Saturday night’s episode of Gladiators was interrupted just moments in for a major announcement.
The father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh returned to their presenting roles, with 27-year-old Barney ready to drop a bombshell on the audience.
Before the contestants were even introduced, Barney teased viewers with an intriguing remark: “There’s a storm brewing over the arena!” to which a bewildered Bradley, 64, pressed him for details, asking: “What does that mean, what does that mean?”
Barney then excitedly declared: “Well, tonight we’re going to be introducing a brand new Gladiator!” which elicited a shocked “No!” from Bradley, only for Barney to affirm: “Yes!”
Earlier this year, it was announced that the show would welcome two fresh faces to the Gladiator line-up, reports .
Saturday night’s episode of Gladiators was interrupted just moments in for a major announcement (Image: BBC)
The first new Gladiator is 23-year-old Cyclone, who is an Irish Powerlifter. She considers herself the ultimate all-round athlete. “I’ve got the look, I’ve got the energy and I’ve got the muscles,” Cyclone said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Cyclone is joined by World Rowing Champion Hammer, who is 32-years-old. At 6ft 5 inches tall, Hammer believes that his height, strength and speed set him apart from everyone else. “When you’ve got 19 stone sprinting at you, you’ve got no chance. I’m getting you,” he shared in a statement.
On Saturday night’s show, Bradley and Barney introduced Cyclone to the show. Bradley said: “There’s a storm heading right for us, Barns, a brand new Gladiator is about to enter the arena and let me tell you, this girl is a whirlwind of destruction! Look what she’s done to my brolly” to which he held up a ruined umbrella as the audience laughed.
On Saturday night’s show, Bradley and Barney introduced Cyclone to the show (Image: BBC)
Barney then chimed in with: “To be blown away by the awesome power of… Cyclone!” unleashing the debut of the new Gladiator, setting the crowd alight with enthusiasm.
Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were quick to share their excitement as one person said: “Cyclone making a good entrance with her first appearances on Duel #Gladiators”, a different account wrote: “We already love Cyclone! What an entrance! #Gladiators”, another put: “Welcome new Gladiator, Cyclone! #Gladiators” while a different account added: “#Gladiators IT’S CYCLONE TIME! She looks so awesome!”
Gladiators season two debuted last week, Saturday, January 18, with the same superhumans ready to put themselves through the ultimate test.
Gladiators continues on Saturday nights at 5:50pm on One and iPlayer.