BBC One show Gladiators was brought to an abrupt halt as host Bradley Walsh shared some bad news with fans.

BBC Gladiators was brought to a sudden halt by hosts Bradley Walsh and his son Barney as they announced some “bad news”.

Addressing the audience in the arena and at home after the two female contenders finished competing, Bradley looked glum as he said: “Okay, we have some bad news, don’t we? Sadly, one of our gladiators sustained an injury in training, which means he won’t be able to compete in this series.”

Barney added: “But the good news is that he’s still here, he’s joining us in the arena right now. Sheffield, please give a warm welcome to Nitro!”

Nitro bounded out on stage – but seemed to be limping slightly ad he explained that he’d injured his knee during training.

Though he confirmed he’d keep popping up throughout the series, Nitro won’t be competing as a gladiator.

Bradley Walsh halted Gladiators to announce ‘bad news’ (Image: BBC)

He said: “Obviously I’m explosive, I’m powerful. Sometimes I’m too powerful and I end up hurting myself. I’ve got a bit of a dodgy knee, but these things happen in sport when you’re pushing yourself as hard as you do.

“The pecs aren’t going anywhere, they’re right here, they’re staying here. I need all of those Nitro fans out there to give me some energy because I need to recharge,” he added while giving said pecs a cheeky wiggle.

“Gutted” fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their woe at losing their favourite gladiator, with one writing: “Gutted Nitro won’t be competing on Gladiators, he’s a family favourite!”

Nitro has been forced to bow out of this series (Image: BBC)

Another echoed: “Aw man, gonna miss Nitro on the wall this series!” as someone else agreed: “Gutted to lose Nitro, hope he’s still about during the series as he’s our house favourite!”

A fourth social media user said: “So disappointing that Nitro is out for the whole season. He is the absolute boss of the Wall. He will be missed.”