BBC fans have blasted the broadcaster after a popular show was pulled from screens in a schedule shake-up. 

Presented by Bradley and Barney Walsh, Gladiators has been forced to take a break this weekend because of the FA Cup.

Instead, Match Of The Day will air in the programme’s usual spot on Saturday at 5.30pm, presented by Gary Lineker, and show Birmingham City against Newcastle United.

The much-loved compeтιтion show only recently started airing its second season, extending it successful comeback after decades off screens.

Unsurprisingly, some fans are disappointed by the lack of Gladiators and have taken to social media with their complaints.

One posted: ‘No Gladiators on BBC One this Saturday? Instead it is pointless FA Cup. Not impressed, not everyone wants to watch football on a Saturday night #Gladiators.’

Presented by Bradley and Barney Walsh, Gladiators has been forced to take a break this weekend because of the FA Cup  

Bradley and Barney with Gladiators Finlay Anderson and Marie-Louise Nicholson last year 

Match Of The Day will air in the programme’s usual spot on Saturday at 5.30pm, presented by Gary Lineker, pictured

Another penned: ‘No #Gladiators next week for football, f****** rugby b******* on itv as well. Saturday’s best night for tv and you’ve got sport ruining it.’

Someone else wrote: ‘No #Gladiators next week due to football.’

It comes after Gladiators got off to a very cheeky start on a recent episode as a contestant made a very X-rated comment just minutes into the show.

Host Bradley Walsh was left open-mouthed in shock as player Joe, 40, made a rather racy joke during his introductory chat with the presenter.

After introducing the contestant, Bradley then asked Joe what his potential Gladiator name could be.

Using the opportunity to make his mark, the driving instructor from the Wirral peninsula responded: ‘My brother says I should be called The Penetrator!’

The cheeky remark left the audience in sтιтches and Bradley was quick to ask the question once again, with Joe then stating that he’d be called ‘The Joker’ instead. 

The eyebrow-raising moment caused a stir among viewers too, with several rushing to X, formerly known as Twitter, to comment on Joe’s words.

Some fans are disappointed by the lack of Gladiators and have taken to social media

Bradley Walsh, left, was left open-mouthed in shock as player Joe, pictured, made a rather racy joke during his introductory chat with the presenter

‘ᴅᴇᴀᴅly serious, how did that joke make television lol.’ 

‘The Penetrator??? Yeah I’m not [sure] that’s a suitable Gladiator name mate.’

‘The Penetrator? OOH MATRON!’

”I’ve been called The Penetrator!’ Please say less’

While another posted a meme which said: ‘This is a family show!’ 

Gladiators airs on BBC One and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.