The faces of the show, who starred as Ace, Panther, Hunter and Jet respectively, gathered on the chat show for a where are they now segment alongside referee John Anderson, during which they displayed their incredibly youthful looks.
It was one of the Nineties most beloved Saturday night shows.
So Gladiators fans will undoubtedly be overjoyed to see stars of the show reuniting to ring in 25 years since its launch, with Katie Price’s ex Warren Furman, Helen O’Reilly, James Crossley and Diane Youdale appearing on Tuesday’s Lorraine.
Back again! Gladiators fans will undoubtedly be overjoyed to see stars of the show reuniting to ring in 25 years since its launch, with James Crossley, Diane Youdale, Helen O’Reilly and Warren Furman (left-right) appearing on Tuesday’s Lorraine to celebrate
Gladiators, which was presented by Ulrika Jonsson, John Fashanu and later Jeremy Guscott, first hit screens on 10 October 1992, with the series comprising of contestants fighting against a Gladiator in a series of events to secure points.
After the show came off air in 2000, the stars led a variety of other pursuits, with Warren’s being perhaps the most shocking – as he revealed he has turned to God and founded a gospel choir after revealing he needed to change his life.
The blond-haired hunk, who was engaged to Katie Price, then known by her moniker Jordan, spoke of his discovery of God following excesses of his fame.
Way back when! The faces of the show, who starred as Panther, Ace, Hunter and Jet respectively, gathered on the chat show for a where are they now segment alongside referee John Anderson, during which they displayed their incredibly youthful look
Ace: Warren Furman, 45
Name: Warren Furman aka Ace
Age: 45
Occupation: Having turned his back on showbusiness, Warren found God and now runs a Gospel choir in York, where he lives with his wife and two kids
Gladiator history: Four years after the show began in 1996, the blond hunk beat 60 other hopefuls for a place on Gladiators, where he stayed on the series until its end in 2000. He returned for the revival in 2008
Fun facts: Warren was engaged to Katie Price in the late Nineties, during which time they enjoyed a particularly lavish lifestyle. He previously said: ‘We travelled the world first class, went for expensive dinners, had big houses and fancy cars’, yet things later broke off acrimoniously
Way back when: Warren (pictured in 1998) was previously engaged to Katie Price at the height of their fame
Shocked: Fans were left in shock as they saw the return of their TV favourites to screens
He told hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: ‘I used to worship myself, I thought I was fantastic. I have now turned to God’s grace. I am a Gladiator of the gospel.
‘You’ll never know God until you change your direction and so I realised this. It was great, we had loads of money and women, but I realised I had to change’.
Using a rather bizarre interpretation for his turn to faith, he said: ‘I had a turd in a swimming pool moment’, in which he insisted his lifestyle was like excrement that he was forced to remove to make himself a better person.
Ripped: Using a rather bizarre interpretation for his turn to faith, he said: ‘I had a turd in a swimming pool moment’, in which he insisted his lifestyle was like excrement that he was forced to remove to make himself a better person
Having turned his back on showbusiness, Warren found God and now runs a Gospel choir in York, where he lives with his wife and two kids.
He was joined on the show by Diane Youdale, formerly known as Jet on Gladiators.
Fans may recongise the brunette bombshell, as she has made regular appearances on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side where she joined the show as a psychotherapist and analysed the mindset of the housemates.
She had trained in psychology after her stint as a PE teaching assistant, after dabbling in presenting and acting, as an injury forced her to leave behind her former Gladiators ways.
Diane had injured herself, bruising her spinal cord, at a live show for the programme back in 1996 that was held at Wembley Arena and had decided to hang up her boots.
Jet: Diane Youdale, 47
Sizzling: Many men will remember Jet being one of the most sought after stars of the show
Name: Diane Youdale aka Jet
Age: 47
Occupation: Diane started out with a career in gymnastics and dance, before rising to stardom on Gladiators, but was later forced to take up presenting and acting after injuring herself during the show’s live event held at Wembley Arena in 1996. She then went on to become a PE teaching assistant, before training as a pscyhotherapist
Fun facts: With 20 years in psychology behind her, Diane has landed herself a regular slot on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side and is seen analysing the housemates – she has appeared on 33 episodes of the show
Way back when: Jet looks incredible despite first finding fame 25 years ago on the show
Fond memories: Despite injuring herself in 1996 and being forced to give up her place on the show, Diane admitted it was ‘incredible’ starring on Gladiators
Crowd pleaser: She was known for her trademark hair flick on the show and didn’t disappoint, as she stormed onto the set of This Morning high-kicking and whipping her mane
She was known for her trademark hair flick on the show and didn’t disappoint, as she stormed onto the set of This Morning high-kicking and whipping her mane. Speaking of her time on the 90s phenomenon, Diane said: ‘It was just incredible, injuries aside, it was just a huge atmosphere.’
