Gladiators
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gladiators | |
|---|---|
 Gladiators Logo, 1992-2000 |
|
| Genre | Sports entertainments show |
| Country of origin |  United Kingdom |
| No. of series | 8 domestic, 2 international, 2 Ashes, 2 Springbok Challenge, 4 Train 2 Win |
| No. of episodes | 132 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | ITV |
| Original run | 10 October 1992 – 1 January 2000 |
Gladiators was a game show produced by LWT for ITV in the United Kingdom from 10 October 1992 to 1 January 2000, (though there was another series filmed in South Africa against the South African Gladiators in 2000 but this was not for UK broadcast) an adaptation of the United States game show American Gladiators, which had developed a cult following in the UK through its late night TV showings, as well as an Australian spin-off. Repeats of Gladiators series are currently shown on Challenge and also from 20 March 2007 on Ftn for Freeview viewers, although some have been missed out for unknown reasons.
The show pitted contestants in a variety of physical events against the 'Gladiators', who would attempt to prevent them from achieving maximum points on a variety of games.
After this, the two contestants would race each other on The Eliminator, an assault course containing climbing, balancing, and cargo nets. The contender with the most points received a half second head start for every 1 point they were in front by.
The show was originally presented by John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson. John Fashanu was replaced by Jeremy Guscott in 1997, before returning for the final mini series in 1999.
The referee was John Anderson and the timekeepers over the show's run were Andrew Norgate, Derek Redmond and Eugene Gilkes. John Sachs commentated for the show from the beginning to the end and the Gladiators were cheered on by a group of cheerleaders, known as G-Force.
Apart from the off-series live events, all the Gladiators tapings took place at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England.
[edit] Gladiators series and shows
[edit] Series one: 1992
The first series began on 10 October 1992, airing 9 episodes. The original format of the series had the top 4 contenders in the 6 qualifying heats go through to the semi-finals. The series only had 6 events to begin with before having to add new events in later series.
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Event commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
- Contenders (24 contenders)
- Female contenders
- Nicola Bawden
- Vivene Rattigan
- Karen Beaumont
- Jenny La Grande
- Clare Egerton
- Rosie Phelps
- Catherine Haughey
- Moya Lidden
- Chrissie Mullings
- Vanda Fairchild (winner)
- Lisa Morgan
- Jane Morris
- Male contenders
- Weininger Irwin (winner)
- Jeremy Nelson
- Tracy Harris
- Ludwig Ramsey
- Roger Allen
- Simon Goddard
- Derek Collitt
- Chris Saunders
- Kym Dalton
- Jonathan Riley
- Tony Bayford
- Dean Jackson
- Gladiator team (12 Gladiators)
- Female Gladiators
- Flame
- Lightning
- Jet
- Panther
- Phoenix
- Scorpio
- Male Gladiators
- Cobra
- Hawk
- Saracen
- Shadow
- Warrior
- Wolf
- Events (7 events)
[edit] Wembley Live Shows: 1993
The first set of Wembley live shows saw the roadtesting of both new Gladiators and new events. Some of the contenders from the live shows made it onto the televised shows. Tilt, Suspension Bridge and Joust were all road tested and carried forward onto the next series (albeit with slight modifications). Atlaspheres, The Wall and The Eliminator were also played.
Highlights from these shows were shown in a preview episode to the 1993 series.
Venue: Wembley Arena, London, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
- Gladiator team changes
- New female Gladiator
- Zodiac
- New male Gladiators
- Bullit
- Trojan
- Last appearances
- Bullit
- Flame
- Hawk
- Phoenix
- New events
[edit] Series two: 1993
(Broadcasted September 1993) This series saw a noticable change to the 1992 series in that there were new events, new Gladiators and an extended run of shows into what became the norm of 8 heats, 4 quarter finals, 2 semi-finals and the grand final. This series also had a celebrity special in which presenter John Fashanu took part and ultimately won.
The Eliminator course was also modified, comprising of two high and low hurdles, a rope climb, the hand ladder/hand bike, rolling beams, an extended cargo net, zip line, balance beam and the travelator.
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Event commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
- Contenders (33 contenders)
- Female contenders
- Pauline Oliver
- Katie Tanner
- Rhian Pritchard
- Rowan Duxbury
- Mandy Gornicki
- Paula Bisley
- Sophie Cheston
- Helen Williams
- Jacqui Thompson
- Lisa Thompson
- Jean Klenk (substitute for Lisa Thompson) (winner)
- Gail Rickett
- Tracy Johnson
- Susan Serman
- Syrlene Clarke
- Georgina Berger
- Vicki McCann
- Male contenders
- Richard Bury
- Phil Norman (winner)
- Gary Towers
- Glen Webb
- Stephen Robinson
- Roddie McKay
- Dean Hart
- Jon Morgan
- Brian Ward
- Alan Bates
- Rik Keiseweter
- Gary Dodds
- Steve Quick
- Roland Hill
- Tim Anstiss
- Chris Yeomans
- Gladiator team changes
- New female Gladiators
- Falcon
- Nightshade
- New male Gladiator
- Hunter
- New events
[edit] Wembley Live Shows: 1994
Although no new Gladiators were roadtested in these competitions, there was one new event tried out, Cannonball Run, which went on to appear in the televised shows under the name Hit & Run. Some of the contenders from these shows went on to be in the televised shows.
