gladiators: Last News

THE search for new Gladiators to feature in BBC’s reboot is under way – and show bosses are looking to weed out any bores. They want to make sure the latest generation possess as much personality as they have muscles after fans accused the stars of 2008’s Sky version of being too bland.

Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara have confessed that a former Gladiator star "didn't do very well" on the Ninja Warrior UK obstacle course. The bubbly duo, who present the ITV show alongside Ben Shephard, shared their thoughts on the current series which sees contestants from across the UK compete for the chance to be crowned the fittest Ninja Warrior.With a similar format style to 90s programme The Gladiators, willing participants who are up for the challenge are faced with an array of obstacle courses, aimed to test their strength and agility.READ MORE: Katie Price's hunky wrestler ex 'to be first Gladiator star confirmed' for BBC reboot But while speaking exclusively to Daily Star at a press conference, both Rochelle and Chris said a former Gladiator star did take part in the infamous obstacle course - but unfortunately it didn't go the way they had expected.Chris said: "I heard today that Gladiators is coming back.

Bradley Walsh and his son Barney are being lined up to host the Gladiators reboot, according to reports.The father and son duo are said to have been approached by BBC bosses to front the forthcoming revival of the hit challenge series, which sees civilian contestants take on superhumans in a number of physical challenges.

Gladiators.The beloved BBC show is currently on the hunt for their new “superhumans” to take part in the rebooted game show which is set to start filming next year.But former Gladiator star Ace has warned future contestants about the dark side to fame on the hugely popular TV show.READ MORE: Ulrika Jonsson shares rare snap with daughter as she's branded 'beautiful like her mum'The fan favourite, 50, confessed he battled many demons on the show including steroids, alcohol abuse and a doomed relationship with TV personality Katie Price.The blonde hunk – whose real name is Warren Furman – first joined the show during its fifth series back in 1996 where he bagged an eye-watering £2,000 an hour and began to hang out with a slew of celebrities in his down time.As his career took off, so did his romance with the former glamour model where they announced their short-lived engagement before he developed a booze habit.Things only got worse for the dad-of-two from there after Gladiators axed him from the show four years later which saw the TV star spiral out of control both mentally and financially.Now, in an interview with The Sun, the former bodybuilder has opened up about that difficult point in his life which plummeted after his breakup with Katie.He told the publication: “We were both equally to blame for the breakdown of our relationship. We were both young, we were both courting the Press.“We were very similar people, we came from working-class backgrounds and we got on very well, but the pressures of fame cursed the relationship in a lot of ways.

Gladiators star Warren "Ace" Furman has revealed he "prays" for his ex-fiancée Katie Price after opening up about their "cursed" relationship.The former couple met in 1997 and were briefly engaged before splitting up after 18 months together.Following Katie, 44, going public with her mental health struggles in Channel 4 documentary Katie Price: Trauma and Me, Warren has revealed he "prays" for his former flame.READ MORE: Gladiators Scorpio star Nikki Diamond looks completely different 30 years on from showSpeaking recently, the retired bodybuilder, 50, also opened up about the pair's "cursed" relationship amid "the pressures of fame".Warren told The Sun: "I pray for her because in that lifestyle of hers it's very difficult to keep on the straight and narrow, and it’s very difficult to trust people."I pray that her family can stay together and I pray that she can settle down and find peace and happiness."Warren joined Gladiators in 1996, making his debut on the former ITV show's fifth series.After the series was axed in 2000, his Hollywood dreams were ended by steroid and alcohol abuse.He now lives in York with his wife and two children.The first of Katie's many fiancés, the pair parted on good terms – with the OnlyFans star previously praising Warren as one of the few boyfriends not to cheat on her.Reflecting on the breakdown of their engagement, the TV hunk also shared his opinion that the "pressures of fame" ultimately led to their relationship's demise.He added: "We were both equally to blame for the breakdown of our relationship.

Netflix today (September 9, 2022), as the popular Karate Kid franchise continues its story of the fight for the valley.It is just one of the franchises that have been rebooted for a new generation - ahead of recent announcements heralding the return of popular TV series including Gladiators, and the return of The Lord Of The Rings to our screens.Yet while it might seem that everything is a "reboot" recently, I take a closer look at the so-called TV and film "reboot" boom, how it has always been here and why we should give more reboots a chance.READ NEXT: Nicolas Cage could return for surprise Con Air sequel on 25th anniversary, says directorStarting with the series I will most certainly be binge-watching this weekend - Cobra Kai.In all honestly when Cobra Kai first launched on Netflix, I did not know what to expect.Was it going to be as good? Is it just going to follow the same story as the original films? The answer was - it was everything I could have hoped for it to be and more. It was phenomenal.As a fan of the original Karate Kid films, it was more of a continuation than what I would consider a "reboot."Yes, all the original characters were there, but hearing the story of the original film from Johnny's side was quite the eye-opener.

