Gladiators is back on BBC – but one familiar face will be missing (Picture: BBC/Nick Eagle/Hungry Bear Media Ltd)
Fans of Gladiators have been left disappointed after one of their favourite athletes was forced to drop out.
Series 1 of the reboot aired last year, and after proving a hit in the ratings war, Gladiators was recommissioned for another round, with filming taking place last August.
The second revival of the iconic game show then returned to BBC this weekend with Bradley Walsh and his son, Barney, also back as hosts.
But unfortunately for viewers, series 2 is missing one key person.
Talking to cameras at the start of tonight’s episode, the presenters revealed that Nitro – whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – was unable to compete after sustaining an injury during training.
Bradley, 64, and Barney, 27, opened with the ‘bad news’ while filming at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
Nitro has been forced to withdraw from series 2 due to injury (Picture: BBC/Graeme Hunter/Hungry Bear Media Ltd)
Viewers took to X to express their disappointment (Picture: X)
He’s been hailed as one of the ‘best’ athletes on the show (Picture: X)
Fans are gutted (Picture: X)
‘OK, we’ve got some bad news, don’t we? Sadly, one of our Gladiators sustained an injury in training, which means he won’t be able to compete in this series,’ Bradley told the live audience.
Barney added: ‘But the good news is that he’s still here.
‘He’s joining us in the arena right now, and Sheffield, please give a warm welcome to Nitro.’
Nitro received a warm welcome as he entered the venue, still in good spirits despite the setback.
‘Obviously, y’know, I’m explosive. I’m powerful. Sometimes I’m too powerful, and I end up hurting myself,’ he joked.
He told the two hosts that he had a ‘dodgy knee.’
Keeping his spirits up, Nitro continued: ‘But these things happen in sport, y’know? When you’re pushing yourself as hard as you do.’
Bradley Walsh and son Barney are back as hosts (Picture: BBC/Nick Eagle/Hungry Bear Media Ltd)
Thankfully, Nitro is still able to put in an appearance this series, despite not taking part in the competition itself.
‘I mean, we’ll still be seeing you throughout the series, right?’, Bradley asked hopefully.
‘Yeah. The pecs aren’t going anywhere. They’re right here. They’re staying here,’ Nitro replied.
‘I need all of those Nitro fans out there to give me some energy, ’cause I need to recharge!’
Taking to X after the announcement was made, viewers expressed their devastation.
‘Nitro injured…. Series ruined. He’s the best of the best’, cried emilyroseon.
Heaping praise on the athlete for his performances in one of Gladiators’ most famous rounds, KingOfFM wrote: ‘So disappointing that Nitro is out for the whole season. He is the absolute boss of the Wall. He will be missed’.
He joked that his injury was caused by him simply being too ‘powerful’ (Picture: BBC/Graeme Hunter/Hungry Bear Media Ltd)
The former sprinter was last seen on the Strictly Christmas special (Picture: BBC Studios/Guy Levy)
‘Nitro being out of this season is low key heartbreaking tbh’, confessed kylghlzbth.
‘Day ruined by the news that Nitro is injured and won’t be taking part in this series of #Gladiators… devastated, he’s the best one!’, echoed alltoojen_xo.
Others praised the star’s ‘good attitude’, hailing him as ‘one of the few glads who doesn’t pointlessly fume when losing.’
‘Aww thats a shame Nitro knackered his knee, he’s such a good laugh and a nice fella’, said i_drive_the_bus.
Before becoming a Gladiator, Nitro, aka Harry, was a sprinter.
In 2005, he was named the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year after becoming the first athlete to win gold medals in both the 100 metres and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships.
Most recently, he appeared on the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing and performed with Nancy Xu.
Gladiators airs Saturdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.