List of Gladiators UK events

This is a list of events which featured in the UK version of Gladiators, a British television entertainment series, produced by LWT for ITV, and originally broadcast from 10 October 1992 to 1 January 2000. It is an adaptation of the American format American Gladiators. The series was revived in 2008, before again being cancelled.

Original Gladiators events

The following events appeared during the original eight-year run of the UK series of Gladiators. In total there were 24 televised events with the Eliminator being the only event to appear in every episode.

The event line-up changed from series to series, with new events being added every series, however over the years some events were dropped due to safety reasons, and some never made it onto screen. Below is a detailed description of all events.

Atlaspheres
  • First appearance: series 1, 1992 – heat 1
  • Last appearance: series 8, 1999 – Battle of the Giants
  • Music used: We Will Rock You - Queen
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 2
  • Gladiators: 2, 3 from series 7.
  • Points: 3 points for each pod activated

The first event ever shown on Gladiators in 1992. The two contenders and two Gladiators were enclosed in large spherical cages that they had to propel from within. The contenders' task was to roll the spheres onto any of four scoring pods. When a pod was activated, a plume of smoke was emitted. They were given 60 seconds to score as many points as they could in this fashion, whilst the Gladiators had to block the contenders from scoring. It was crucial that the Contenders get the atlasphere into the dead-centre of a pod in order to score. This round holds the record for most objections where video replays demonstrated the referees had made the correct decision.

The event's signature tune was "We Will Rock You" by Queen. The event was sometimes modified for celebrity specials, in which either two Gladiators faced three contenders, or three Gladiators faced three contenders from a standing start.

Contenders were not allowed to score on the same pod twice unless they had already scored on another since the last visit. Gladiators were not allowed to double-team a contender and could only keep them confined for ten seconds.

Catapult
  • First appearance: series 7, 1998 – heat 4
  • Last appearance: series 7, 1998 – quarter final 3
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 2
  • Gladiators: 2
  • Points: 2 points for each goal

Two contenders faced two Gladiators. Each competitor is attached to a bungee cord. On the whistle they began to bounce up and down. Situated above each contender was a ball tray. The contenders scored by throwing the balls into octagonal goals situated behind the Gladiators, whilst the Gladiators attempted to stop the contenders from scoring by blocking the goals.

This event had heavy modification to its gameplay between its initial concept and first outing, with the 1998 programme mentioning a volleyball-style net situated between contenders and Gladiators. It was modified into the event that made it onto screen as this was deemed more exciting.

Danger Zone
  • First appearance: series 1, 1992 – heat 1
  • Last appearance: series 7, 1998 – quarter final 3
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 1
  • Gladiators: 1
  • Points:
    • Series 1: 10 points for hitting either target
    • Series 2 to 8: 10 points for hitting the upper target, 5 points for hitting the lower target
    • All series: 1 point for each weapon fired if event not completed

Contenders, one at a time, made their way across the arena whilst dodging tennis balls fired at high speed by a Gladiator. Between the start and finish were stations where the contender was shielded from the Gladiator's fire, and where they could attempt, using a projectile weapon, to hit a target above the Gladiator. Each of the stations self-destructed at ten second intervals and their weapons were rendered unusable (a difference from the US version, which did not have a limit). Successful shots on the target ended the game, earning the contender 10 points. However, contestants could still earn 5 points by reaching the end of the course without being hit and touching a second, lower target. Reaching the end originally scored 10 points in series 1, and was reduced to 5 points in series 2 onwards. If the contender did not hit the target above the Gladiator, they were awarded 1 bonus point for each weapon fired. If the contender was hit directly by a tennis ball (ricochets off the floor, station or weapon did not count), they were eliminated.

The event was known as Assault in the US series.

Dogfight

Contender and Gladiator were each strapped into an airship suspended 30 feet above the arena floor. The aim was to hit the glowing chest plate on their opponent using a combat club. Two successful hits resulted in the loser being automatically released from their harness onto the safety net below. Each hit was registered by a pyro explosion. One hit from the contender earned 5 points, while sending the Gladiator flying earned them 10. Decisions were frequently reviewed as the equipment did not always register direct hits. The event's signature tune was Up in a Puff of Smoke by Polly Browne.

