Celebrity Gladiator special on New Year's Day - are you ready?

The Gladiators are back with a bang on New Year's Day

As 2024 draws to a close, you might be wondering what could be in store for the New Year.

If you're looking for a bit of excitement, a bit of colour and a bit of drama in January, then you're in luck!

A brand new series of Gladiators is returning on New Year's Day, kicking off with a special Celebrity episode.

Four celebrities will go head-to-head with the Gladiators, but who is taking part?

Find out here!

Which celebrities are taking part in the Gladiators special?

Enter the celebrity contestants: Comedians Rob Beckett and Ellie Taylor and presenters Louise Minchin and Joel Dommett

Four contestants are taking part in the celebrity special, just like in regular episodes of Gladiators.

They are TV presenter Joel Dommett, actor and comedian Ellie Taylor, comedian Rob Beckett and broadcaster Louise Minchin.

TV presenter Rob Beckett said his friends and family "laughed in my face" when he told them he was signing up for the Gladiators Celebrity Special.

He added: "I am trying to challenge myself a bit more on the things I'm scared of, like heights.

"By doing these challenges I feel like it'll help me get over those fears and it's a good example for my kids as well, to give it a go and show that you're not scared and you can conquer your own fears."

The Masked Singer host Joel Dommett said appearing on the show had been "like getting a ticket for a Taylor Swift concert" and "a dream come true".

Presenter Louise Minchin is known for her love of sport, including taking part in gruelling triathlons and open-water swimming.

She said her family laughed when they heard she was competing, partly because they know it's her idea of "heaven".

Comedian Ellie Taylor said taking part in the Gladiators was "empowering".

She explained: "I used to watch it as a kid, and now my little girl is also a big fan. It's come full circle."

Gladiators: Celebrity Special will air on BBC One and iPlayer from 6pm on New Year's Day.

What can we expect from Gladiators series 2?

Nitro has confirmed he won't be competing in the new series because of an injury

Gladiator Nitro has had an injury which means that he will not be able to participate in events in the new series.

Nitro - whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey - shared the news on social media in December, saying he'll still be there "hyping up" the other Gladiators.

But taking his place are not one, but TWO new gladiators.

Their identities have been kept secret, so watch this space!

The return date of the regular series is still to be confirmed, but it will be sometime in January.

Are you excited for the new series? Let us know in the comments!