Atlaspheres, The Wall, Powerball, Hang Tough, Duel and The Eliminator were also played. Cobra had to be sidelined during the shows due to an ankle injury he picked up after an event.
Venue: Wembley Arena, London, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
- New event
[edit] Series three: 1994
This series (Broadcasted September 1994) has been thought of as the best series by many fans due to the impressive calibre of contenders. It was this and the 1995 series that attracted the most viewers.
One of the more notable aspects of this series was the reduction of six events per show to just five. This was mainly due to time constraints in the National Indoor Arena. A celebrity and armed forces special formed part of this series.
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Event commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Derek Redmond
- Contenders (33 contenders)
- Female contenders
- Claire Hillman
- Erika Rogerson
- Rachel Culwick
- Jo Harrington
- Jo Neath (substitute for Rachel Culwick)
- Eunice Huthart (winner)
- Lorraine Staley
- Jo Banton
- Clancy Connor
- Kerryna Sampey
- Jayne Ludden
- Katie Budd
- Melissa Spackman
- Nikki Wyatt
- Sue Smith
- Lisa Gibbs
- Rowan Duxbury
- Male contenders
- Ian Simpson
- Paul Beswick
- Phil Campbell
- Ken George
- Andy Riddoch
- Lee Blackledge
- Sam Codjoe
- Rick Brown
- Mark Skipper
- Neil Dorrell
- Dean Pollen
- Gladstone Mackenzie
- Alex Lee
- Paul Field (winner)
- Richard Barnett
- Matt Beeke
- New events
[edit] International Gladiators 1: 1994
The first International Series was held in the Summer of 1994. 4 Countries were invlolved and the series was a huge success all over the world.
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Mike Adamle
Event commentators: John Sachs and Mike Adamle
Referees: John Anderson and Larry Thompson
Timekeeper: Derek Redmond
- Contenders (15 contenders)
- Female contenders
- Eunice Huthart (UK) (winner)
- Jean Klenk (UK)
- Adrienne Sullivan (USA)
- Kym Tyler (USA)
- Pirjo Litilia (Finland)
- Riikka Hartikainen (Finland)
- Olga Duodnik (Russia)
- Lena Latcenciko (Russia)
- Male contenders
- Phil Norman (UK)
- Paul Field (UK)
- Wesley "Two-Scoops" Berry (USA) (winner)
- Kyler Storm (USA)
- Tommi Vuoristo (Finland)
- Stass Shastak (Russia)
- Andre Acoulov (Russia)
- Gladiators team
- UK
- Cobra
- Falcon
- Hunter
- Jet
- Lightning
- Nightshade
- Panther
- Saracen
- Scorpio
- Shadow
- Trojan
- Warrior
- Wolf
- Zodiac
- USA
- Hawk
- Ice
- Jazz
- Nitro
- Sabre
- Sky
- Finland
- Flash
- Terminator
- Russia
- Dynamite
- Spartak
[edit] Sheffield Live Shows: 1995
Former women's domestic and international champion Eunice Huthart became Gladiator Blaze for this series of live events. However she retired from being a Gladiator before the televised series began filming to represent the UK as a contender in the first Ashes series.
One of the new events to be introduced in the 1995 televised series, Pendulum, was due to be premiered in the Sheffield live shows. However, the safety net used was not modified for the arena and the game could not be played. For the first few shows the pendulum could be seen stored in the ceiling before it was later taken down. Instead Joust was played, in a rather strange move as the event was hardly played during the televised series.
The other events to be played were Atlaspheres, Pyramid, Powerball, Gauntlet and Duel. These shows were notable in that it was the only time that Panther played Pyramid and the only time that Zodiac and Vogue played Joust.
Venue: Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
- Gladiator team changes
- New female Gladiators
- Blaze
- Vogue
- New male Gladiators
- Raider
- Rhino
- Last appearances
- Blaze
[edit] Series four: 1995
This is seen by many fans as the pinnacle of the show. The viewing figures were at their peak and most fans agree that the events and Gladiators were at their strongest this year. (Broadcasted September 1995) This season saw the last viewings of favourite events Joust and Tilt which were axed due to safety reasons.
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Event commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
- Contenders (33 contenders)
- Female contenders
- Melanie Blewitt
- Tracey Fulthorpe
- Janet Allen (winner)
- Diane Thomas
- Kathy O'Dell
- Rachel Whiteside
- Linda Dent
- Jackie Kinsella
- Mel Cambridge
- Mandy Beacher
- Linda Moore
- Sonia Walker
- Cheryl Quinn
- Julie Gray
- Jenny Waite
- Kay Kershaw
- Male contenders
- Jeff Kenyon
- Brian Richardson
- Phil Ennis
- David O'Hallahan
- Glenn Williams
- Chris Rawlinson
- Regan Pilkington
- Michael Bates
- Mike Reynaud (substitute for Michael Bates)
- John Tyson
- Mark Everett (winner)
- Sean Clay
- Lawrence Jean-Baptiste
- Murray Stephen
- Bill Cumberland
- Donald Williams
- Steph Drury-Morris
- Gladiator team changes
- New female Gladiator
- Amazon
- New events
[edit] The Ashes 1: 1995
This was the first Ashes series. The UK team travelled to Australia to battle it out on Aussie soil. It was seen as a great move as it was a chance to see how another country handled the show.
Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
Presenters: John Fashanu and Kimberly Joseph
Event commentator: John Sachs
Referees: John Anderson and Mike Whitney
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
- Contenders (8 contenders)
- Female contenders
- Kerryn Sampey (UK) (winner)
- Eunice Huthart (UK)
- Kerry Warman (Australia)
- Nellie Baker (Australia)
- Male contenders
- Matt Beeke (UK)
- Phil Campbell (UK)
- Andrew Halliday (Australia) (winner)
- David Wallis (Australia)
- Gladiators team
- UK
- Hunter
- Jet
- Lightning
- Nightshade
- Rhino
- Vogue
- Warrior
- Wolf
- Australia
- Blade
- Chetta
- Condor
- Delta
- Flame
- Fury
- Hammer
- Storm
- Taipan
- Tower
- Vulcan
[edit] International Gladiators 2: 1995
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: Ulrika Jonsson, Mike Adamle, Kimberly Joseph and Glenn Hicks
Event commentator: John Sachs
Referees: John Anderson, Larry Thompson and John Forsythe
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
- Contenders (18 contenders)
- Female contenders
- Janet Allen (UK)
- Jackie Kinsella (substitute for Janet Allen) (UK)
- Peggy Odita (USA)
- Lourene Bevvart (Australia)
- Ludmila Machenko (Russia)
- Elena Lebadenka (Russia)
- Leanne Lievenberg (South Africa)
- Miriam Leutsch (Germany)
- Claudia Lederer (Germany)
- Male contenders
- Mark Everett: UK
Sean Clay: UK (Replacement for Mark Everett)
- Pat Czismazia: USA
- Andrew Halliday: Australia
Shane Saltmarsh: Australia (Replacement for Andrew Halliday)
- Alexander Voltsov: Russia
- Yuri Volkov: Russia
- Prince Sunny: South Africa
- Peter Britts: South Africa
- Dennis Galli: Germany
Gladiators Team: 37 Gladiators
Female Gladiators
UK
- Falcon
- Jet
- Lightning
- Nightshade
- Panther
- Vogue
- Zodiac
USA
- Ice
- Jazz
Australia
- Delta
- Flame
- Fury
- Storm
Russia
- Astra
- Lynx
South Africa
- Sahara
- Delilah
Germany
- Angel
- Power
Male Gladiators
UK
- Cobra
- Hunter
- Raider
- Rhino
- Trojan
- Warrior
- Wolf
USA
- Hawk
- Sabre
Australia
- Hammer
- Tower
- Vulcan
Russia
- Dynamite
- Titan
South Africa
- Impi
- Samson
Germany
- Flash
- Giant
- First appearances of: n/a
- Last appearances of: Raider
The Events: 12 Events + Eliminator
- Atlaspheres
- Duel
- Eliminator
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- Pendulum
- Pole-Axe
- Powerball
- Pyramid
- Skytrak
- Suspension Bridge
- Swingshot
- The Wall
This second International Series was the biggest ever Gladiators tournament. Over 60 competitors from all over the world came to Birmingham to compete for the title.
International Gladiators 2 Champions: Peggy Odita (USA) and Pat Czismazia (USA)
For more detailed info see International Gladiators 2
[edit] Wembley Live Shows: 1996
Venue: Wembley Arena, London, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Referee: John Anderson
Time Keeper: Andrew Norgate
Gladiator team:
Gladiators Team: 17 Gladiators
Female Gladiators
- Amazon
- Falcon
- Jet
- Lightning
- Nightshade
- Panther
- Rebel
- Rio
- Vogue
- Zodiac
Male Gladiators
- Ace
- Cobra
- Hunter
- Saracen
- Trojan
- Warrior
- Wolf
- First appearances of: Ace, Rebel & Rio
- Last appearances of: Amazon & Jet
The Events: 6 Events + Eliminator
- Atlaspheres
- Eliminator
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- Powerball
- Sumo Ball
The last set of live shows to be staged some quite a few injuries, particularly for the women's Gladiator team, resulting in both Amazon and Jet having to leave Gladiators due to injuries on the Pyramid event. This also resulted in the Pyramid event being axed for the 1996 series.
One new event was road tested, Sumo Ball, which went on to appear in the 1996 series.
The other events played were Atlaspheres, Powerball, Gauntlet, Hang Tough and The Eliminator.
