Gladiators

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Gladiators
Image:Gladiators logo.JPG 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.

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.

Contents 1 Gladiators series and shows 1.1 Series one: 1992 1.2 Wembley Live Shows: 1993 1.3 Series two: 1993 1.4 Wembley Live Shows: 1994 1.5 Series three: 1994 1.6 International Gladiators 1: 1994 1.7 Sheffield Live Shows: 1995 1.8 Series four: 1995 1.9 The Ashes 1: 1995 1.10 International Gladiators 2: 1995 1.11 Wembley Live Shows: 1996 1.12 Season 5: 1996 1.13 The Ashes 2: 1996 1.14 Royal Tournament 1: 1997 1.15 Season 6: 1997 1.16 Springbok Challenge 1: 1997 1.17 Royal Tournament 2: 1998 1.18 Season 7: 1998 1.19 Season 8: 1999 1.20 Springbok Challenge 2: 2000 2 The Gladiators 2.1 Female 2.2 Male 3 Other Information 3.1 Controversies 3.2 Injuries 3.3 'The Wolfman' 3.4 Falling Popularity? 3.5 Train 2 Win 3.6 Celebrity Specials 3.7 International Shows 3.8 External links

Gladiators series and shows

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)

• Atlaspheres
• Danger Zone
• Duel
• Eliminator
• Hang Tough
• Swingshot
• The Wall

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

• Breakthrough & Conquer
• Joust
• Suspension Bridge
• Tilt

Series two: 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

• Gauntlet
• Powerball
• Skytrak

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

• Cannonball Run

Series three: 1994

This series 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

• Pole-Axe
• Pursuit
• Pyramid

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

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

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

• Pendulum
• Whiplash

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

International Gladiators 2: 1995

Main article: International Gladiators 2

Venue: National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Presenters: Ulrika Jonsson, Mike Adamlee, 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

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.

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)

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)

Royal Tournament 1: 1997

Gladiators Team: 4 Gladiators

• Hunter
• Rhino
• Warrior
• Wolf

(4 Gladiators)

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

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)

Royal Tournament 2: 1998

Gladiators Team: 4 Gladiators

• Fox
• Hunter
• Khan
• Rocket

• First appearances of: n/a
• Last appearances of: Khan & Rocket

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

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

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

The Gladiators

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

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

Other Information

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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").

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)

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.

Wikipedia information about Gladiators This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Gladiators". It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer). Help contribute to Americola and edit this article.