A contestant named Joe drew gasps and giggles when he answered Gladiators host Bradley Walsh’s innocent question with a very suggestive answer during heat two of the contest

Bradley Walsh was left scrambling to retain control on Gladiators as a contestant made a very cheeky comment.

The hit BBC revival is back for a second season – with a batch of new contenders taking to the stadium for the second heat. A number of hopefuls went up against athletic Gladiators such as Athena, Dynamite and Giant in the hope of making it through to the next round and the chance to win the official show trophy.

On Saturday night, a contestant named Joe took to the ring to begin his attempt in the latest round of challenges – and show host Bradley, 64, was on hand to introduce him to the audience. But there was gasps and burst of laughter when Joe was asked a simple question that provoked a suggestive answer.

With a hand around the contender, Bradley said: “Joe, welcome. Welcome. We’ve got some fans in, Joe.” The then cameras cut to the audience – with many shown wearing t-shirts and holding boards containing messages of encouragement to Joe and some even sporting fake beards to mirror his natural bushy facial hair.

A Gladiators contender named Joe caused Bradley Walsh sweat with a provocative comment ( 
Image:
BBC)

Looking at his supporters, Joe confirmed: “Yeah, that’s my lot over there.” Bradley then remarked: “And they’ve got their false beards.” But Joe replied: “Yeah, not quite like this one, though.”

Agreeing, Bradley said: “That’s a corker, that.” He then pressed on, saying: “Now, listen. If you were a Gladiator, then, what would your name be?” It was a question Bradley may have come to regret as Joe cheekily replied: “My brother gave me an idea. He said I’d be called The Penetrator.” As the audience burst into laughter, Bradley did what he could to restore decorum, telling the contender to “Watch it.”

Ahead of the current season, Bradley and his 27-year-old son Barney Walsh, who co-hosts the show, revealed the challenges had been made more difficult for the new batch of contestants. Bradley revealed to the BBC: “The new series is just fantastic, the Gladiators mean business and they are back tougher than before.

Bradley hadn’t anticipated the X-rated joke ( 
Image:
BBC)
“There are some new events this series including the return of a fan favourite, and throughout the series lots of other exciting surprises. The contenders now have helmet cameras fitted, you might have seen from the celebrity special, so you can literally see what they are faced with when going up against the Gladiators. It’s a great new feature and brings a whole new dimension to what you see.”

While Barney added: “One of the new games is called Unleash. The contenders start in a smoke filled tunnel and race around a track and up some steps to grab the winning flag, but an unknown Gladiator is unleashed behind them trying to chase them down. You’re going to love it.”

He added: “I think the public have really connected with the Gladiators because they have strong identities, all with slightly different strengths and disciplines and all with distinctive moves – so everyone can have a different favourite. All the Gladiators are incredible athletes, they are inspiring and super competitive but respect the contenders and bring great sportsmanship… well, apart from Legend and Viper.”