ITV forced to axe popular show after it was 'trounced' by BBC Gladiators in ratings

A huge ITV primetime show has been axed - after being trounced in the ratings by BBC Gladiators. Ninja Warrior, launched on ITV in 2015, has been scrapped by the broadcaster in the wake of the huge success found by Gladiators' revival.

Ninja Warrior’s first series finale in May 2015 drew in 4.08 million viewers, with its best performance in February 2017 at 4.18 million. A source said: “For years Ninja Warrior was one of ITV’s biggest shows and scooped up all those families who missed Gladiators.

“Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes, and Kammy made the series a big success. But when the BBC revived Gladiators last year, it sounded the death knell for ITV’s ninjas. It was an absolute ratings champion, pulling in over six million viewers versus 1.6 million for Ninja Warrior’s last series in 2022.

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“A decision was therefore taken to rest Ninja Warrior for good.” Gladiators gripped the nation and quickly became the biggest entertainment launch for a new series in seven years with 28 day figures showing that 9.8m viewers watched the first episode, with the series averaging 8.3 million viewers to date.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: “Gladiators has really kicked this year off with a bang, and we’re so delighted that the fans have come to the show in their masses. It has been wonderful to hear how much families have loved watching this together, as part of the BBC’s Saturday evening entertainment offering. We can’t wait for more action from the Gladiators.”

Dan Baldwin, Managing Director Hungry Bear Media says: “It’s no exaggeration to say that the response to Gladiators has been phenomenal. The episodes have been packed with nail-biting drama, thrilling action and huge emotion. Series 2 will see the show go from strength-to-strength. We have some amazing surprises in store for the fans. Are you ready?!?”