Latest news with #Gladiators
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Enough of the Bognor bashing – I think the seaside town is one of the UK's best
BASKING in the sunshine on Bognor's pebbly beach, watching my boys skim stones into the sea, I found myself wondering if there could be a more picture-perfect snapshot of a trip to the British seaside. I've been visiting this south coast resort since I was tiny and now my boys love heading to the Sussex seaside just as much as I do. Advertisement 6 I love Bognor Regis - and am sick of all the hating on it Credit: Alamy 6 I've been visiting Bognor since I was a kid 6 Its now a place I take all my kids on holiday So I couldn't believe my eyes when Bognor was named the worst seaside town in this year's Which? survey, with some visitors branding it dirty and rundown. It only scored 36 per cent overall, with visitors rating its beach two stars out of five. Its seafront, food and drink , tourist attractions, scenery, shopping, parking, peace and quiet and value for money only received one star each. Despite this depressing result, it's nonsense to suggest that Bognor is bottom of British beach breaks, as far as I'm concerned. Advertisement Read more on seaside towns There's a reason why it's been a family favourite for generations and why British holiday institution Butlin's has had a presence in the town for almost a century, despite closing lots of other locations around the country. For a start, the Maybe the shingle shoreline isn't everyone's cup of tea, but paddling on pebbles does mean you're not finding sand in all your nooks and crannies for weeks after your trip to the coast. We usually stay at prom to get to the town, passing the pier and the greenery of Waterloo Square before heading further on to Marine Park Gardens. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays Exclusive Or you can catch the little land train that ferries visitors along the shoreline, costing £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. We like to stroll along, admiring the seaside architecture glinting white in the sunlight as we go. I tried the new Gladiators event at Butlin's with some of the TV stars… and my kids were obsessed And there's the Play on the Beach playground for little visitors on this stretch of the esplanade too. Another highlight of any trip to Bognor is a visit to Hotham Park, where I remember taking a trip on the miniature railway as a child. Advertisement It's still a lovely place to visit and now my boys can take a turn around the tracks while I get nostalgic about childhood summers and fun in the sun. For me, I love going back to the town to see what has stayed the same and what is new and exciting. I can't wait for the £15million transformation of the next year. And there's a new £13million Butlin's has also had plenty of investment in recent times, with a £40million pool opening in 2019 and the £15million darts and crazy golf . Advertisement 6 It has so many exciting new investments 6 A new Playxperience attraction opened at Butlin's Bognor Regis Credit: Butlin's Even better, you can just pop in for the day if you're staying elsewhere in Bognor, with day passes from as little as £1 for children during term-time. With all this money being spent on accommodation and attractions, it would be a mistake to write off this seaside spot as not worth a visit when it feels like it's on the up and being brought bang into the 21st century with all these new openings. Advertisement Every year, when Which? releases the results from surveying its 4000 members on seaside trips they've taken the previous summer , I shake my head with a wry smile at whichever much-loved traditional seaside resort has ended up being named and shamed this time. It's been Skegness, Clacton, Mablethorpe and Bangor in recent years, but none of those deserved to be bottom either. You can't really compare a resort that focuses on family fun and lots of laughs, with arcades, pubs , chippies and ice cream stalls aplenty, with somewhere like Bamburgh in Northumberland , which consistently comes top of the list. Its amazing castle and unspoilt beach are definitely a winning combination, but you can't beat the bustle of Bognor or Bangor for offering budget-friendly best-of-British breaks with something to keep all ages happy. Advertisement It's almost 100 years since King George V visited Bognor to convalesce and gave it the royal seal of approval by allowing the town to add Regis to its name. As far as I'm concerned, it's still a jewel in the crown of the South Coast, sparkling in the sunlight for all to see. It should be basking in its title of sunniest seaside spot, instead of being bashed for its beach or buildings. 6 It will always be one of my favourite seaside towns Credit: Alamy Advertisement
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Enough of the Bognor bashing – I think the seaside town is one of the UK's best
And the new Butlin's attractions and Premier Inn coming to town BOG OFF Enough of the Bognor bashing – I think the seaside town is one of the UK's best Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BASKING in the sunshine on Bognor's pebbly beach, watching my boys skim stones into the sea, I found myself wondering if there could be a more picture-perfect snapshot of a trip to the British seaside. I've been visiting this south coast resort since I was tiny and now my boys love heading to the Sussex seaside just as much as I do. