Gladiators fans have noticed a ‘strange’ difference between the original 1990s series and the BBC revival.
The iconic gameshow had been off our screens for years, having first aired from 1992 until 2000, when the BBC stepped in to restore the concept.
The broadcaster has remained mainly loyal to the original series, maintaining the majority of the speed, strength, and skill tests, as well as the renowned theme music.
The line-up has changed, with Sabre, Fury, and Steel following in the footsteps of icons Wolf, Jet, Hunter, and Lightening. Bradley and Barney Walsh, father-son pair, will present instead of OG ITV anchor Ulrika Jonsson.
While fans have praised the revamp, one minor change has sparked outrage on Reddit, with one member, Philthedrummist, claiming it was ‘driving me insane.’
That tweak? The travelator.
It appears to be made from a different material than from the 90s, leading some to claim it’s causing more ‘stumbles’ from the competitors.
Reddit user Philthedrummist explained: ‘I feel like we’re seeing more stumbles when people first hit the actual belt this year and it’s that piece of matting that’s causing it.
‘It’s driving me mad and I’m hoping I’m not the only one who’s noticed it.’
Agreeing, Vineomac added: ‘Yeah weird change, there’s defo more people struggling with the travelator now than back in the day and I think you’ve found the main reason for it here.’
Upadownpipe said: ‘Yep someone on here pointed it out to me earlier today on here when I commented on more people falling than ever before. Those crash mats take so much energy away from you.’
However, other users stated that the fabric change was necessary to address safety issues and prevent rivals from being grabbed and pulled by the travelator.
Pmm8rsh88 said: ‘Yeah, definitely for safety. Someone can now be on the ground under it without the fear a body part is going to be dragged under.’
Ulrika Jonsson and footballer John Fashanu presented the original Gladiators series, which aired on ITV in the United Kingdom from 1992 to 2000.
It returned for a brief run on Sky between 2008 and 2009, with Kirsty Gallacher and footballer-turned-pundit Ian Wright at the helm.
In 2022, the BBC relaunched Gladiators and appointed Bradley and his son Barney as hosts.
The revival has been a smash with audiences, with the first episode on January 13 drawing an average audience of 8.37 million.
Gladiators continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday at 5.55pm.