RECORD BREAKERS: CLASSIC BBC SERIES SET FOR REIMAGINED REBOOT

Classic BBC children's and family TV series Record Breakers is set to be rebooted, with Hungry Bear - the company behind the BBC's reboot of Gladiators - behind the show.

Record Breakers ran on CBBC and BBC One from 1972 to 2001, spanning 30 series and nearly 300 episodes, and was hosted by the likes of Roy Castle, Kriss Akabusi and Linford Christie.

Each episode features members of the public attempting to break world records. The Sun newspaper reports that development, under the new title World Record Breakers: The Rivals, is in the very early stages, with no broadcaster yet attached.

A source told The Sun: "...the spirit of the show remains strong. Every day the TikTok generation are doing pranks and stunts online so it feels like a no-brainer. It is also incredibly family-friendly so would be ideal for that primetime Saturday spot."

Meanwhile, the BBC have confirmed that Saturday night hit Gladiators will return for a third series on BBC One in 2026, with applications now open. The series is also produced by Hungry Bear - the team behind Record Breakers.

The first series quickly gripped the nation and consolidated to near 10 million viewers, with a second series quickly ordered and continuing every Saturday. Filming on the third series is due to take place this Summer, with applications now open - more details here.

Hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, the show will see the Gladiators competing against a brave set of contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength. They will take part in a series of brand-new games alongside classic challenges including fan-favourite The Eliminator.

A source told The Sun: "Channel chiefs invariably wait to see how one series does before they order another one - but usually they wait more than fortnight before they make a decision. But season two of Gladiators has just been so well received it was a no brainer to commission a third outing as soon as possible. It will be a huge thrill to the ever-growing army of fans of the family-friendly show."

Returning to the arena for the second series are all sixteen Gladiators from the first series who quickly became household names - Sabre, Legend, Nitro, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Fire, Giant, Dynamite, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Comet, Steel and Fury.

The current series also introduces audience to two brand new Gladiators - Cyclone and Hammer. 23-year-old Cyclone is an Irish Powerlifter and at 5 foot 10 considers herself the ultimate all-round athlete, whilst 32-year-old World Rowing Champion, Hammer, from Nottingham claims that the combination of his strength and speed, at the height and size that he is, is rare and sets him apart from everyone else.

Gladiators continues Saturdays on BBC One, with previous episodes available on BBC iPlayer.