[edit] Season 5: 1996
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Event Commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson
Time Keeper: Andrew Norgate
Contenders: 32 Contenders
Female Contenders: North
- Onyema Amadi
- Joanne Henders
- Sarah Damm
- Hannah Owen
- Michelle Kimberley
- Meleri Davies
- Jude Shenton
- Karen Scholes
Female Contenders: South
- Rachel Browse
- Andreya Wharry
- Sylvina Quamina
- Yvette Rowley
- Rebecca Riggs
- Sarah Perrett
- Celia Duffield
- Ingrid Reynolds
Male Contenders: North
- Andrew Farrell
- Adrean Parrock
- Steve Maughan
- Robbie Kinnaird
- Jonny Alcock
- Andrew Morley
- Buster Reeves
- Glenn Wilkinson
Male Contenders: South
- Mark Mottram
- Andrew Lewis
- Patrick Dale
- Gavin Rodenhurst
- Paul Dunkley
- Freddie McGovern
- Colin Treasure
- Emmil Watson
Gladiators Team: 17 Gladiators
Female Gladiators
- Falcon
- laser
- Lightning
- Nightshade
- Panther
- Rebel
- Rio
- Vogue
- Zodiac
Male Gladiators
- Ace
- Cobra
- Hunter
- Rhino
- Saracen
- Trojan
- Warrior
- Wolf
- First appearances of: Laser
- Last appearances of: Nightshade, Panther, Trojan & Zodiac
The Events (15 Events + Eliminator)
- Atlaspheres
- Danger Zone
- Duel
- Eliminator
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- Hit & Run
- Pendulum
- Pole-Axe
- Powerball
- Pursuit
- Pyramid
- Skytrak
- Sumo Ball NEW
- Suspension Bridge
- Swingshot
- The Wall
- Whiplash
During training for this series (Broadcasted on September 28, 1996), both Gladiator Zodiac and contender Nikki Claxton suffered bad injuries on the Pole-Axe event, leading to it being axed for this series. Pyramid had also been axed due to career ending injuries to Jet and Amazon. Tilt was also axed due to the injury to Nightshade the year before and Joust was also axed, although the reason for this was never fully explained.
Zodiac's injury meant that she had to sit out the majority of this series. In fact, the only event she competed in was Danger Zone, in its two appearances. Nightshade also made few appearances this season due to illness and injury including suffering a strained neck on Skytrak (she had suffered a neck injury the previous year on Tilt). Both Zodiac and Nightshade left after this series. Panther also made a reduced number of appearances in this series. Because of this, a last minute addition to the team was made, Laser, although because of the nature of her arrival, she never appeared in any of the souvenir programmes.
One new event, Sumo Ball, which was road tested in the Wembley Live shows, appeared.
The Eliminator also had a slight adaptation in which a maze of elastic wires dubbed Spaghetti Junction, was added. This proved unpopular with viewers and was dropped after this series.
There was a slight format change to this series, in which the contenders were split into two teams, North and South, depending on where they came from, hence the title of this season was Gladiators: The Challenge. The Northern team was coached by Eunice Huthart and the southern team by 1993 male champion Phil Norman. The series saw the format of four Northern heats, Two Northern Semi finals, a Northern final, four Southern heats, two Southern semi finals, a Southern final and a Grand Final.
Season 5 Champions: Andreya Wharry (South) and Mark Mottram (South)
[edit] The Ashes 2: 1996
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: Mike Hammond and Ulrika Jonsson
Event Commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson and John Forsythe
Time Keeper: Andrew Norgate
Contenders: 8 Contenders
Female Contenders UK
- Sarah Damm
- Michelle Kimberley (Replacement For Sarah Damm)
- Hannah Owen
- Celia Duffield (Replacement For Hannah Owen)
Australia
- Marissa Heuttner
- Catherine Arlove
(9 Gladiators)
Male Contenders UK
- Emmil Watson
- Mark Everitt
Australia
- Paul Stubbs
- Paul Reynolds
Gladiators Team:
Female Gladiators UK
- Laser
- Lightning
- Rio
- Vogue
Australia
- Delta
- Fury
- Glacier
- Storm
Male Gladiators UK
- Ace
- Hunter
- Rhino
- Saracen
- Wolf
Australia
- Condor
- Taipan
- Tower
- Vulcan
- First appearances of: n/a
- Last appearances of: Laser
The Events (8 Events + Eliminator)
- Duel
- Eliminator
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- Pendulum
- Powerball
- Skytrak
- Swingshot
- The Wall
This second Ashes series was brought to the UK and Held at the NIA in Birmingham.
