Gladiators viewers have blasted the BBC for the ‘dumb and really unfair’ rule that turned the contestants into ‘open targets’ on Saturday night.

The most recent episode of the popular show, presented by Bradley and Barney Walsh, saw four more players take on the superhumans. 

The first challenge that Poppy, 32, Stacey, 36, Joe, 23, and Junior, 44, took on was the ‘ultimate game of chase’ AKA Unleash.

The players earned points if they managed to get back to the start point with their tag, however it’s not easy as they are only given a three-second head start.

They also have to charge through wall blocks and touch each step with their feet to pᴀss the task.

Stacey was up first and Electro caught her as she was running up the stairs.

Gladiators viewers have blasted the BBC for the ‘dumb and really unfair’ rule that turned the contestants into ‘open targets’ on Saturday night

The most recent episode of the popular show, presented by Bradley and Barney Walsh, saw more players take on the superhumans 

Next up was Poppy and she was chased by Fire. She was also caught just before the stairs. 

Joe was nearly captured by Apollo on the stairs, but managed to get away from him, meanwhile Junior was caught by Phantom just moments before the steps.

Those watching at home rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to point out how ‘unfair’ the stairs in the challenge were.

One fumed on the social media platform: ‘The stairs in Unleash are so unfair! How is anyone going to make it up going one at a time?! #Gladiators.’

Another said: ‘Unleash is such a pointless game and almost impossible to win. Who cares if they take two stairs at a time?! Really?!’ 

A third added: ‘#Gladiators the rules on the stairs are stupid, there is no way the contender can win on Unleash unless the gladiator falls.’

‘Catching up on #Gladiators and to be honest I do think that the rules do need to change for Unleash,’ a fourth chimed in. 

 Host Barney opened up about the challenge ahead of this year’s series.

Those watching at home rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to point out how ‘unfair’ the stairs in the challenge were

Read More Gladiators star recalls horrifying moment she could have been left ‘ᴅᴇᴀᴅ or paralysed’ during stunt

Speaking about the task, the host said: ‘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.’

Fans will be happy to know that a star of the show has hinted that there will be a third series. 

Gladiators returned to our screens in 2024, which is a second revival of the programme which originally hit our screens in 1992.

Giant AKA Jamie Christian-Johal dropped a huge clue during an exclusive chat with Mail Online at the TV Choice Awards.

He told us: ‘I think series three isn’t quite confirmed but I’m sure we will be back. It’s been really nice having a positive influence on children and fitness.

‘When we were younger we would sit down with our families on a Saturday night but that has been lost because of streaming and technology so this has brought that back and I think its a great message and thing to do.’

Earlier this month BBC fans blasted the broadcaster for ‘ruining Saturday night TV’ after Gladiators was pulled from their screens.

Instead of their weekly Match Of The Day was played out in the show’s usual spot. 

Footie fans saw Birmingham City play against Newcastle United.

Gladiators airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.