Helen aka Panther, meanwhile, said of the show: ‘It was great, it inspired so many people into sport, to be able to be strong and feminine at the same time. We still get messages today, 25 years later, of people still being inspired to go to the gym.’
While she was known for her prowess on the show, Helen confessed that her ‘favourite’ part of the show hadn’t been getting one up on her opponents, but ‘going to the make-up room’.
Panther: Helen O’Reilly, 56
Beauty: Helen has a number of bodybuilding accolades to her name including Miss Central Britain, Miss Europe, Miss Great Britain, Miss Russia and Miss Universe
Name: Helen O’Reilly aka Panther
Age: 56
Occupation: Helen is a champion bodybuilder and became one of Britain’s Best, with a number of accolades to her name including Miss Central Britain, Miss Europe, Miss Great Britain, Miss Russia and Miss Universe.
Fun facts: She now has her own gym in Uxbridge, London where she preps other girls and travels all across the globe judging bikini girls, fitness girls and men’s physique and body building
Practicing what she preaches: Helen is a former bodybuilder champion and has gone on to open her own gym in Uxbridge, London aptly titled Panther Gym
So glam! While she was known for her prowess on Gladiators, Helen confessed that her ‘favourite’ part of the show had been ‘going to the make-up room’
James aka Hunter, who was the youngest Gladiator on the show – starting out at 19, said: ‘If I got a bit of notice because it’s a very different body training. It’s very specific events. We would have runners and sprinters but if I was given a few weeks, I would do it again.’
Discussing his time on the show, he said: ‘The first year I joined I couldn’t do anything – I locked myself away for a year to get better. You can be muscular and look good but it doesn’t mean you can climb those walls’.
He recalled his addition to the show and revealed he was forced into a duel with referee John in his trial, as there was nobody else to fight him.
‘I knew I had to show some aggression,’ James said, before joking: ‘I don’t think he has recovered.’
Hunter: James Crossley, 44
Training it up: James, who was the youngest Gladiator on the show, said: ‘If I got a bit of notice because it’s a very different body training. It’s very specific events. We would have runners and sprinters but if I was given a few weeks, I would do it again’
Name: James Crossley aka Hunter
Age: 44
Occupation: He is now currently working in the sports industry as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, but had dabbled in acting following his time n Gladiators
Fun facts: James was the youngest Gladiator during his time on the show and still is and was named the Ultimate Gladiator back in 1999 after battling it out against his fellow stars. He had shocked fans by continuing to battle it out on the show despite dislocating his shoulder early on in the first round. He had dated the show’s host Ulrika Jonsson, but the pair remained coy on their romance, until she uncovered all in her 2003 autobiography
High spirits: James had revealed he was just 19 years of age when he first joined the Saturday night show and had to fight referee John Anderson as part of his trial
Fitness prowess: The star revealed he made sure to hone his physique, admitting: ‘I locked myself away for a year to get better. You can be muscular and look good but it doesn’t mean you can climb those walls’
Romance! James (pictured bottom left) had dated Ulrika while on the show, with both denying their relationship, until the presenter later came clean in her 2003 autobiography
Love affair: Ulrika had also enjoyed a brief fling with gladiator Mark Smith
Now 84-years-old, John is best known for being the referee and official trainer on Gladiators. It was his job to prepare the Gladiators and recalling his experience, John said: ‘What a job that was! Look at them.’
‘They were very good, they were professionals. They did everything very well, they were easy to work with. I was delighted to work with them,’ he continued.
Insisting he would love to work on the show once again, John revealed he is still very much training young athletes, adding: ‘I am still coaching athletics and worked with athletes at the very next level. I am still coaching Olympic teams, I’ve had a long and happy career in terms of working with young people who are doing well.
‘It’s a joy being able to work with people who want to be the very best they can be.’
