enthusiasts were glued to their screens for eight seasons as a squad of elite athletes, known as the battled it out against ordinary contestants in tests of speed, strength, and endurance.
Yet, one Gladiator stood out as a crowd-pleaser: the muscle-bound Wolf, whose off-screen name is Michael Van Wijk. Now 72, he has expressed disappointment at not being part of the series’ revival.
The hit show’s return was announced in 2023 and aired a year later with the being its new home. Stepping into the shoes of original hosts, Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu, was the dynamic father-son duo, and Barney Walsh.
Michael shared his thoughts with the Press Agency about the revival, commenting: “I think they decided from the get-go that they would have nothing to do with the old show or nothing to do with any of the people. It was just (going to be a) completely new format, completely their way of doing it.”
Bradley and Barney Walsh are now the new hosts of Gladiators (Image: (Image: BBC))
He speculated:”I suppose because (it is airing on) the and it was ITV, they just want to be completely separate. That’s just my personal opinion.”
The revamped Gladiators introduced 16 fresh superhuman contenders last year, including a Team GB sprinter and an Olympic bobsledder, reports .
When quizzed on whether he could compete with the new breed of Gladiators, Michael confidently asserted: “Absolutely, 100 per cent, I wouldn’t even worry about it.”
Imparting sage advice to the new breed of superhumans, Michael, who was the notorious villain in the original Gladiators series, has suggested they create a standout character.
Wolf from the original Gladiators (Image: (Image: GETTY))
Michael, known for his role as Wolf, disclosed that he aimed for longevity among his peers by crafting a memorable persona. He elaborated: “When they gave me the name Wolf (that) was marvellous for me, because they gave me a chance to become the baddie and stand out from the rest of the crowd.”
Post-Gladiator fame, the ex-gym owner has hung up his villainous cape and now enjoys retirement in New Zealand.
This weekend, viewers will welcome back the likes of Sabre, Legend, Nitro, Diamond, Phantom and Athena. Also entering the arena again will be Bionic, Fire, Giant, Dynamite, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Comet, Steel and Fury.
The second series of Gladiators will air on BBC One this weekend (Image: (Image: ITV))
Ahead of the second series, host Bradley Walsh detailed why he believes the first series of the reboot was so succesfful. He commented: “The original Gladiators show in the 90’s was very successful first time around and the production team behind our version have done a fantastic job in bringing the show back and staying fairly true to the original and not changing too much.
“They have just added to it and so it is packed with nostalgia, but still works for a new audience, and its great that kids can sit down with their parents, nan, grandad and watch the show.”
Watch Gladiators series two on One and iPlayer on Saturday 18 January from 5.50pm.