'Gladiators' return hit by injuries

The Gladiators' return to television has been hit by a series of injuries.

At least one contestant has had to withdraw from tomorrow night's opening episode on Sky One, according to MediaGuardian, while one of the Gladiators is said to have slipped on a bridge and had to leave the set.

Another Gladiator has a stomach bug and contestants have suffered a broken toe, neck injury and injured ankle.

"It's been a health and safety minefield," a source is quoted as saying. "There have been injuries left, right and centre. It's not been helped by the fact that the show has been put together quite quickly."

A Sky spokeswoman told the website: "The health and safety of our Gladiators and contenders is our number one priority. We have three times the required levels of health and safety on the show and have spent the last week reviewing every single element to make sure this is the safest possible environment for the games before we start filming for real.

"We would never jeopardise the wellbeing of anyone, whether they be in front of or behind the camera. It is worth putting into perspective, however, that this is Gladiators - a tough physical show for athletes. It's not Family Fortunes!"

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