Gladiators star Nikki Diamond looks worlds away from her role as Scorpio on the iconic ITV show.Diamond was part of the original cast, who launched the show in 1992, and remained until the third season.57-year-old Nikki was a fan favourite Gladiator who loved The Wall, Powerball, Suspension Bridge and Hang Tough, but fans could barely recognise her after recent pictures.READ MORE: Gladiators' Lightning offers stern warning to new cast as iconic TV show returnsShe took part in a meet and greet event for Bew Events and the page shared pictures of Nikki on their Instagram profile.The former Scorpio star wore a tight black vest top with a matching leather jacket and mini shorts.She wore her brown hair in a half up, half down style and smiled sweetly for the camera as she posed at the event.Diamond added simple accessories with just a silver watch, a chain necklace and a pair of earrings.Bew Events wrote in the caption: “Would just like to say a massive thank you to our guest for yesterday’s meet and greet. Nikki Diamond, aka Scorpio, it was an absolute pleasure working with you.”They continued: “I’d also like to thank the fans who came and supported us and constantly support our meet and greets.”Back in 2014, Nikki opened up to Daily Express about why she had to leave the show.The mother-of-one said: “I developed a severe back problem after dropping from a rope on to the stage floor wearing stiletto boots.

GLADIATORS star Nikki Diamond looks unrecognisable 30 years after playing Scorpio on the ITV show. The original eight series of the programme ran between 1992 and 2000. Nikki, who was 27 at the time, was one of the original cast members of Gladiators.

Wolf was one of the most formidable characters on hit 90s show Gladiators when it was at its prime, recognisable with his curly mane of hair and steely stare. Fast-forward to 2022 and the actor-bodybuilder who played him, Michael Van Wijk, 69, looks a lot different from his show heyday, with a shaved head and a life far removed from the UK. In what may be a surprise to some, Michael is also different to his iconic ruthless character, and is famously nice in real life.

GLADIATORS star Inferno looks unrecognisable 13 years after the hit show ended. Jemma Palmer is still in jaw-dropping shape years after starring in the short-lived Sky revival of Gladiators.

Gladiators legend Kim ‘Lightning’ Betts questioned whether the iconic battles will be ‘as exciting’ in the upcoming BBC revival. After reboot rumours started swirling last month, the BBC confirmed that the reboot will include brand new games alongside classic challenges, culminating at the end of each episode with fan favourite The Eliminator. While former gymnast Kym, 49 is ready to see a fresh face of contenders take on the gladiators, she also fears that the highly-anticipated special won’t be as thrilling as the 90s original.

BBC confirmed an 11-part series reboot of the much-loved nineties show. Kim ‘Lightning’ Betts and Mike ‘Saracen’ Lewis appeared in the ITV studio to sit down with presenters Charlotte Hawkins and Sean Fletcher on Monday, following the exciting news last week. Charlotte raised the issue of health and safety on the show, which sees a generation of superhuman stars compete against contestants in the ultimate test of speed and strength.

Gladiators legend Lightning (Kim Betts) has issued a stern warning to the new cast of the hit sports show.Kim appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain alongside her fellow Gladiators athlete Saracen (Michael Lewis) on Bank Holiday Monday (August 29). The 90s TV icons spoke to GMB hosts Charlotte Hawkins and Sean Fletcher about the iconic sporting show after a reboot of the series was announced by the BBC.READ MORE: Gladiators' Wolf says new cast will be 'photocopies' of famous originalsThe gruelling Saturday night programme used to air on ITV in the 90s, but it will return to screens in 2023 and air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer instead.However, Kim begged the new stars of the revamped show to avoid making the show into a "pantomime" and to remember it is a sports show at its core.Sean asked: "What advice would you give to any of the new competitors?"Kim replied: "Be yourself.

Gladiators legend Wolf has said the new cast will "never be as good" as the originals.The much-loved show is being brought back for an 11-episode run next year, after a lot of gossip and rumours about a revamp being in the pipeline.Wolf, real name Michael Van Wijk, was quizzed about its comeback on GB News and teased that the newcomers would be like photocopies of the original Gladiators.READ MORE: Gladiators stars talk backstage secrets - 'rivalries', outfit swaps and banned eventsDiscussing his own stint on the programme, which originally aired from 1992 to 2000, he said: "It was absolutely a wonderful time in our lives, I can say this for me and all the guys."But with all due respect, they'll never be as good as us.

Michael Van Wijk is best known for his stint as bad guy Wolf on the iconic show Gladiators, but the star is sporting a very different look compared to his time on the show.

