Gladiators set to storm back on TV as BBC launches new series

TROJAN, Jet, Nightshade, Wolf and Hunter became household names thanks to Gladiators.

The superfit stars took on all contenders in the ITV show and few managed to beat them on obstacle courses like Catapult, Powerball, Pendulum and the dreaded Eliminator.

Michael Van Wijk was best known as the long-haired resident bad guy Wolf. Before finding fame on Gladiators, he ran a gym in London and the bodybuilder and boxer now runs a chain of gyms and fitness centres in New Zealand.

Fellow Gladiator Mark “Rhino” Smith has carved out a successful career as an actor and producer in Los Angeles with parts in Hollywood films like Angel Has Fallen and Argo.

The ITV sports entertainment game show was an adaptation of US show American Gladiators and launched in 1992. It saw four contestants, two men and two women, compete in a series of physical events against the show’s stars for the chance to win a place in the grand final.

At its peak, the Saturday night show was watched by millions and also introduced former TV weather girl Ulrika Jonsson to a wider audience.

The BBC is now planning an 11-episode series of the iconic ‘90s staple, to be filmed at the Utilita Arena Sheffield and broadcast on BBC1 and BBC iplayer next year.

Dan Baldwin, managing director of Gladiators programme-makers Hungry Bear, says: “It’s the perfect time for Gladiators to return. What other show combines electric excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes and a pinch of pantomime? Watch out for the new breed of superhuman, supersized superstars.”