Ashes 2 Champions: Marissa Heuttner (Australia) and Paul Stubbs (Australia)
[edit] Royal Tournament 1: 1997
Gladiators Team: 4 Gladiators
- Hunter
- Rhino
- Warrior
- Wolf
(4 Gladiators)
[edit] Season 6: 1997
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: Jeremy Guscott and Ulrika Jonsson
Event Commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson
Time Keeper: Eugene Gilkes
Contenders:
Female Contenders
- Wendy Dawes
- Paula Bush Replacement for Wendy Dawes)
- Julie Hall
- Debbie Sharp
- Wendy Famiglietti
- Jo Newman
- Zoe Kennedy
- Jayne Offer
- Christina Hartley
- Audrey Garland
- Non Evans
- Juliet Machan
- Kerry Shacklock
- Nora Mcgoldrick
- Helen Martin
- Pauline Morris
- Julie Stokes
Male Contenders
- Gordon James
- Carl Wootten
- Piers Bryant
- Matthew Bartlett
- Mark Roberts
- Adam Stretton
- Andrew Sidey
- David Rodrigues
- Ronnie Williams
- Nigel Bannister
- Tony Nesbeth
- Eddie McFarlane
- Brian Doamekpor
- Ally Graham
- Alex Agbamu
- Andrew Whitehouse
Gladiators Team: 17 Gladiators
Female Gladiators
- Falcon
- Fox
- Gold
- Lightning
- Rebel
- Rio
- Rocket
- Siren
- Vogue
Male Gladiators
- Ace
- Cobra
- Hunter
- Khan
- Rhino
- Saracen
- Warrior
- Wolf
- First appearances of: Fox, Gold, Khan, Rocket & Siren
- Last appearances of: Warrior
The Events (17 Events + Eliminator)
- Atlaspheres
- Danger Zone
- Duel
- Eliminator
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- Hit & Run
- Pendulum
- Pole-Axe
- Powerball
- Pyramid
- Skytrak
- Sumo Ball
- Suspension Bridge
- Swingshot
- The Wall
- Tightrope
- Whiplash
The first episode of series 6 scheduled to be broadcasted on September 6 was not shown because it was the day of the funeral for Princess Diana of Wales who tragically died in a car crash in France, Instead the first episode of series 6 was shown on September 13, 1997. This was a season that saw a few Changes. Several New Gladiators were Introduced but they never really settled into the Team and only lasted the one Season. Gold however left after this Season but made a return for The Springbok Challenge 2.
The Eliminator had a few changes, the introduction of a second cargo net. A series of parallel bar swings replaced the rolling beam and two balancing see-saws replaced the balance beam.
This season also saw the introduction of split events, meaning at a certain point of a show, the woman would play one event and the men would play a different event.
Season 6 Champions: Audrey Garland and Piers Bryant
[edit] Springbok Challenge 1: 1997
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: Glenn Hicks and Ulrika Jonsson
Event Commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson
Time Keeper: Andrew Norgate
Contenders: 8 Contenders
Female Contenders
UK
- Jackie Tindal
- Andreya Wharry
South Africa
- Elmirie Meyer
- Charmaine Smit
Male Contenders
UK
- Mark Mottram
- Brian Whittle
South Africa
- Thorsten Weiss
- Patrcik Potson
Gladiators Team: 20 Gladiators
Female Gladiators
UK
- Lightning
- Rebel
- Rio
- Rocket
- Vogue
South Africa
- Diamond
- Gazelle
- Ivory
- Sahara
- Sheena
Male Gladiators UK
- Ace
- Hunter
- Rhino
- Wolf
- Saracen
South Africa
- Jackal
- Shakka
- Spider
- Tusk
- Wildebeast
The Events (9 Events + Eliminator)
- Duel
- Eliminator
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- Pendulum
- Pole-Axe
- Powerball
- Suspension Bridge
- Swingshot
- The Wall
South African contestants were invited to Birmingham to compete in the "Springbok Challenge".
Springbok Challenge 1 Champions: Andreya Wharry (UK) and Mark Mottram (UK)
[edit] Royal Tournament 2: 1998
Gladiators Team: 4 Gladiators
- Fox
- Hunter
- Khan
- Rocket
- First appearances of: n/a
- Last appearances of: Khan & Rocket
[edit] Season 7: 1998
Main Article: Gladiators season 7
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: Jeremy Guscott and Ulrika Jonsson
Event Commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson
Time Keeper: Andrew Norgate
Contenders:
Female Contenders
- Kate Rudd
- Trudy Ballantine
- Sharon Kewley
- Helena Redwood
- Margo McMillan
- Sarah Hasselby
- Judith Huntingdon
- Sue England
- Fiona Blaiklock
- Jane Smith
- Pauline Shirt
- Tara Liddon
- Clare Short
- louise Raines
- Kate Evers
- Maria Ward
Male Contenders
- Alex Reid
- Rudi Kennard
- Micah Hudson
- Alex Reid
- Dave Walter
- David Hannah
- Neil Parsley
- Mark Whitehouse
- Gary Johnson
- Karl Mullins
- James Burrow
- Colm Curran
- John McAvoy
- Lavern Ritch
- Ross Kirby
- Cassius Frankson
Gladiators Team: 15 Gladiators
Female Gladiators
- Falcon
- Fox
- Lightning
- Rebel
- Rio
- Siren
- Vogue
Male Gladiators
- Ace
- Cobra
- Diesel
- Hunter
- Rhino
- Saracen
- Vulcan
- Wolf
- First appearances of: Diesel & Vulcan
- Last appearances of: n/a
The Events (19 Events + Eliminator)
- Atlaspheres
- Catapult NEW
- Danger Zone
- Dogfight NEW
- Duel
- Eliminator
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- Hit & Run
- Pendulum
- Pole-Axe
- Powerball
- Skytrak
- Sumo Ball
- Suspension Bridge
- Swingshot
- The Wall
- Tightrope
- Vertigo NEW
- Whiplash
This was the shows last full season. It was seen as the last nail in the coffin for the show by many fans. New games were introduced that were very poor, several events were changed that never really took off and the Gladiators costumes were changed.