Duel
  • First appearance: series 1, 1992 – heat 1
  • Last appearance: revival series 2, 2009 – “The Legends Last Stand”
  • Time limit: 30 seconds
  • Contenders: 1
  • Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 10 points for knocking Gladiator off; 5 points for remaining on until the end of the time limit

A contender and a Gladiator were each placed atop an elevated platform a short distance apart. Armed with a pugil stick (often referred to as a giant cotton bud), they attempted to cause the other to fall from their platform. This could be achieved with either an offensive or a defensive strategy, although some contenders were disqualified if they made no attacking move towards the Gladiator. If either competitor touched their opponent, their opponent's pugil stick or platform with anything other than the padded ends of their own pugil stick, this led to an automatic loss. Losing a pugil stick also resulted in an automatic loss.

The event returned in the revival series with the same rules and scoring system, but now played above water rather than crash mats.

The event was known as Joust in the US series.

Gauntlet
  • First appearance: series 2, 1993 – heat 6
  • Last appearance: revival series 2, 2009 – final
  • Time limit: 30 seconds
  • Contenders: 1
  • Gladiators: 3 (series 2); 5 (series 3 to 8); 4 in heats, 5 after heats (revival series)
  • Points:
    • Series 2: 3 points for each zone completed, plus one bonus point for the fastest time
    • Series 2 quarter-finals onwards: 10 points for finishing first; 5 for finishing second
    • Series 3 to 6: 10 points for finishing in under 20 seconds; 5 points for under 30 seconds
    • Series 7 to 8: 10 points for finishing, otherwise 1 point for each sector completed
    • Revival series: 2 points per Gladiator passed, plus a bonus 2 for breaking the wall of bricks at the end

A contender had to "run the gauntlet" by passing Gladiators armed with ramrods. Gauntlet became one of the staple events after a revamp in the 1994 series in which the contenders had to run a narrower gauntlet against five Gladiators, the second and fourth having power pads to slow the contenders down. Contenders were forbidden from crawling or grappling with the Gladiators or their equipment.

This was the only round where contenders had an advantage over Gladiators, despite being outnumbered. The Gladiators were held to stricter rules. A Gladiator could only interact with the Contender if they are in their designated zone, and must cease the instant the contender had reached the white line marking the edge of that territory. Gladiators were also forbidden from holding and pinning the contenders, or from pushing them out of the gauntlet (in contrast to the American series, where this was allowed and would result in the contender losing the event). These violations occurred frequently with the offending Gladiator being removed before it restarted.

Gauntlet returned in the revival series, with stricter penalties for ducking and crawling under Gladiators, resulting in disqualification. The Contenders were also further hindered by protective packs they were required to wear to house camera equipment. In the heats, contenders faced four Gladiators, but from the quarter-finals onwards, this was increased to five and a new unnamed weapon was featured.

Hang Tough
  • First appearance: series 1, 1992 – heat 1
  • Last appearance: revival series 2, 2009 – “Battle of the Athletes”
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Music used: "Hey Rock n Roll" - Showaddywaddy
  • Contenders: 1
  • Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 10 points for reaching the Gladiator's platform; 5 points for "hanging tough" in the scoring zone until the end of the time limit

Contender and Gladiator began on opposite sides of the arena, on raised platforms. Between them hung a grid of suspended rings, similar to gymnastic rings. The contender's objective was to reach the Gladiator's platform by swinging between the rings, scoring 10 points if successful. The Gladiator meanwhile, swinging in the opposite direction, would attempt to prevent the contender from completing this task. The Gladiator's favourite strategy would be to cause the Contender to fall from the rings. Contenders were not allowed to try and make a Gladiator fall, or use their feet to impede the Gladiator. If the Gladiator fell, then they were not allowed to interfere with the contender again. A Contender still scored five points if they were holding unto a red ring within the scoring zone when the time limit expired. Contenders and Gladiators were not allowed to use either headlocks or tickling against each other, even though the later happened frequently for comedic reasons. The event's signature tune was "Hey Rock n Roll" by Showaddywaddy.

Hang Tough returned in the revived series with the same rules and scoring system, but now played above water rather than crash mats.

Hit & Run
  • First appearance: Wembley live shows, 1994
  • Last appearance: revival series 2, 2009 – “The Legends Last Stand”
  • Time limit: 30 seconds
  • Music used: "Hey Rock n Roll" - Showaddywaddy
  • Contenders: 1
  • Gladiators: 4
  • Points: 2 points for each crossing

Originally known as Cannonball Run in its roadtest at the Wembley live shows, the contender had 30 seconds to run back and forth across a suspension bridge, scoring two points for each crossing. Four Gladiators (two on each side of the bridge) attempted to knock the contender off by launching four-foot demolition balls at them. Contenders were forbidden from crawling or moving backwards.

