Fury, Hammer and Giant, in the supreme trial of power and stamina.

Ex-Premier League official Mark Clattenburg returns to the show to ensure all regulations are adhered to, guaranteeing the evening’s contests proceed seamlessly.

Nevertheless, within moments of starting, Bradley and Barney had breaking news for supporters. Outlining what lay ahead, Barney announced: “We have not one, not two, but three brand new jaw-dropping events!” with Bradley exclaiming: “Yes!”, reports the Mirror.

Gladiators halted just minutes in as Bradley and Barney Walsh issue big announcement
They revealed three new challenges (Image: BBC)

Among the fresh challenges is arguably the most demanding the series has witnessed. Named simply Destruction, two challengers face a single Gladiator in an unrestricted battle of pure force.

Competitors must sprint down individual lanes, confronting four colossal 8ft obstacles, with victory going to whoever crashes through first and strikes the final buzzer.

Without any clever tactics or alternative routes available, participants must rely purely on their power and pace to demolish the four polystyrene barriers. Following the introduction of the new challenge, Destruction, viewers were quick to share their thoughts.

An image depicting an illuminated indoor sports arena, characterized by a vibrant array of red, blue, and purple lighting. Sever
The players had to smash through a barrier (Image: BBC)

On X, one individual remarked: “I like this new event.” Another chimed in: “I love destruction, it’s exhausting to watch. Love it.” A third added: “Pretty different new event, it’s a little odd but I quite like it so far.”

Meanwhile, Bradley previously spoke about the new series of Gladiators, stating: “There are definitely a few surprises in store, with some unbelievable edge of your seat moments. We’ve got three new events that really raise the stakes, testing both the Gladiators and Contenders in completely different ways.

“We also have the return of the formidable Nitro! We missed him last year due to injury, so it’s been great to have his lightning energy back in the arena.”