Season 7 Champions: Jane Smith and Dave Walter
[edit] Season 8: 1999
Main Article: Gladiators season 8
Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Event Commentator: John Sachs
Referee: John Anderson
Time Keeper: Andrew Norgate
Contenders:
Female Contenders
- Jane Smith
- Kerryn Sampey
- Janet Allen (Replacment For Kerryn Sampey)
- Audrey Garland
- Andreya Wharry
Male Contenders
- Phil Norman
- Mark Everett
- Piers Bryant
- Dave Walter (Replacement For Piers Bryant)
- Mark Mottram
Gladiators Team: 15 Gladiators
Female Gladiators
- Falcon
- Fox
- Lightning
- Rebel
- Rio
- Siren
- Vogue
Male Gladiators
- Ace
- Cobra
- Diesel
- Hunter
- Rhino
- Saracen
- Vulcan
- Wolf
- First appearances of: n/a
- Last appearances of: Diesel, Falcon, Lightning, Rebel, Vulcan & Wolf
The Events (8 Events + Eliminator)
- Atlaspheres
- Duel
- Eliminator
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- Powerball
- Swingshot
- The Wall
- Whiplash
This was the last ever Domestic season of Gladiators. It was put together at the last minute as the show was asked but then the production was asked to put stage a final mini series. It was decieded to bring back previous champions to battle it out for the Title of "Supreme Gladiators Champion".
A Battle Of The Giants special also formed part of this series in the male gladiators (bar Diesel and Vulcan) battle against each other. The winner was Hunter.
Supreme Gladiators Champions: Jane Smith and Dave Walter
[edit] Springbok Challenge 2: 2000
Venue: Standard Bank Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
Presenters: Glenn Hicks
Contenders: 24 Contenders
Female Contenders
UK
- Pauline Shirt
- Louise Land
- Louise Raines
- Andreya Wharry
- Maria Ward
- Trudi Ballentine
South Africa
- Kirsten Meyer
- Marelize Le Roux
- Marna Dipenaar
- Tammy Le Roux
- Nivea Sekele
- Nicky Seger
Male Contenders
UK
- Phil Norman
- Mick Jones
- Dave Walter
- Mark Everitt
- Neil Parsley
- Gary Johnson
South Africa
- Michael Toll
- Jason Van Der Walt
- Charles Steenkamp
- Shilo Bunce
- Remington Minkhaw
ile - Juan Pretorius
Gladiators Team:'
Female Gladiators
UK
- Fox
- Gold
- Rio
- Siren
- Vogue
South Africa
- Force
- Fire
- Ice
- Lightning
- Nightshade
- Sahara
- Thunder
Male Gladiators
UK
- Ace
- Cobra
- Hunter
- Rhino
- Saracen
South Africa
- Blade
- Giant
- Granite
- Spider
- Tusk
- Warrior
- Wildebeest
- First appearances of: n/a
- Last appearances of: Ace, Cobra, Fox, Gold, Hunter, Rhino, Rio, Saracen, Siren & Vogue
The Events:
- Atlaspheres
- Demolition Run (AKA Hit & Run)
- Duel
- Eliminator
- Gauntlet
- Hang Tough
- Rat Race
- Gauntlet
- Powerball
- Suspension Bridge
- The MTN Mountain (AKA The Wall)
- Whiplash
Springbok Challenge 2 Winners: Andreya Wharry and Mark Everett
[edit] The Gladiators
[edit] Female
| Gladiator name | Career | Real name | Date of birth | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Season 4; Wembley 1996 | Sharron Davies | 1 November 1962 | 1.75m | 62kg |
| Blaze | Sheffield 1995 | Eunice Huthart | 2 November 1966 | 1.70m | 64kg |
| Falcon | Seasons 2-8; International Gladiators 1-2; Wembley 1994, 1996; Sheffield 1995 | Bernadette Hunt | 6 November 1963 | 1.70m | 67kg |
| Flame | Season 1 | Kimbra Standish | 11 June 1965 | 1.84m | 63kg |
| Fox | Seasons 6-8; Royal Tournament 2; Springbok Challenge 2 | Tammy Baker | 12 April 1972 | 1.75m | 67kg |
| Gold | Season 6; Springbok Challenge 2 | Lize Van Der Walt | 2 December 1965 | 1.82m | 76kg |
| Jet | Seasons 1-3; Wembley 1993, 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1-2; The Ashes 1 | Diane Youdale | 13 February 1970 | 1.67m | 58kg |
| Laser | Season 5; The Ashes 2 | Tina Andrew | 1 July 1972 | 1.88m | 70kg |
| Lightning | Seasons 1-8; Wembley 1993, 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1-2; Sheffield 1995; The Ashes 1-2; Springbok Challenge 1 | Kim Betts | 25 December 1971 | 1.70m | 57kg |
| Nightshade | Seasons 2-5; Wembley 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1-2; Sheffield 1995; The Ashes 1 | Judy Simpson | 14 November 1960 | 1.83m | 70kg |
| Panther | Seasons 1-5; Wembley 1993, 1994, 1996; Sheffield 1995; International Gladiators 2 | Helen O'Reilly | 14 October 1963 | 1.70m | 66kg |
| Phoenix | Season 1 | Sandy Young | 28 November 1969 | 1.73m | 59kg |
| Rebel | 1996: Wembley Live Shows, 1996: Season 5, 1997: Season 6, 1997: Springbok Challenge 1, 1998: Season 7, 1999: Season 8. | Jennifer Stoute | 14 April 1965 | 1.80m | 70kg |