Hit & Run returned in the revived series. The bridge was suspended above water and the contender had to touch a buzzer located on each platform. From series 2 of the revival, contenders had a limited time after hitting each button to get to the other side. The time limit was eight seconds for female contenders and seven for male contenders. If the contender did not hit the button in time, a light went out and the crossing did not score any points. Contenders were also liable to be disqualified if they did not keep running at all times, The event's signature tune was "Hey Rock n Roll" by Showaddywaddy.

Joust
  • First appearance: Wembley live shows, 1993
  • Last appearance: series 4, 1995 – quarter final 1
  • Time limit: 30 seconds
  • Contenders: 1
  • Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 10 for knocking the Gladiator off; 5 points for remaining on the sky bike for the full 30 seconds

A variation on Duel (which is ironically known as Joust in the US series) in which contender and Gladiator were sat on sky bikes that twisted, bucked and spun like a rocking rodeo. Both participants had combat clubs with which they attempted to knock each other off. In the Wembley live shows, the bikes were large and only a few feet off the ground and contestants fought using pugil sticks. For the televised series, the bikes were made smaller, were further off the ground and combat clubs used.

A significant majority of games ended in a time limit draw and this event was quickly phased out, making very few appearances before being axed after the 1995 series.

Pendulum
  • First appearance: series 4, 1995 – heat 2
  • Last appearance: series 7, 1998 – final
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Music used: O Fortuna (remix)
  • Contenders: 1
  • Gladiators: 1
  • Points:
    • Series 4 to 6: 10 points for remaining on the Pendulum for 60 seconds; 5 points for staying on for 40 seconds
    • Series 7 to 8: 2 points for each of 3 upper sectors hit, 4 points for lower sector (maximum of 10)

The pendulum was a ball 5 metres in diameter, which hung from the ceiling of the arena, 40 feet (12.23m) above the ground. The event was contender versus Gladiator in a game of hide and seek and tag The event's signature tune was the remix of O Fortuna. On the whistle, the pendulum would begin to swing from side to side. The aim of the contender was to avoid the Gladiator, whose objective was to track the contender down and remove the Velcro tag from their back. Once this was done, the game was over. If the contender or Gladiator fell off, the remaining participant won. In addition, if the contender was judged to be actively blocking the Gladiator from removing their tag, rather than trying to evade the Gladiator, the event was stopped. Both participants were forbidden from climbing above the red orbs, although this was largely for safety reasons as this took them into the swinging mechanism. In 1998, the rules were changed: the contender's objective was to hit 4 lit sectors in different positions around the pendulum, while still avoiding being caught by the Gladiator.

Pendulum was originally planned to debut in the Sheffield live 1995 shows, but had to be dropped as the safety net was too big to fit in the arena. Instead, Joust was played.

Pole-Axe
  • First appearance: series 3, 1994 – heat 8
  • Last appearance: series 7, 1998 – semi-final 1
  • Contenders: 1
  • Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 10 points for reaching the top first and "pole-axing" the Gladiator

A contender and Gladiator each climbed a 36-foot pole fitted with helically-arranged pegs. The first to the top pressed a button which retracted the pegs on the opponent's pole, causing them to fall to the crash mat below. If the Contender fell off at any point, they lost. There was also a rule that determined that if the Gladiator fell off before the Contender had reached their button, the Contender must still reach their button in order to score any points. This rule would never come into play as the Gladiators never fell off by mistake.

This event was removed in 1996 because of injuries to Gladiators and contenders. It was revived in 1997 with safety harnesses to stop the "freefall" aspect. This also meant a run up to mount the pole and a higher climb.

Powerball

This original US series game debuted in the second British series (1993). This kind of cross between basketball and rugby was introduced in which 2 contenders faced 3 Gladiators on the Powerball pitch. Contenders had 60 seconds to place balls in the five scoring baskets on the pitch (2 points for a score in one of the four outer baskets and 3 points for the middle) whilst the Gladiators had to tackle the contenders, preventing them from scoring (though head-high tackles and similar moves were illegal for safety reasons, as in the US version, and would result in the gladiator being disqualified). A Gladiator could not touch a Contender until they had stepped into the indicated zone on the mat. If any part of the Contender or the ball touched the floor, the ball become invalid and could not be used to score. Before continuing, the Contender was required to get a ball from the other container. If a Gladiator deliberately moved a scoring or blocked the opening, the affected player would be awarded the lost points after the game. This event became one of the most played events during Gladiators. From 1998 onwards, the rules were changed - there were only two Gladiators and each one targeted a specific contender, The event's signature tune for the women's powerball's female gladiators were We Are Family by Sister Sledge and later Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves by Eurythmics, and The event's signature tune for the men's powerball's male gladiators were The Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy and later Let's Get Ready to Rumble by PJ & Duncan. The time difference (60 seconds vs 45 seconds for the original US version) was a major difference between the two versions; the 2008 US revival adopted the British version's 60 second clock.