Referee: John Anderson, 84
Keeping them in check: John had been the show’s iconic referee and personally trained the gladiators on the show
Name: John Anderson
Age: 84
Occupation: John has continued to mentor and coach athletics stars in his later years, first starting out as a trainer prior to appearing on Gladiators
Gladiators history: John joined the show when it first launched in 1992 and stayed with it until it wrapped in 2000. He reprised his role as referee back in 2008 when the show returned.
Fun facts: John has trained an Olympian at every summer games between 1964 and 2000. He has also enjoyed success as a footballer and played for Scotland.
Proud: Recalling his time spent training the gladiators, John said: ‘They were professionals. They did everything very well, they were easy to work with. I was delighted to work with them’
Stellar TV: Male and female contestants would compete in the same events up until the show was given a shake up in series six – where the female contenders would play easier games and the men would compete in harder rounds
The show was presented by Ulrika Jonsson during its run between 1992 until 2000 alongside John Fashanu (1992-1996 & 1999) and Jeremy Guscott (1997 to 1998), with John Sachs providing the commentary on each event.
The male and female contestants would compete in the same events up until the show was given a shake up in series six – where the female contenders would play easier games and the men would compete in harder rounds.
Aiming for as many points as they could, the contestant with the highest number of points got a headstart in The Eliminator assault course with every point being worth a second. The winner of The Eliminator would then complete in the next round.
Back in the day: The show was presented by Ulrika Jonsson during its run between 1992 until 2000
Co-hosts: She was joined by John Fashanu (1992-1996 & 1999) and Jeremy Guscott (1997 to 1998)
Comeback: Originally coming to an end in 2000, Gladiators was later revived by Sky1 and aired in 2008 for a year, before being cancelled in May 2009 (pictured Rebel L and Vogue R)
Much-loved series: The first series of the revamp was hosted by former footballer Ian Wright and presenter Kirsty Gallacher and saw referee John Anderson return as referee
Originally coming to an end in 2000, Gladiators was later revived by Sky1 and aired in 2008 for a year, before being cancelled in May 2009.
The first series of the revamp was hosted by former footballer Ian Wright and presenter Kirsty Gallacher and saw referee John Anderson return. However, he was cut for the second series, as show producers had wanted to cut ties with Gladiators’ original series.
John was replaced by well known boxing referee John Coyle, while Gallacher, meanwhile, chose not to return and Caroline Flack joined Wright as part of the presenting team instead.
Shaking it up: Anderson was cut for the second series, as show producers had wanted to cut ties with Gladiators’ original series and was replaced by well known boxing referee John Coyle
Moving on: Kirsty Gallacher, meanwhile, chose not to return and Caroline Flack joined Wright as part of the presenting team instead for the show revival’s second series
Blast from the past: Original show host Ulrika poses with Gladiators former stars
After the This Morning appearance, fans were going wild on Twitter over the return of the TV favourites to their screens as they focused on both their youthful appearances while also marvelling at how 25 years had passed.
Users penned: ‘Errr who remembers Ace from Gladiators?! He’s only on This Morning talking about Jesus! Day & life is made!… @thismorning not sure #god has been linked to ‘taking the turd out the pool’ before…
‘How amazing is it to see the Gladiators 25 years on! Great childhood memories #ThisMorning #Gladiators… Jet you were my hero! I always wanted to be you! @thismorning @di_youdale #Gladiators….
‘Wow. Just remembering how much I was in love with Jet from Gladiators back in the day. Mmmmm, essential Saturday TV… Absolutely loved Gladiators!!! Hunter & Jet were my favourites!… Ooo i used to love watching #Gladiators Hunter was my favo’.
Remember these Gladiators?