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 I love Bognor Regis - and am sick of all the hating on it Credit: Alamy 6 I've been visiting Bognor since I was a kid 6 Its now a place I take all my kids on holiday So I couldn't believe my eyes when Bognor was named the worst seaside town in this year's Which? survey, with some visitors branding it dirty and rundown. It only scored 36 per cent overall, with visitors rating its beach two stars out of five. Its seafront, food and drink, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping, parking, peace and quiet and value for money only received one star each. Despite this depressing result, it's nonsense to suggest that Bognor is bottom of British beach breaks, as far as I'm concerned. There's a reason why it's been a family favourite for generations and why British holiday institution Butlin's has had a presence in the town for almost a century, despite closing lots of other locations around the country. For a start, the Met Office records show that Bognor averages around 1900 hours of sunshine a year, making it a good choice if you want to turn your great British staycay into a raycay. Maybe the shingle shoreline isn't everyone's cup of tea, but paddling on pebbles does mean you're not finding sand in all your nooks and crannies for weeks after your trip to the coast. We usually stay at Butlin's and it's just a short walk along the prom to get to the town, passing the pier and the greenery of Waterloo Square before heading further on to Marine Park Gardens. Or you can catch the little land train that ferries visitors along the shoreline, costing £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. We like to stroll along, admiring the seaside architecture glinting white in the sunlight as we go. I tried the new Gladiators event at Butlin's with some of the TV stars… and my kids were obsessed And there's the Play on the Beach playground for little visitors on this stretch of the esplanade too. Another highlight of any trip to Bognor is a visit to Hotham Park, where I remember taking a trip on the miniature railway as a child. It's still a lovely place to visit and now my boys can take a turn around the tracks while I get nostalgic about childhood summers and fun in the sun. For me, I love going back to the town to see what has stayed the same and what is new and exciting. I can't wait for the £15million transformation of the Alexandra Theatre when it is unveiled next year. And there's a new £13million Premier Inn due to open nearby later this year. Butlin's has also had plenty of investment in recent times, with a £40million pool opening in 2019 and the £15million Playxperience offering digital versions of family favourites like darts and crazy golf. 6 It has so many exciting new investments 6 A new Playxperience attraction opened at Butlin's Bognor Regis Credit: Butlin's Even better, you can just pop in for the day if you're staying elsewhere in Bognor, with day passes from as little as £1 for children during term-time. With all this money being spent on accommodation and attractions, it would be a mistake to write off this seaside spot as not worth a visit when it feels like it's on the up and being brought bang into the 21st century with all these new openings. Every year, when Which? releases the results from surveying its 4000 members on seaside trips they've taken the previous summer, I shake my head with a wry smile at whichever much-loved traditional seaside resort has ended up being named and shamed this time. It's been Skegness, Clacton, Mablethorpe and Bangor in recent years, but none of those deserved to be bottom either. You can't really compare a resort that focuses on family fun and lots of laughs, with arcades, pubs, chippies and ice cream stalls aplenty, with somewhere like Bamburgh in Northumberland, which consistently comes top of the list. Its amazing castle and unspoilt beach are definitely a winning combination, but you can't beat the bustle of Bognor or Bangor for offering budget-friendly best-of-British breaks with something to keep all ages happy. It's almost 100 years since King George V visited Bognor to convalesce and gave it the royal seal of approval by allowing the town to add Regis to its name. As far as I'm concerned, it's still a jewel in the crown of the South Coast, sparkling in the sunlight for all to see. It should be basking in its title of sunniest seaside spot, instead of being bashed for its beach or buildings.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gladiators to return with 2026 series and celebrity special
Gladiators to return with 2026 series and celebrity special Hosted by father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, the hit BBC game show will see its elite athletes, known as Gladiators, take on contenders to complete physical challenges. Gladiators Live poster. (Image: BBC ) Gladiators has been renewed for a new season and will return to screens in 2026 along with a celebrity special. Hosted by father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, the hit BBC game show will see its elite athletes, known as Gladiators, take on contenders to complete physical challenges. The competition, which puts contestants' speed, power, endurance and agility to the test, will return to screens in 2026 and will also include a one-hour celebrity special where four stars will enter the Sheffield arena. Audiences will see the return of familiar Gladiator faces including Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone and Diamond. Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury and The Giant will also return for the new series alongside Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel and Viper. Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, said: "Audiences have loved getting together to watch our mighty Gladiators take on contenders from all across the UK, with younger fans especially excited to cheer on their Saturday night superheroes. Article continues below "With this brand-new series and another celebrity special confirmed there will be even more epic battles, more high-octane action and of course even more foam fingers than ever before for everyone to look forward to." Gladiators was revived last year on the BBC, with Army officer Finlay Anderson and personal trainer Marie-Louise Nicholson being crowned champions. Gym owner Amanda Wah from Warrington and gymnastics coach Joe Fishburn from Scarborough took the crown this April as the 2025 Gladiators champions. Made by Hungry Bear Media, the series will include 11 one-hour episodes along with a single one-hour Gladiators celebrity special. Dan Baldwin, managing director at Hungry Bear Media, said: "We have been absolutely blown away by the reception Gladiators has received from families up and down the country. "It has become a huge part of Saturday night viewing on the BBC. Article continues below "We are extremely excited to deliver another series, so expect even more spandex, hairspray, protein shakes and fake tan this summer in Sheffield." The show was on ITV for eight years until 2000 before being axed, and came back on Sky for a short run from 2008 to 2009. Gladiators is also on BBC iPlayer.