Pursuit
  • First appearance: Series 3, 1994 – Heat 7
  • Last appearance: Series 5, 1996 – Southern Semi-Final 2
  • Time limit: None
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
  • Points: 10 points for finishing the course first, 5 points for finishing second. Points deducted for infringement: 1 for foot off the snake beam or wire bridge; 2 for missing a corner marker on the snake beam.

Two contenders race against each other over an obstacle course, chased by two Gladiators. The course comprised a snake beam, wire bridge, hand ladder, two web traps, a high and low wall and a sprint finish. The course was rearranged for 1995 onwards and the rules were tightened up with penalty points being introduced for coming off the beam or missing rungs on the ladder. Gladiators could "catch" the Contenders by removing a tag from their back before the Contender reached the finish line. Gladiators were expected to run the obstacles in exactly the same way that the Contenders did. If they "caught" a Contender without doing this, then the Gladiator would be disqualified with the Contender being awarded five points.

Pyramid
  • First run: Series 3, 1994 – Heat 2 until Battle Of Champions, 1995
  • Second run: Series 6, 1997 – Heat 6 until Series 6, 1997 – Quarter Final 3
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
  • Points: 10 points for reaching the top first, 5 points for reaching the top second

Two contenders would race up a giant black and white pyramid. Both contenders would have a Gladiator assigned to them that would try to prevent them from reaching the summit. The Gladiator was not permitted to touch the Contender until they had passed the second step. While the Contenders started on different sides of the pyramid, they were not required to stay on their own side. The contenders aim to reach the summit, whilst the Gladiators aim to stop them. This event was axed in 1996 after Jet was very badly injured in the live show. This caused her retirement from Gladiators.

It was reintroduced in 1997 with smaller steps and a red step which, once reached, the contender has free run to the top. However, it was very unpopular with viewers as it lacked the excitement of the original and consequently it was axed again. The "red step" rule formed the basis of the two-tiered scoring system in the 2008 US revival (five for crossing the dotted step, five more for pressing the buzzer), much of which is based on the UK series.

There was a unique version of this game created for a children's special. Before reaching the button on the summit, teams had to remove large pieces of fruit from their side of the pyramid. Team members had to take turns at completing the task, with only one team member being allowed on the pyramid at any time. The team members could only move the first piece of fruit they had touched during that turn. Instead of being impeded by a Gladiator, the Gladiator encouraged the team from the sidelines.

Skytrak
  • First appearance: Series 2, 1993 – Heat 1
  • Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Heat 7
  • Time limit: None
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
  • Points: 10 points for finishing first, 5 points for finishing second, no points if caught up by the Gladiator

The most spectacular event of early series was brought in for Series 2 (1993), Two contenders and two Gladiators are suspended 40 feet in the air on the Skytrak course - an upside down Scalextric-style figure of eight. Contenders have a 10-yard head start over the Gladiators. Each contender has a trailing detonator button behind them, and fails if the Gladiator presses this button (thereby deemed to have caught up with the contender). Should this happen, a small shower of sparks is released from the contender's vest.

Not to be confused with the United States version (used from 1992 to 1996), Sky Track, which featured an S-shaped course where the two contenders raced one Gladiator.

Sumo Ball
  • First appearance: Wembley Live, 1996
  • Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Quarter Final 3
  • Time limit: 30 seconds
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 10 points for the Gladiator off the platform, 5 points for remaining on the platform for the full 30 seconds

The only new game for Series 5 (1996) and first road-tested in the 1996 live shows, the contender and Gladiator are on a large circular platform in which a large red sumo ball hangs from the ceiling. Both participants have 30 seconds to push the opponent off the platform using the 75 kg Sumo Ball. Both participants were required to hold unto a rope on the ball. Releasing this rope could result in an automatic loss.

Suspension Bridge
  • First appearance: Wembley Live, 1993
  • Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Heat 3
  • Time limit : 60 seconds (series 2 to 3); 30 seconds (series 4 to 7)
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 10 points for reaching the other side, 5 points for remaining on the bridge until the end of the time limit.

