A challenge on the popular BBC show Gladiators was halted midway over a glaring safety hazard.

Contestants Mustapha and Lewis faced off against gladiators Steel and Phantom to touch The Ring as many times as possible.

However, referee Mark Clattenburg was forced to halt the challenge temporarily after he and a number of fans noticed that one of Steel's shoelaces was untied.

Blowing his whistle, Mark got down on one knee and started tying Steel's lace. 

This was amusing to a number of viewers with a person writing: "You never forget your weekend job at Foot Locker." Another added: "Safety first".

This comes after two new Gladiators were added to the line-up for the 2025 version of the popular BBC show.

23-year-old Cyclone, an Irish Powerlifter, and 32-year-old World Rowing Champion, Hammer, from Nottingham, are the new stars.

Speaking with the BBC, Cyclone said: “I’ve got the look, I’ve got the energy and I’ve got the muscles.”

Hammer added: “When you’ve got 19 stone sprinting at you, you’ve got no chance. I’m getting you.”

The programme returned on Saturday, January 18 after it made a triumphant comeback last year.

See the 2025 line-up for Gladiators on the BBC

This is the 2025 line-up for the beloved BBC programme Gladiators, including former rugby players and Love Island stars.

  • Cyclone (Lystus Ebosele)
  • Hammer (Tom Wilson)
  • Bionic (Matty Campbell)
  • Electro (Jade Packer)
  • Phantom (Toby Olubi)
  • Viper (Quang Luong)
  • Comet (Ella-Mae Rayner)
  • Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains)
  • Sabre (Sheli McCoy)

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  • Apollo (Alex Gray)
  • Dynamite (Emily Steel)
  • Diamond (Livi Sheldon)
  • Fury (Jodie Ounsley)
  • Steel (Zack George)
  • Giant (Jamie Christian Johal)
  • Fire (Montell Douglas)
  • Legend (Matt Morsia)
  • Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey)

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