| Rio | Seasons 5-8; Wembley ; Springbok Challenge 1-2 | Jane Omorogbe | 20 September 1971 | 1.87m | 83kg |
| Rocket | Season 6; Springbok Challenge 1; Royal Tournament 2 | Pauline Richards | 30 June 1968 | 1.82m | 77kg |
| Scorpio | Seasons 1-3; Wembley 1993, 1994; International Gladiators 1 | Nikki Diamond | 15 March 1965 | 1.75m | 66kg |
| Siren | Seasons 6-8; Springbok Challenge 2 | Alison Paton | 4 April 1971 | 1.80m | 70kg |
| Vogue | Seasons 4-8; Sheffield 1995; International Gladiators 2; The Ashes 1-2; Wembley 1996; Springbok Challenge 1-2 | Suzanne Cox | 19 March 1972 | 1.67m | 63kg |
| Zodiac | Seasons 2-5; Wembley 1993, 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1-2; Sheffield 1995 | Kate Staples | 2 November 1965 | 1.75m | 62kg |
 Falcon |
 Flame |
 Fox |
 Gold |
 Jet |
 Laser |
 Lightning |
 Nightshade |
 Panther |
 Phoenix |
 Rebel |
 Rio |
 Rocket |
 Scorpio |
 Siren |
 Vogue |
 Zodiac |
[edit] Male
| Gladiator name | Career | Real name | Date of birth | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace | Seasons 5-8; Wembley 1996; The Ashes 2; Springbok Challenge 1-2 | Warren Furman | 3 July 1972 | 1.85m | 104kg |
| Bullit | Wembley 1993 | Mike Harvey | Unknown | 1.88m | 116kg |
| Cobra | Seasons 1-8; Wembley 1993, 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1-2; Sheffield 1995; Springbok Challenge 2 | Michael Willson | 29 October 1963 | 1.83m | 93kg |
| Diesel | Seasons 7-8 | Darren Crawford | 12 November 1968 | 1.98m | 105kg |
| Hawk | Season 1; Wembley 1993 | Aleks Georgijev | 16 March 1968 | 1.85m | 108kg |
| Hunter | Seasons 2-8; Wembley 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1-2; Sheffield 1995; The Ashes 1-2; Royal Tournament 1-2; Springbok Challenge 1-2 | James Crossley | 12 June 1973 | 1.90m | 103kg |
| Khan | Season 6; Royal Tournament 2 | Radosev Nekic | 26 September 1964 | 1.93m | 114kg |
| Raider | Season 4; Sheffield 1995; International Gladiators 2 | Carlton Headley | 17 September 1963 | 1.91m | 105kg |
| Rhino | Seasons 4-8; Sheffield 1995; International Gladiators 2; The Ashes 1-2; Wembley 1996; Royal Tournament 1; Springbok Challenge 1-2 | Mark Smith | 30 September 1970 | 1.72m | 112kg |
| Saracen | Seasons 1-8; Wembley 1993, 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1; Sheffield 1995; The Ashes 2; Springbok Challenge 1-2 | Mike Lewis | 30 August 1963 | 1.91m | 111kg |
| Shadow | Seasons 1-3; Wembley 1993, 1994; International Gladiators 1 | Jefferson King | 1 July 1961 | 1.93m | 120kg |
| Trojan | Seasons 2-5; Wembley 1993, 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1-2; Sheffield 1995 | Mark Griffin | 25 February 1968 | 1.88m | 102kg |
| Vulcan | Seasons 7-8 | John Seru | 12 January 1964 | 1.91m | 120kg |
| Warrior | Seasons 1-6; Wembley 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1-2; Sheffield 1995; The Ashes 1-2; Royal Tournament 1 | Michael Ahearne | 30 December 1960 | 1.96m | 132kg |
| Wolf | Seasons 1-8; Wembley 1993, 1994, 1996; International Gladiators 1-2; Sheffield 1995; The Ashes 1-2; Royal Tournament 1; Springbok Challenge 1 | Michael Van Wijk | 30 September 1952 | 1.83m | 95kg |
 Ace |
 Cobra |
 Diesel |
 Hawk |
 Hunter |
 Khan |
 Raider |
 Rhino |
 Saracen |
 Shadow |
 Trojan |
 Vulcan |
 Warrior |
 Wolf |
[edit] Other Information
[edit] Controversies
Despite remaining a successful programme, particularly in its early years, Gladiators was not without controversy. One of the earliest criticisms to emerge was that the show seemed to glamorise the use of steroids and body-building, leading several tabloid newspapers to take a keener interest in the Gladiator's personal lives. In 1994, Jefferson King (Shadow) was caught snorting cocaine in a nightclub, and later admitted on daytime TV to using a large amount of steroids during training. He was subsequently fired from the show, due to producer Nigel Lythgoe's belief that he was an unsuitable role-model for children. Another controversy occurred in 1996 when John Fashanu was sacked as co-host of the show, allegedly because of Premiership football match-fixing. The tabloids also focused on the relationship between Gladiator Hunter (James Crossley) and presenter Ulrika Jonsson; the pair initially denied the affair, but later Jonsson admitted it in her 2003 biography. More controversy followed as Warrior, the biggest of the Gladiators, was found in possession of a firearm and was charged.