An adaption of the Duel event in which contender must cross a suspension bridge. They are armed with a hammerhead (pugil sticks during its road-testing), and were impeded by a Gladiator with the same. Unlike Joust, Suspension Bridge only saw three draws over its entire run. The Contender did not need to knock the Gladiator off the bridge, and was not rewarded for doing so. If a Gladiator fell, the round continued until the Contender had reached the Gladiator's platform, or the time limit had expired.

Swingshot
  • First appearance: Series 1, 1992 - Heat 1
  • Last appearance: Series 8, 1999 - Final
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
  • Points: 1 point for each yellow ball, 2 for each blue ball, 3 for each red ball.

In this bungee-fest, contestants have to grab coloured balls from a central column then bounce back and put them in their scoring baskets. Gladiators would time their jumps to block the contenders' from doing so. Balls only counted if the Contender successfully placed them in their basket before the time limit had expired. Any ball that had touched the arena floor could not be used to score points.

Tightrope
  • First appearance: Series 6, 1997 – Heat 1
  • Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Final
  • Time limit: None
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 10 points for hitting the "Impact Cushion" first

The only new event of 1997, a one-on-one race. The contender and Gladiator are harnessed up on the Tightrope 30 feet above the arena floor. On the whistle they race up the rope to the halfway platform. Once there they hit a button to activate the Zip Line, then hook up to this and slide back down to hit the "Impact Cushion" at the end, therefore winning the event and sending their opponent flying in a shower of sparks!

Tilt
  • First appearance: Wembley Live, 1993
  • Last appearance: Series 4, 1995 – Heat 8
  • Time limit: 30 seconds per bout
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 5 points for pulling the Gladiator off, 2 points for remaining on until the end of the time limit

An aerial tug of war in which both contender and Gladiator are on tilting platforms. The contender is placed on the lower platform, and the Gladiator is placed on the higher platform. Because of the height difference in platforms, Gladiators were able to use their platform to their advantage to make the task harder for the Contender. Two 30-second bouts are played.

This event proved unpopular with the Gladiators due to the risk of injury. The tilting of the platforms often caused competitors to fall awkwardly. If either competitor released the rope or fell off a platform, the sudden loss of tension would cause their opponent to fall unexpectedly. Due to the higher height of the Gladiator's platforms, they were at greater risk of injury. After both Panther and Nightshade suffered serious injuries because of this event, it was axed after the 1995 series. This, however, became the basis for the American Gladiators event "Tug-O-War", which became a safer (due to the platforms being at the same height with each other) and more popular variation.

Vertigo
  • First appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Heat 1
  • Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Final
  • Time limit: None
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 10 points for reaching the end ring first, otherwise 1 point for each pole reached

Another one-on-one race. Five 27-foot (8.3m) poles lie ahead of the competitors. On the whistle they must climb the first one to the top. Once there they swing their pole and must use this method to transfer to each of the remaining poles. They must complete a left-to-right swing before transferring. They do this until the end where a silver ring awaits, the first to grab this wins the event in a shower of sparks!

The Wall
  • First appearance: Series 1, 1992 – Heat 1
  • Last appearance: Series 8, 1999 – Final
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
  • Points:
    • Series 1 to 2: 10 points for reaching the top of the Wall
    • Series 3 to 8: 10 points for reaching the top first, 5 points for reaching the top second.

Contenders attempt to climb up a 36 ft climbing wall covered with hand and foot holds while the Gladiators give chase, and attempt to pull them off.

In the first series the female contenders received a 20-second head-start falling to 15 seconds in the semi-finals and final; while the men received a 15-second head-start falling to 10 seconds in the semi-finals and final.

In later series the head-starts were standardised at 10 seconds for female contenders and 7 seconds for the male contenders.

If the contender fell off the wall before the Gladiator was released, they were allowed to try again. However, after the Gladiator was released then if the contender fell (even accidentally) then this would be a loss. The Gladiator was allowed as many tries as necessary. A win was only counted if the contender got their entire body over the wall within the time limit. Contenders were not allowed to try and remove the Gladiators or their opponent's from the wall. Gladiators were forbidden from touching the Contenders' harness equipment or neck.

