The cult classic Gladiators has made a triumphant return to our screens for another series, following the success of its recent revival.
BBC One breathed new life into the show in 2024, with Bradley Walsh and his son Barney at the helm. The rebooted version retained the original’s high-octane excitement, introducing fresh challenges and a new lineup of Gladiators.
As the latest iteration of Gladiators captivates Saturday night audiences, we delve into the whereabouts of the original ITV Gladiators cast, over three decades since they first burst onto the scene.
These original Gladiators became household names, remembered for their daunting monikers and epic showdowns with contenders.
Post-Gladiators, many of the original stars have embarked on diverse paths, from acting in Hollywood blockbusters to experiencing significant life changes, including one Gladiator who served time behind bars.
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Diane Youdale – Jet
Diane Youdale in 2018
(Image: Stoke Sentinel)
The Mirror reports Diane Youdale won over fans and was even referenced in a well-known Alan Partridge quip. Following her departure after four seasons, Diane pursued a career as a psychotherapist and pilates teacher.
She also featured as an expert therapist on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side between 2012 and 2014.
In a chance encounter at a supermarket, Diane met a “gorgeous lady” whom she later married in an intimate 2023 ceremony attended by just six guests.
Discussing her personal life, the Jet icon remarked: “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.”
Warren Furman – Ace
Former Gladiators star Ace – real name Warren Furman – has married his two loves; fitness and God. And now hes on a mission to share his passion for both with the world. The born-again Christian travels around churches with inflatables based upon the original 1990s Gladiators set. Hes even installed Hang Tough rings in one chapel to engage the youth of today with religion and exercise! Ace joins us to tell his story.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX)
Once known as Ace on the hit show Gladiators, Warren Furman made headlines when he got engaged to Katie Price in 1997. Fast forward to today, and Warren is a dedicated father of two, happily married to cabin crew manager Dionne.
Warren has since taken a different path in life, embracing his role as a vicar and serving his community at a church in South Kensington.
Bernadette Hunt – Falcon
Falcon was a favourite on the original Gladiators show but sadly died in 2023
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Bernadette Hunt, who graced our screens as Falcon from the second season of Gladiators, was a well-known figure to fans. After her stint on the show, she continued her career in sports as a fitness instructor.
Tragically, Bernadette passed away in March 2023 at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer.
Mike Van Wijk – Wolf
Mike Van Wijk was famous for being Wolf in Gladiators
(Image: Instagram)
Mike Van Wijk, better known as Wolf, was the notorious villain throughout eight series of Gladiators. In 2008, he returned as a team captain for Sky’s revival of the series.
Now residing in New Zealand, Mike reminisced about his Gladiator days during a 2019 interview with Christine Lampard on Lorraine, expressing his eagerness to return to the show, boasting that he “could do every single game blindfolded.”
Mark Smith – Rhino
Gladiators’ Rhino star Mark Smith underwent major weight transformation as he returned to boxing
(Image: Misfits Boxing/Dave Cavan)
Before joining the UK Gladiators, Mark Smith had already made a name for himself on the American version. Post-Gladiators, he transitioned into acting, securing roles in television series such as EastEnders, Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D and NCIS: Los Angeles.
On the big screen, he’s appeared in films including Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
Sharron Davies – Amazon
Olympian Sharron Davies has been criticised for her views on transgender swimmers.
(Image: Steven Haywood)
Sharron Davies, known to some as Amazon from the popular show Gladiators, is also recognised for her successful swimming career, which saw her win a silver medal at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. After a year on Gladiators, Sharron continued her television career with appearances on Big Breakfast and various BBC sports programmes.
More recently, she showcased her skills on Dancing On Ice in 2019.
James Crossley – Hunter
James Crossley starred as Hunter on Gladiators
(Image: Mirrorpix)
James Crossley, who joined Gladiators at the age of 19 under the alias Hunter, was the youngest Gladiator on the show. 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 also previously romantically linked to Dr Zoe Williams.
Kim Betts – Lightning
Gladiator Lightning – Kim Betts
(Image: LWT)
Kim Betts, better known as Lightning, holds the record for the longest-serving Gladiator on the show, thanks to her impressive gymnastic abilities. She appeared in all series of Gladiators, including the Sky 2008 reboot.
Today, she is a successful businesswoman and director of 2b Lightning Fit, a company dedicated to helping clients improve their physical and mental fitness.
Michael Jefferson King – Shadow
Michael Jefferson King was jailed for three years
Michael Jefferson King, who played Shadow on Gladiators, left the show in 1995 after testing positive for anabolic steroids, according to a report 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.