BBC Gladiators Pushed Back Last Minute as Fans Erupt Over Schedule Change
Gladiators viewers were left frustrated after football coverage caused last-minute scheduling changes that pushed the show back on Saturday and fans were warned the semi-final airing tonight will also be at a different time.
Gladiators Delayed After Football Extra Time
On Saturday’s (March 7) broadcast, Gladiators was initially due to start at 8: 00 pm ET but was rescheduled to 8: 30 pm ET when the football match went into extra time. The match ran longer than expected and the episode did not begin until closer to 8: 40 pm ET. The delayed show carried on with viewers watching contestants compete in the quarter finals, but many expressed annoyance at the late start.
Viewers’ reactions were blunt. One wrote: “Thanks for letting everyone know Gladiators is on iPlayer for tonight. Anymore waiting might have been frustrating. ” Another fumed: “Does this sport ever f******g end?!” A third complained the later finish was inconvenient for families: “Gladiators is on at 8: 30 pm due to the football going into extra time. Finishing at 9: 30 pm. That’s awfully late for kids. Why not put it on Two?”
Tonight’s Semi-Final Starts Later Because Of Six Nations
Fans should note another schedule adjustment for the semi-final tonight (March 14). One is broadcasting the Wales v Italy match from 4: 00 pm ET ahead of a 4: 40 pm ET kick off, which means Gladiators’ usual slot will be affected. The semi-final will be available to watch from 7: 15 pm ET on One, and the episode was uploaded to iPlayer at 6: 00 am ET for those who prefer to watch online earlier.
The series, presented by Bradley and Barney Walsh, is approaching its conclusion with contenders battling for a place in the final. Tonight’s first set of contenders named in the schedule are Mo, 35, from Swansea; Finn, 23, from the Lake District; Ella, 28, from Bournemouth; and Naomi, 40, from Birmingham.
What Fans Can Expect And Why The Changes Matter
Producers promoted the semi-final as high-stakes television: referees will be key in Collision, Comet returns to Hang Tough, and Cyclone features in Everest. The show has been running the quarter finals recently and the semi-final will decide who advances to the Gladiators Grand Final. The reboot has drawn attention from fans of the original series and praise from former contestants, who have commented on the production’s approach.
For viewers, the main practical effects of the schedule shifts are later airtimes and the option to watch on iPlayer. With sporting events prone to overrun, audiences can expect further short-notice changes when live matches clash with scheduled entertainment shows.
Broadcasters have already set the revised timetable for tonight’s semi-final and viewers can choose between catching the episode on iPlayer from 6: 00 am ET or tuning in to One from 7: 15 pm ET.
