BBC Gladiators Delayed by FA Cup Coverage, New Start Time at 8pm
In a significant adjustment to tonight's television schedule, the BBC has announced that Gladiators will not air at its regular time. The popular Saturday evening programme, typically broadcast at 5.45pm, has been pushed back to 8pm due to extensive FA Cup coverage. This change affects viewers across the UK, with the show now starting over two hours later than usual.
Reason Behind the Schedule Shift
The rescheduling is directly linked to the FA Cup fifth-round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. BBC One's coverage of this crucial football fixture begins at 5.30pm, with the kick-off scheduled for 5.45pm. Consequently, Gladiators has been moved to accommodate the live sports broadcast, ensuring fans do not miss any of the action from either event.
Impact on Gladiators Series Progression
This timing adjustment arrives at a pivotal moment in the current series of Gladiators. Episode 5, airing tonight, marks the conclusion of the final heat, while episode 6 will herald the start of the highly anticipated quarter-finals. The new series, which introduced fresh challenges like Destruction, continues to captivate audiences with its intense physical competitions hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney.
According to a synopsis from Radio Times, tonight's episode promises drama and controversy. It features the last round of heats, where contestants must conquer five brutal events and the dreaded Eliminator to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. Highlights include controversy on Crash Course, Apollo's return to the Duel podium, and Mark Clattenburg receiving a new and not-so-helpful assistant referee.
Injury Update from Gladiator Legend
In related news, Gladiator Legend, also known as Matt Morsia, recently revealed he sustained an injury that will sideline him from upcoming episodes. During a recent taping, he entered the arena with his arm in a sling, explaining to Bradley Walsh that he had damaged his bicep tendon. Legend described the situation as devastating, though he humorously noted it was more so for the audience. Bradley assured viewers that Legend will return later in the series, maintaining continuity for fans.
Additional Schedule Changes
The FA Cup coverage has also impacted other BBC programmes. Casualty, which normally airs at 8.30pm on Saturday evenings, will be broadcast at the later slot of 9.45pm tomorrow. This episode features Jacob Masters dealing with a challenging situation after his son Blake is wrongly profiled by a police officer, adding to the night's dramatic television lineup.
Overall, while the schedule shift may inconvenience some viewers, it ensures comprehensive coverage of both the FA Cup and Gladiators, offering a diverse range of entertainment options for Saturday night television.
