Contenders ready? Gladiators is back, here's what we know about the new series

Contenders ready? Gladiators ready?… Are YOU ready? Series two of Gladiators is here.

Starting on BBC One on Saturday, 18 January, the first episode will see new Gladiators revealed, a returning event from the classic series, Giant meeting his match on the duel podium and Viper breaking his silence.

Sadly one Gladiator will be missing from the line-up due to injury.

Read on to find out who, and what else to expect from series two of Gladiators.

Gladiators series two: What is the Atlasphere?

Returning from the classic series is the Atlaspheres.

It promises to be a chaotic event which sees Gladiators and contenders strapped inside huge ball-shaped cages which they have to control with their hands and feet.

Host, Bradley Walsh has described them as "huge metal hamster balls".

But along with classic contests returning, there's also a brand new event to contend with.

New event called 'Unleash'

Unleash will see contenders start in a smoke-filled tunnel and race along a track and up some steps to grab a winning flag.

However, a Gladiator is right behind them, trying to chase them down to stop them from reaching the flag.

Who are the new Gladiators?

Cyclone will be sure to put the contenders in a spin this year

Get ready for two brand-new Gladiators to storm their way into the arena this year.

First up is Cyclone, who's an Irish Powerlifter. She's 23 and considers herself an all-round athlete.

Coming in with confidence, Cyclone says: "I've got the look, I've got the energy and I've got the muscles." Better watch out, contenders.

She'll be joined by a World Rowing Champion called Hammer, who says that the sum of his height, size, strength and speed will make him hard to beat.

Watch out - it's Hammer time

He says: "When you've got 19 stone sprinting at you, you've got no chance. I'm getting you." Fair enough Hammer.

Series one featured 16 athletes and fitness pros, each making their debut as Gladiators. These included Sabre, Legend, Nitro, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Fire, Giant, Dynamite, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Comet, Steel and Fury.

All are confirmed to be a part of the new series, including Comet and Sabre who both picked up injuries during series 1 and had to withdraw from the show early.

Nitro injured

Nitro misses the series through injury

Sadly, Nitro (real name: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey) will be watching his fellow Gladiators take on contenders from the side-lines after picking up an injury.

Nitro who starred in the Strictly Christmas special said he'll still appear in series two as 'a hype man' for his co-stars saying: "You'll still catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators, and keeping the energy sky-high."

Gladiators returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 18 January from 5.50pm

Who are you most looking forward to seeing back on your screens? Let us know in the comments below.