Whiplash
  • First appearance: Series 4, 1995 – Heat 1
  • Last appearance: Battle Of Gladiators, 1999
  • Time limit: 30 seconds
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
  • Points: 10 points for pulling the Gladiator out of the ring

A tug of war type game. Contender and Gladiator grip a "dog bone" and the contender must use this to pull the Gladiator out of the ring or to obtain the "dog bone," sometimes known as "own the bone". No wrenching or pulling is permitted on the Gladiator's part, their role is strictly defence. However, the contender can use any means to remove the Gladiator. The "dog bone" was changed in later seasons and was designed to keep both contender and gladiator from letting go and making for more exciting bouts.

Eliminator
  • First appearance: Series 1, 1992 – Heat 1
  • Last appearance: Series 8, 1999 – Final
  • Time limit: None
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: None

The final event, and the only event seen in every episode. This was a contender against contender obstacle course. The first player to complete the Eliminator course would win the show and progress to the next round. In instances where it was not clear who had won, producers would watch a replay to determine who had torn the paper wall at the end first. Unlike in the American version, the Gladiators would have no involvement with this round.

The whole show was set up for this. The points gathered throughout the show are used to determine a head start. For every point the contender with the higher score was ahead, a 0.5 second head start would be given. Once a winner was determined, the runner up was encouraged to finish the course anyway.

Each obstacle on the course had special rules which were only explained to viewers if there was a potential violation. For example, when attempting the Travelator, Contenders may not use the covers on either side of the moving belt to help them get up. If the referee is not satisfied that the Contender crossed an obstacle properly, he can demand they retake it.

The initial course layout was as follows:

  • At the start, there were

a set of four hurdles to scale; these were called the High and Low Beams, with the high hurdles needing to be scaled while the low ones needed to be rolled under.

  • The Rope Climb followed; the contenders used a climbing rope to get to a platform.
  • A pit needed to be crossed, and each set of contenders did so differently. For women, they used a Hand Ladder, while men used a Hand Bike.
  • Once there a second pit awaited with rolling cylinders over it.
  • After that came a climb up a cargo net to a gantry, then a short dash to a zip line which brought both contenders to the floor again.
  • Once the contenders splashed down, a balance beam awaited.
  • The final obstacle was the Travelator, which was an incline into which two belts running in the opposite direction of the incline were installed. The object was to scale the ramp while running against the belts.
  • Once atop the Travelator, contenders then grabbed a rope and used it to burst through a paper barrier to finish.

This setup was used for the first five series of the programme. Beginning with series six, the layout was changed. The changes were:

  • After the High/Low Beams, a new obstacle was placed before the Rope Climb. In series five this was a series of elastic bands called the Bungee Maze, which required the contenders to climb through them. In series six, this was changed to a double sided cargo net with a trampoline at its base; both sides needed to be scaled to pass. The second low hurdle was removed from the course to make room.
  • The rolling cylinders were replaced by the Trapeze, which consisted of two apparatuses resembling trapezes that were used to swing across the pit.
  • During series six the balance beam obstacle was replaced with the Seesaw. There were now two beams that needed to be crossed, and each had a teeter-totter mechanism; the contenders needed to negotiate the obstacle without falling off and had to make certain their feet touched a yellow mark at the end of each Seesaw.


A new version was created for the rebooted series, and incorporated the pool at the beginning. This feature caused Contenders to become fatigued sooner, and being wet made some obstacles harder to overcome. As a result, the travelator would sometimes need to be slowed down or even stopped to help the Contender finish the course.

Unused events

The two events in this section never made it to any televised series.

Breakthrough & Conquer
  • First appearance: Wembley Live, 1993
  • Last appearance: Wembley Live, 1993
  • Time limit: Breakthrough - None / Conquer - 15 seconds
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 2 (1 Breakthrough, 1 Conquer)
  • Points: 5 points for reaching "End Zone" in Breakthrough, 5 points for removing Gladiator from ring in Conquer.

This two-part event (which had proved popular in the American series) was road-tested in the 1993 Wembley Live series, but it was never played in any televised series (although clips of it were shown in the 1993 opening show).

For the first part of the event, the contender, armed with a rugby ball, had to get past a Gladiator without being tackled, gaining 5 points if successful. Any foul by a gladiator (illegal strike to the head, not in the five-yard zone) also was an automatic win.

For the second part, the contender was placed in a small circle against a different Gladiator and had 30 seconds to remove the Gladiator from the circle, again receiving 5 points should they be successful.

Although it was never played in the series, elements of the gameplay were used for the Powerball, Whiplash and Earthquake events.

Cyclotron

This event was due to appear as a new event in the 1997 series along with Tightrope, even appearing (as a CGI image) in the opening credits.

