Bradley and Barney Walsh have spoken candidly about their upcoming television collaboration, branding it as "special". The father-and-son pair are preparing to grace our screens once again this weekend with the latest series of Gladiators.
With the programme's comeback imminent, the duo have conveyed their excitement about reuniting professionally. Bradley has revealed his enthusiasm for returning to hosting duties alongside his son, describing the experience as "brilliant".
This will be the third occasion that Bradley, 65, and Barney, 28, have fronted the BBC's Gladiators as a team. And it appears the excitement remains undiminished.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of the show's launch, Bradley remarked: "Seeing the Gladiators push themselves, seeing the Contenders push themselves, the crowd going wild, and doing it all with Barney by my side is just brilliant. We have an absolute blast every time we're in the arena."
Barney mirrored his father's enthusiasm, noting that both the electric atmosphere and collaborating with his dad continue to captivate him. He commented: "I absolutely love everything about it – the Contenders giving it their all, the Gladiators going full throttle, and the crowd in the arena are always absolutely buzzing."
"Being part of that, and doing it alongside my Dad, makes it really special. It's loud, fun, and just a brilliant show to be part of."
Bradley and Barney's heartening comments coincide with the unveiling of a thrilling new event named Destruction on the show. Described as "fast and fierce", this challenge pits two Contenders against each other in an intense race to the finish line, reports the Mirror.
Each Contender must adhere to their own lane while bulldozing through a series of towering 8ft barriers. One barrier demands demolition through sheer physical force, while another necessitates the use of a battering ram for breakthrough.
The challenge also incorporates a climbing component before the final sprint. The first Contender to hit the buzzer at the end of the course is declared the winner.
However, in true Gladiators fashion, there's a twist. A Gladiator is unleashed during the event, determined to obstruct both Contenders' progress.
It guarantees chaos.. Bradley and Barney have voiced their excitement for Destruction.
"We've got three new events that really raise the stakes, testing both the Gladiators and Contenders in completely different ways," Bradley says.
He continues: "There are definitely a few surprises in store, with some unbelievable edge of your seat moments."
Barney agrees: "We have two brand new events for this series which were so thrilling to watch in the arena, I think the viewers are going to love them."
One event truly challenges both the Gladiator and Contender's strength, while another is the ideal outlet for those needing to vent some pent-up energy... Viper, I'm referring to you. "We also have a third event which is the return of an original and I think people will be glad to have it back."
The brand new series of Gladiators kicks off this weekend with a full hour of action-packed entertainment from Sheffield Arena. Audiences will also witness the triumphant return of Nitro, whose real name is Harry Ai Aryeetey.
After having to withdraw from series 2 due to a severe knee injury, he has now fully recovered.
Also rejoining the competition this series are Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel and Viper. Yes, you read that correctly, that Viper.