Bradley Walsh given bleak verdict by original Gladiators star after taking over BBC reboot

Bradley Walsh given bleak verdict by original Gladiators star after taking over BBC reboot

WATCH HERE: Viper caught cheating in new series of Gladiators

BBC
Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 15/02/2024

- 14:43

Gladiators was previously presented by John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson back in the 1990s

Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh were picked up to present the reboot of Gladiators by the BBC last year – but not everyone has been impressed with the pair's presenting skills.

The original show began in 1992 and became many fans' favourite TV show, cheering on the contestants who dared to take on the fierce Gladiators.


Michael Wilson, who is better known as Cobra, was one of the show's most popular Gladiators and was well-known for his high-kicks and splits when entering the arena.

He recently gave his thoughts on the new series and admitted that he wasn’t sure if The Chase star and his son were the best signing to present the show.

Wilson told The Daily Star: “I'll have to watch a little more, but after initially seeing them, I'm not sure if was the right fit.”

Before the reboot aired, the BBC revealed that the Gladiators would no longer be wearing “revealing” outfits – something else Wilson had an issue with.

Michael Wilson aka Cobra

Michael Wilson played Cobra in the original series

BBC

He added: “The outfits… They’re really unflattering and just horrible really. I thought they could have done a lot more with them.”

This isn’t the first time that the 63-year-old and 26-year-old have faced critique because of their presenting skills, as they were recently brought into a nepotism row.

Many fans expressed they had grown tired of seeing the father-son duo on their screens and thought the youngest Walsh was “inexperienced”.

One X viewer noted: “Bradley Walsh wasn't the right sort of fit for a younger audience show like this - him wandering around in a suit looking confused isn't funny. And Barney Walsh is about as funny and interesting as glue #Gladiators."

Bradley Walsh

Cobra admitted that Bradley Walsh wasn't the best fit for the show

BBC

A second hit out: "#Gladiators Every time Barney appears on screen he is so wooden he looks like a thunderbirds puppet."

“Gladiators I love Bradley Walsh but for me, Barney isn’t working, he’s not a natural presenter, he looks out of his depth. I feel this is nepotism at its finest,” a fourth weighed in.

A fifth expressed: "This presenter is an outstanding example of nepotism. How do they get away with this? The only thing that puts me off this show. #Gladiators."

However, there was still plenty of defence of the Breaking Dad's pair's presenting stint, including one Gladiators fan who praised: "Absolutely love the new series of #gladiators. Memories of being a kid in the 90s come flooding back and on top, it just makes you smile. I even like Bradley and Barney presenting." (sic)

Bradley and Barney Walsh

Bradley and Barney Walsh present the show together

BBC

Wilson wasn’t the only former Gladiators star who had an issue with the changes that have been made to the iconic series.

Ulrika Jonsson admitted she thought there was one thing missing and told Christine Lampard on Lorraine: “No cheerleaders!

“I just don’t understand it. I don’t understand if it’s some kind of wokery. The cheerleaders brought another level, and some depth to it.

“They’re gorgeous and talented girls! We had such a lovely time with them. I don’t understand. They were so great, its just a shame… I don’t know what the reasons are.”

You may like