Gameplay appeared to involve both contender and Gladiator on cycles on a rotating circular track. It appeared that the Gladiator was to chase the Contender with the aim of catching them.

The reason for Cyclotron's removal from the events roster is unknown, although it is rumoured that it was due to technical problems and certain gladiators commented on it being too difficult to play and very hard for the audience to follow.

Gladiators revival events

Duel
  • First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 1
  • Time limit: 30 seconds
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1 (Panther, Battleaxe, Amazon [Battle of the athletes S2], Spartan, Tornado, Goliath, Atlas and Predator [Battle of the forces S1])
  • Win condition: Knocking the Gladiator off.
  • Points: 10 points for a win, 5 points for remaining on until the end of the time limit

This event is now played above water, as opposed to a crash mat in the original series. Legends who participated

  • Rebel (0 points) * Hunter (10 points). (The Legends Return).
  • Siren (10 points) * Trojan (0 points). (The Legends Strike Back).
  • Panther (0 points). * Khan (0 points). (The Legends Last Stand).

Gladiator Panther challenged Legend Siren to a rematch from her defeat in their last meeting, no points were up for grabs, just reputation. Gladiator Panther won so it was brought to 1 all.

Earthquake
  • First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 2
  • Time limit: 30 seconds
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1 (Siren, Battleaxe, Enigma, Panther, Ice [celebrity special S1], Atlas, Warrior, Goliath, Oblivion, Doom, Destroyer and Wolf [Legends Last Stand S2])
  • Win condition: Throwing the Gladiator off.
  • Points: 10 points for a win, 5 points for remaining on the platform until the end of the time limit.

The Contender and Gladiator must attempt to throw the other off a 12' platform freely suspended above crash mats. The platform is free to tilt slightly.

When the event was first shown, several warnings were issued by the referee to both Contenders and Gladiators for wrestling, not allowing the other to get up after being pushed down on the platform, and for holding onto the supporting wires. In one episode, the referee stated that competitors were only allowed to push against their rival's arms, but this rule was never enforced beyond that occasion. The event continued to be plagued by stop-start calls due to vague interpretations of the rules. In the 2nd series the platform is higher up in the studio and the fall is onto a net not crashmats. The prohibition on wrestling was removed, as it was leading to too many interruptions.

  • Legends who participated.
  • Rocket (10 points) * Wolf (0 points [DQ & Lost to Oblivion anyway]). (The Legends Return).
  • Rebel (5 points). * Trojan (10 points). (The Legends Last Stand).

Gauntlet
  • First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 3
  • Time limit: 30 seconds
  • Contenders: 1
  • Gladiators: 4 in heats/5 in quarter finals onwards (Every Gladiator both male and female has appeared at least once, with the exception of Cyclone)
  • Points: 2 Points per Gladiator Passed, plus a bonus 2 for breaking the wall of bricks, similar to that in the eliminator, at the end.

The Contender must run through each Gladiator, each armed with padded weaponry, such as ramrods (cylindrical sticks) and power pads (large square gloves). In the revival there are now penalties for ducking and crawling under Gladiators, resulting in Disqualification. In the heats, contenders face four gladiators instead of five like in the original series, but from the quarter-finals onwards, the trend set by the original series is restored, and a new so-far-unnamed weapon is featured.

Legends who participated.

  • Rocket (10 points) * Cobra (10 points) (The Legends Strike Back).

Hang Tough
  • First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 2
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1 (Siren, Cyclone, Enigma, Battleaxe, Tempest, Atlas, Tornado, Spartan, Oblivion and Ice)
  • Points: 10 points for reaching the Gladiator's platform, 5 points for remaining within the scoring zone (red rings) until the end of the time limit.

For the revival, Hang Tough is now situated above water.

If the gladiator falls off the contender will receive a free pass to the gladiators platform, but if not reached in the time remaining they will receive 5 points if hanging in the scoring zone.

Legends who participated.

  • Flame (5 points) * Trojan (0 points) (The Legends Return).
  • Scorpio (0 points) * Wolf (0 points) (The Legends Strike Back).

Hit & Run
  • First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 1
  • Time limit: 1 Minute
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 4 (Every Gladiator both male [excluding Goliath] and female has appeared at least once)
  • Points: 2 points for each crossing

The Playing area is suspended above water, a contender must touch a buzzer that is located on each platform. From series 2 of the revival, contenders have a limited time after hitting each button to get to the other side. The time limit is eight seconds for female contenders and seven for male contenders. If the contender does not hit the button in time, a light goes out and the crossing does not count. Contenders are also liable to be disqualified if they do not keep running at all times.