[edit] Injuries
Only four of the original Gladiators lineup remained by the time the show finished in early 2000: Cobra, Wolf, Lightning and Saracen. Several of the Gladiators were forced to retire due to personal circumstances and/or injuries. The most notable of these was Gladiator Panther, who sustained a neck injury after falling awkwardly on the game Tilt in 1994. Judy Simpson-Cook who played Nightshade contracted Epstein-Barr syndrome and left in 1996, as did Jet, who sustained a damaged hip after a tackle on the game Pyramid. She later pursued a brief career as a television presenter. Contender Nikki Claxton sensationally broke her neck in training for the 1996 Season on the Pole-Axe event.
[edit] 'The Wolfman'
Arguably the most famous Gladiator, as well as a hugely popular children's TV star, was Wolf (aka Michael Van Wijk), who remained in the show for its entire duration. The most outspoken and rebellious Gladiator, Wolf did everything to break the rules from fighting with contestants, arguing with the referee, pulling off contestants' trousers and bullying the presenters. Much of this was seen as a type of comedy/pantomime performance, yet he remained hugely popular with the show's younger fans, appearing in nearly every show aired. John Fashanu later commented that his popularity in the early seasons was so big, that if he didn't come out at least once during a show, some parents would ask for their money back, as children would have felt cheated. Wolf's villain role was later undermined by the introduction of Australian Gladiator Vulcan, who clashed with Wolf on several occasions. American Gladiators fans who have watched Wolf see him as the British equivalent to the American Gladiator Danny Lee 'Nitro' Clark.
[edit] Falling Popularity?
Despite several introductions of new games and elements to keep the show fresh and exicting in the later seasons of the show, a massive ratings decline during it lead to the show to be axed. The final episode aired New Year's Day 2000.
The decline in ratings has been put down to two possible causes: firstly, that the show had become tiresome and repetitive, with the same games and Gladiators, and secondly the rise of reality TV, which had started with the "docusoap" format in the late 1990s, meant that viewership was drawn towards other forms of "infotainment", rather than action gameshows.
[edit] Train 2 Win
In the late 1990s, when the popularity of the programme began to wane, a spin-off entitled Gladiators: Train To Win was produced and aired on CITV. The show featured two teams of children, each captained by a Gladiator (varying each week) which sought to gain the most points. Some of the games differed from those on the parent show; for example, the "Eliminator" round was more similar to the "Pursuit" round (though it still featured the famous "Travelator").
[edit] Celebrity Specials
Four celebrity specials were produced during the shows history. The first two, in 1993 and 1994 were aired in the week between Semi-Final 2 and the Grand Final and the other two in 1996 and 1997 were aired over the Christmas period.
Celebrity Special Winners
1993: John Fashanu
1994: Derek Redmond
1996: Steve Redgrave
1997: Celebrities v Jockies - Jockies team (Bob Champion, Willie Carson, Tony Dobbin, Carl Llewelyn, Peter Scudamore)
[edit] The Brian Conley Show
The Brian Conley Show included a sketch character who was a stuntman and mock Gladiator called Dangerous Brian, performed by Brian Conley himself. His commentator and "sidekick" was Gladiators' John Sachs. LWT produced both shows, and for one sketch, Dangerous had to run The Eliminator with Wolf. [1]
[edit] International Shows
The show inspired many other countries to start their own series. The first 4 countries to get in on the act were Russia, USA, UK and Finland. All four appeared on the first International Gladiators series. Shortly after this series other countries such as Nigeria, Australia, South Africa and Germany followed the trend. The last two nations to air the show were Denmark and Sweden, Denmark beginning in 2002 and ending quickly afterwards. Sweden started in 2001 and ended in 2004, after much success including the only ever Gladiators PC game, 'Gladiatorerna'. With Sweden gone in 2004, no other nations remained, and therefore the Gladiators craze was over.
[edit] External links
- The Gladiators Zone - Vast amount of information and a Online Forum.
- UK Gameshows Page: Gladiators
- http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=GladiatorsBoy - Gladiators Clips On YouTube
- Challenge TV Show Support Page: Gladiators