Gladiators famously aired in the 1990s in the UK and quickly became one of the most popular shows on TV.With the likes of Lightning, Jet, Wolf and Saracen appearing on the show among many other famous gym-goers, it's no surprise the series stayed on air for a whopping eight-year run.READ MORE: Gladiators' Saracen reveals what producers 'forced' him to do during every showHowever, when it ended in 2000, the stars went their separate ways and focused on their dreams away from the competitive TV show - and some closed the door on TV forever.Michael Van Wijk had a handful of acting credits while he was on the TV show, but after his stint on BBC he moved overseas and opened a chain of gyms - and had quite the transformation.Despite finishing his time on Gladiators, Michael has regularly shared his joy at appearing in the once incredibly popular TV show, with the star even telling Loaded magazine in 2008 he wanted to "come back and be a Gladiator again".He later appeared in a one-off show called Gladiators: The Legends Return in 2008, but he returned to New Zealand and continued with his own work.Nowadays, some fans might not recognise the Wolf star, particularly with his major transformation in the decades that followed his TV stint.While some fans will remember Wolf for his striking curls, Michael now sports a completely shaven head and is regularly seen in casual attire - a far cry from his famous Gladiators' uniform from the '90s.One thing that hasn't changed though is his love and passion for the gym and working out.As fans will remember, the Gladiators stars were incredibly fit during the heyday, and that's one thing that Michael hasn't let falter.When he left the UK the star decided to open up a chain of gyms in New

GLADIATORS' Wolf was the long-haired baddie of the hit show, which the BBC recently revealed is about to return. Famous for his ruthless nature and bone-chilling stare, the character made a star of Michael Van Wijk. The bodybuilder - who, unlike Wolf, was famously nice in real life - was one of the most recognisable members of the cast.

Gladiators star Saracen has revealed one thing producers forced him to do during every show.Saracen, whose real name is Michael Lewis, shot to fame after being picked as a Gladiator back in 1992 and was one of few who starred in every series until it came to an end on January 1 2000.The 58-year-old previously admitted that he would've continued being a Gladiator "forever" had the show not been axed.READ MORE: Gladiators stars talk backstage secrets - 'rivalries', outfit swaps and banned events In an exclusive chat with Daily Star, the TV icon reflected on his lengthy stint on the show and revealed what the Gladiators had to do during every episode.He said: "One thing producers did force us to do was address each other in character, and we weren't allowed to come out of that character."The former bodybuilder added: "There were cameras absolutely everywhere in that arena, but when we walked out that was it, I was Saracen."Michael went on to say that starring on Gladiators completely changed his life and he has no problem with being known to the world as Saracen.The former Gladiator explained: "It was a very surreal experience. I couldn't go anywhere without people wanting a picture or running up to me and being like 'Oh my god you're Saracen,' but it never bothered me.

Gladiators star Wolf admitted that he once made host Ulrika Jonsson "storm off" the ITV show.Michael Van Wijk, 69, became known to the world as The Wolf Man after starring in all eight series of Gladiators from 1992 to 2000.Never missing an episode, the bodybuilder became known for his cheeky on set antics towards the contenders and is now recognised as one of the most iconic parts of the show. READ MORE: Gladiators' Wolf nearly missed out on show but raunchy Page 3 snap landed him spotAlso featuring in every episode was presenter Ulrika who fronted the show throughout its original run, leading to the duo developing a brilliant on screen relationship across the eight years.The presenter, 55, was the first to point out when Wolf didn't perform at his best and recalling one of these moments, the TV icon revealed in an exclusive chat with Daily Star that a brutal comment once caused her to abruptly leave.Wolf recalled: "I'd just make stuff up on the spot.

Gladiators star Michael Van Wijk has revealed that producers rejected his idea for Wolf to be bad. The 69-year-old appeared on all eight series of the hit ITV show and quickly became a fan-favourite due to his villainous antics.During the shows run from 1992 to 2000, there was no Gladiator quite like Wolf who managed to get the crowd going the minute he set foot into the arena.READ MORE: Gladiators' Wolf nearly missed out on show but raunchy Page 3 snap landed him spotIn an exclusive chat with Daily Star, the gym owner revealed that he pitched the 'Big Bad Wolf' idea to producers and explained that it stemmed from him wanting to stand out from other Gladiators.He said: "When we got to the shows I looked around I thought 'Wow, look all these fit strong, fantastic looking people, how can I stand out to this crowd?' Especially because I was also the oldest and everyone else looked so good."So I said to the producers when we were doing the first series, 'Can I be bad?' And they said, 'No' because everyone has to have this squeaky clean image and this is Gladiators," he continued."I said, 'But the name is Wolf.

Dr Zoe Williams has been a fan favourite with viewers ever since she first sat on the This Morning sofa a few years ago. However, Zoe, 42, was first on screens way before that first stint when she was one of the Gladiators on the show in 2008 and she spoke to OK! about those days and what spurred her to enter the show. Just recently BBC bosses announced that Gladiators would be returning with 11 episodes featuring a new generation of “superhumans”.