Bradley Walsh has been embraced by young viewers since he started presenting Gladiators
Gladiators co-host Bradley Walsh is astounded at how popular the show is with younger viewers.
Bradley Walsh has received more recognition from younger fans since he started hosting Gladiators.
The 65-year-old star is returning to present the third series of the BBC reboot of the Saturday night favourite alongside his son Barney Walsh and admits that he gets a lot of attention from adults whose youngsters adore the show.
Bradley told Bella magazine: "It's a different dynamic. The kids get a little embarrassed or intimidated, and it's their mums or dads, aunts and uncles, who'll say, 'Would you mind having a photograph? They just love Gladiators.'
"People making feature films are coming up and saying, 'Can you please say hello to my grandson, who's seven and a massive fan?' They're not worried about the movie stars, it's mad!"
Gladiators has proved to be a huge hit for the BBC since it was revived by the corporation in 2024 and Bradley thinks that the show – which returns to screens on Saturday (17.01.26) – is a big success because it brings all of the family together.
The Chase host said: "It's so exciting when we walk into the arena, and you've got 4000 people in there, 3000 of them kids shouting and screaming. It's like a massive panto.
"I've received letters, and I know Barney has too, from families saying, 'Thank you so much for making Saturdays a family event.'
"If you've done that to unite even one family, then we've done our job. I honestly do believe that."
Barney, 28, also finds it "really rewarding" that Gladiators is "event television" for audiences at a time when there are so many viewing options.
He said: "Me and Dad always talk about how lucky we feel to be a part of event television that brings families together.
"My experience of television growing up is sitting with Mum and Dad and watching the big British TV shows you could only see if you tuned in at that time.
"That was a lovely experience, and to now provide that for kids, especially today when there's so much accessible content, it's really rewarding."
Barney explained that he and Bradley sometimes get so caught up in the action that they "forget to present" the programme.
The Casualty star said: "We forget to present! We're running around like two little boys, on the edge of our seats, just like everyone else. That's a testament to the show."