Legends who participated.

  • Lightning (12 points) * Wolf (8 points) (The Legends Return).
  • Siren (4 points) * Ace (0 points) (The Legends Last Stand).

Powerball
  • First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 1
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 3 (All gladiators took part at least once with the Cyclone only playing as a reserve in S1 and not as a full time gladiators in S2).
  • Points: Outer Basket 2 Points, Centre Basket 5 Points

In the original series, the centre basket was worth 3 points.

Pursuit
  • First appearance: Series 2, 2009 – Heat 3
  • Time limit: 90 seconds
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2 (Tempest, Enigma, Amazon/Predator, Doom, Spartan)
  • Points: 10 points for pressing the buzzer at the finish. But if caught the Contender will still receive points but will be dependent on where they were caught on the Pursuit Course. 2 points will be awarded after completing the Monkey Bars and a further 2 points will be awarded after completing the 1st Wall.

Pyramid
  • First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 1
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2 (Siren, Panther, Battleaxe, Enigma, Amazon/Spartan, Tornado, Oblivion, Atlas, Doom, Preadator, Warrior and Goliath)
  • Points: 10 points for reaching the top first, 5 points for reaching the top second

from series 2 if the gladiator tackles below the second step the gladiator is disqualified and if the contender was on the step marked with arrows when the time expires whey would earn 3 points.

Rocketball
  • First appearance: Series 2, 2009 – Heat 1
  • Time limit: 90 seconds
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2 (Inferno, Siren, Enigma, Tempest, Cyclone/Predator, Spartan, Oblivion, Warrior)
  • Points: Score 1 point for the WHITE basket (lower basket) and 2 points for the YELLOW basket (higher basket).

Legends who participated.

  • Panther (2 points) * Vogue (4 points) (total of 6)
  • Ace (3 points) * Cobra (0 points) (total of 3)

(Both games were played in The Legends Last Stand only).

The Wall
  • First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 2
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2 (Tempest, Cyclone, Enigma, Ice, Panther [Celebrity special S1], Predator, Tornado, Spartan, Doom and Oblivion)
  • Points: 10 points for reaching the top first, 5 points for reaching the top second or for remaining on the wall until the end of the time limit.

Both men and women receive a [10-second(S1) Heats] 7-second head start.

Legends who participated. The Legends Return:

  • Rebel (10 points) * Lightning (5 points) (Total of 15)
  • Ace (0 points) * Trojan (0 points) (Total of 0)

The Legends Strike Back:

  • Lightning (0 points) * Scorpio (0 points) (Total of 0)
  • Bullit (0 points) * Cobra (0 points) (Total of 0)

Suspension Bridge
  • First appearance: Series 2, 2009 – Heat 4
  • Time limit : 60 seconds
  • Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1 (Siren, Battleaxe, Panther, Enigma/Doom, Oblivion, Goliath, Warrior)
  • Points: 10 points for reaching the other side, 5 points for remaining on the bridge until the end of the time limit.

This event is now played above water, as opposed to a crash mat in the original series. the contender will also receive 10 points for knocking the gladiator off.

The Eliminator
  • First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 1
  • Time limit: None
  • Contenders: 2

The final event, the only event seen in every episode. This was a contender against contender obstacle course. The first player to complete the Eliminator course would win the show and progress to the next round.

The whole show was set up for this. The points gathered throughout the show are used to determine a head start. For every point the contender with the higher score was ahead, a 0.5 second head start would be given.

The course consists of the following:

  • Underwater Swim, Cargo Net, Cotton Reel (S1), Firemans Rope (S1), Floor Travelator (S2), Monkey Bars (women) / Hand Bike (men), Balance Beam, Pyramid, Zipline and Travelator.

In an episode first aired 22 June 2008, it was revealed that the referee has the option to slow down the travelator in order that the competitors would be able to complete the course and to determine a winner. In this particular episode the travelator had to be completely stopped for the first time ever. Surprisingly, this measure had to be taken for both the male and female contenders.

Penalties

In Heat 2, it was shown that falling off the men's Hand Bike incurs a 15-second penalty, where the contender must wait at the start of the Balance Beam until they are let continue by the referee.

In the women's Monkey Bars, a 10-second penalty was issued for falling off, and once the penalties finished, the contender would continue from the start of the balance beam.

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