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Bradley Walsh and son Barney announce huge career update
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Bradley Walsh and his son Barney have caused quite a stir on social media with an exciting career update. The popular BBC show, Gladiators, is set to come back for a third run and will include a new celebrity edition. They're gearing up to shoot 11 fresh episodes plus a star-packed special at the Sheffield arena. Slated for broadcast on BBC in 2026, the announcement proudly declared: "Get ready to feel the power again! Gladiators will return for a brand-new series and Celebrity Special in 2026." Enthusiastic fans were quick to express their joy in the comments section, with kaiteyblair posting: "Brilliant news. One of the very best things about Saturday nights." (Image: BBC) Adding to the excitement, Harlequinsummer said: "I am so excited, you guys are amazing every single one of you, and I love you to bits." Autistic_singer4 eagerly commented: "OH WE ARE SO BACK! ! Can't wait to cheer on Giant, Fire, Hammer, Cyclone, Fury, and Nitro again!" Viewers can look forward to the return of Gladiators' superheroes Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper who are all expected to make a comeback. Nitro's return is much anticipated following his knee injury which saw him benched during the second season's training sessions. (Image: BBC) The blurb teases: "The competition promises to be hotter than ever with brand new events to look forward to plus four more brave celebrities will be taking on the toughest test on TV as they enter the arena in a bid to prove they have the power to succeed and emerge victorious." Dan Baldwin, head honcho at Hungry Bear Media, expressed his excitement, declaring: "We have been absolutely blown away by the reception Gladiators has received from families up and down the country. "It has become a HUGE part of Saturday night viewing on the BBC. We are extremely excited to deliver another series, so expect even more spandex, hairspray, protein shakes and fake tan this summer in Sheffield!" Look out for Gladiators season 3 hitting screens on the BBC come 2026.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Josh Taylor advice delights East Kilbride boxer after narrow win at Gladiators III event
Lewis Connelly continued his 100 per cent start but was left frustrated by his own display East Kilbride boxer Lewis Connelly admits some words of encouragement from former undisputed light-welterweight Josh Taylor champion eased his frustrations after a narrow win at the Gladiators III event on Saturday night. The 24-year-old, from Calderwood, was fighting in front of a home town audience at Playsport and maintained his 100 per cent start to his pro career, defeating Mario Valenzuela Portillo by a score of 39-37. Connelly, who is now sitting on 3-0 in his fights so far, was frustrated by his display but a chat with the four-time world champion, who was in attendance, cheered him up. He said: 'It was tougher than I expected. He [Portillo] was quite an awkward guy to catch clean. I kind of struggled to put my punches together on him, to be honest. 'I think my persistence paid off. I was more active and just stayed on him, I didn't allow him to build any momentum after the first round. 'But I wasn't too pleased with my performance. It was quite a frustrating one. He was quite hard to pin down so I'm just glad I got through it and got the win. 'I was chatting to Josh afterwards and I was telling him about my frustrations with the fight and he was giving me some advice, saying you are going to have fights like that. They don't always go to plan, it is just about getting through them and pushing forward. 'He was telling me not to beat myself up about it. 'It was really good to get that from him, it made me realise I was maybe being too hard on myself, if he has been there and been in that position before. 'It makes you realise it maybe isn't as bad as you think it is. I'm 3-0 so I can't argue with that. It has gone well so far.' It certainly wasn't plain sailing for Lewis with him taking a blow to the side of the head and suffering a burst eardrum that is set to limit his training for a fourth test in his career. Connelly could be due to perform in the next Gladiators event, set to be held in October, and that could be a more realistic next target. He added: 'I'll rest up for a wee bit now because I suffered an injury.'I burst my eardrum, so that was a sore one. I think it'll take a couple of months to heal. 'I will be back in the gym this week but I can't do too much.'We are back in October at Playsport but I am hoping for another fight before that, but I'll need to see how it goes with the injury.'
