The beloved cult TV series Gladiators has returned for another season, capitalising on its successful comeback that gripped Saturday night audiences.
Relaunched on One in 2024 with Bradley Walsh and son Barney presenting, the new iteration of the show stayed ‘true’ to the original’s high-octane vibe but introduced fresh challenges and a new line-up of Gladiators.
Ahead of the latest series of Gladiators on One, we reminisce about some of the stars from the original ITV show, over three decades since they first made their mark.
The inaugural Gladiators became quintessential cultural figures, remembered for their intimidating monikers and epic face-offs with contenders.
many of the original Gladiators have gone on to experience dramatic career changes, appear in films and one even served time in prison.
Gladiators star Diane Youdale, known as ‘Jet,’ on Lorraine (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Diane Youdale – Jet
Jet, portrayed by Diane Youdale, won the hearts of viewers and was immortalised through an Alan Partridge quip.
After exiting the programme in its fourth series, Diane pursued a career as a psychotherapist and pilates trainer. She also served as a resident therapist on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side from 2012 to 2014.
In a turn of personal joy, Diane found love with a “gorgeous lady” during a routine trip to the supermarket, leading to nuptial vows in a quaint ceremony attended by half a dozen guests in 2023.
She openly expressed: “I’ve never felt tied to any one sexual identity. I’ve always been very relaxed about my sexuality whether I was aware of it or not.”
Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of Michael Jefferson King, 60, better known as Shadow from ’90s television show Gladiators, who has been jailed at Isleworth Crown Court for six years and three months for his role in a blackmail plot. (Image: )
Warren Furman – Ace
Warren Furman, who rose to fame as Ace on Gladiators, was once engaged to Katie Price, with the proposal coming in 1997. Now, Warren’s life has taken a different turn; he’s a father of two and married to cabin crew manager Dionne.
In an unexpected career shift, Warren has embraced a spiritual path and is currently serving as a vicar at a church in South Kensington.
Bernadette Hunt – Falcon
Bernadette Hunt, better known to Gladiators fans as Falcon, joined the show in its second season and quickly became a household name. After her stint on the show, Bernadette remained active in the sports sector, working as a fitness instructor.
Tragically, she passed away in March 2023 at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer.
James Crossley briefly dated the shows host Ulrika Jonsson. (Image: Instagram/mrjamescrossley)
Mike Van Wijk – Wolf
Mike Van Wijk, famed for his role as the villainous Wolf across eight series of Gladiators, was a team captain on Sky’s reboot of the show in 2008. Now residing in New Zealand, Mike reminisced during a 2019 interview with Christine Lampard on Lorraine about his readiness to return to the show, boasting that he “could do every single game blindfolded.”
Mark Smith – Rhino
Before joining the UK Gladiators, Mark Smith graced the American version of the show. The ex-Gladiator, known as Rhino, has since pursued acting, landing roles in television series such as , Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and NCIS: Los Angeles, as well as featuring in the film Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
Mike Van Wijk was famous for being Wolf in Gladiators (Image: Instagram)
The former Gladiator, pictured with co-stars from the ITV version, has kept in contact with former colleagues over the years (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Sharron Davies – Amazon
Sharron Davies, known to many as Amazon from the popular show, is also recognised for her successful swimming career that saw her clinch a silver medal at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.
After a year on Gladiators, Sharron expanded her TV career with roles on Big Breakfast and various sports coverage. More recently, she showcased her skills on Dancing On Ice in 2019.
Falcon was a favourite on the original Gladiators show but sadly died in 2023 (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
James Crossley – Hunter
James Crossley, also known as Hunter, joined the show at the tender age of 19, making him the youngest Gladiator. He had a brief romantic relationship with the show’s host Ulrika Jonsson.
In 2021, he participated in The Circle, promising to donate half of his winnings to the NHS if he emerged victorious. He was previously romantically involved with Dr Zoe Williams.
Gladiators legend Lightning is still pumping iron in her 50s and is more shredded than ever (Image: kim_lightning_betts/instagram)
Kim Betts – Lightning
Kim Betts, better known as Lightning, holds the record for being the longest-serving Gladiator on the show, thanks to her exceptional gymnastic abilities. She appeared in all series of Gladiators, including the Sky 2008 reboot.
Today, she is a successful businesswoman and serves as the director of 2b Lightning Fit, a company dedicated to helping clients achieve physical and mental fitness.
Michael Jefferson King, who played Shadow on the show, left Gladiators in 1995 after testing positive for anabolic steroids, as reported by The Independent.
In 2021, Michael was sentenced to six years and three months in prison for his involvement in a blackmail scheme related to a drug debt.