Blaze: Eunice Huthart, 50
The only way is up: The Liverpudlian star went on to become stunt doubles for A-listers including Angelina Jolie (pictured together, right), Milla Jovovich, Famke Janssen and Uma Thurman
Name: Eunice Huthart aka Blaze
Age: 50
Occupation: The Liverpudlian star went on to become stunt doubles for A-listers including Angelina Jolie, Milla Jovovich, Famke Janssen and Uma Thurman. She has starred in films including Golden Eye, Avengers and Titanic
Gladiators history: Former McDonald’s manager Eunice made her debut on the show in 1994 where she was originally a contender going against one of the Gladiators but became the first ever UK contestant to come a Gladiator
Fun fact: Eunice frequently works alongside Angelina Jolie and the pair have become close friends. She is also godmother to Angelina and Brad Pitt’s daughter Shiloh Jolie-Pitt
Shadow: Jefferson King, 56
On the up: Jefferson, 56, now works in a drug rehabilitation unit having overcome his own demons over the years
Name: Jefferson King aka Shadow
Age: 56
Occupation: He now works in a drug rehabilitation unit having overcome his own demons over the years
Gladiators history: Jefferson’s Gladiators career fell apart when he was ousted off the programme for taking steroids. Soon after the drug scandal a mistress sold a tale of his infidelity to a newspaper and his marriage broke down. He said at the time: ‘There is no excuse for cheating. I was mixing with drugs before Gladiators and when I was tested during the show there were no traces of cocaine but they found steroids’
Fun fact: Jefferson become a wrestler following his TV career and had a cameo role in the Spice Girls movie Spiceworld in 1997
Vulcan: John Seru, 53
Changing ways: : John owns a wrestling school, fitness shop and fitness centre that he has been running for 18 years in Sydney with his family having previously enjoyed success as an actor
Name: John Seru
Age: 53
Occupation: John owns a wrestling school, fitness shop and fitness centre that he has been running for 18 years in Sydney with his family having previously enjoyed success as an actor
Gladiator history: In order to give villain Wolf a run for his money, Australian Gladiator Vulcan – whose real name is John Seru – was drafted in for seasons seven and eight of the British show. The former bodybuilder and wrestler didn’t disappoint, showcasing his skills on the Duel platform and in the Gauntlet.
Fun fact: After he was talent spotted by an acting scout he scooped the role of a James Bond villain. He starred in the 1999’s The World Is Not Enough, playing henchman Gabor.
Amazon: Sharron Davies MBE, 54
Heading up: Prior to heading on to the show, Sharron was a swimmer for Great Britain in the Olympics and European championships
Name: Sharron Davies aka Amazon
Age: 54
Occupation: Prior to heading on to the show, Sharron was a swimmer for Great Britain in the Olympics and European championships. She also competed for England in the Commonwealth Games. She has produced various fitness videos and served as a patron of charities for disabled children
Gladiator history: Sharron joined the show in 1995 yet a knee injury forced her to withdraw from the show in 1996. She famously complained of the health and safety aspects of the show
Fun fact: The blonde beauty enjoyed a stint on Dancing On Ice in 2011. The mother-of-three has remained in the spotlight, commentating on sporting events, presenting on the now-defunct Channel 4 show The Big Breakfast
The Rhino: Mark Smith, 48
On the up: Since appearing on Gladiators, Mark has gone on to bag several acting roles, including appearances on EastEnders, The Bill and Robin Hood
Name: Mark Smith
Age: 48
Occupation: Since appearing on Gladiators, Mark has gone on to bag several acting roles, including appearances on EastEnders, The Bill and Robin Hood. He then set his sights on Hollywood and has featured on high-profile films including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Argo, which was directed by Ben Affleck and Frozen Ground, starring Nicholas Cage.
Gladiator history: Mark starred on the show from 1995 until its finale in 2000.
Fun facts: Rhino was deemed the joker of the Gladiator pack and would have the live audience in fits of giggles with his robotic dancing and body popping moves. Mark too had enjoyed a fling with show host Ulrika.
Cobra: Michael Wilson, 54
Colours of the rainbow: Now living in the West Midlands, Michael spends his time making watercolour paintings
Name: Michael Willson aka Cobra
Age: 54
Occupation: Now living in the West Midlands, Michael spends his time making watercolour paintings. He also travels to schools and youth clubs up and down the UK, promoting that keeping fit can be fun
Gladiator history: Thanks to his quick-thinking and agility he became a master of the Hang Tough ring and was also the best Duel podium contender having never been knocked off. He became a fan-favourite Gladiator alongside the likes of Shadow, Wolf, Jet, Lightning and Hunter.
Fun fact: Proving that good things can come in small packages, Cobra – whose real name is Michael Wilson – didn’t let his tiny height get in the way of victory.
Nightshade: Judy Simpson, 56
Happy days: Judy now spends her time working for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and is an Honorary President of the Women’s Sports Federation. She has been awarded an MBE because of her sporting achievements
Name: Judy Simpson aka Nightshade
Age: 56
Occupation: Judy now spends her time working for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and is an Honorary President of the Women’s Sports Federation. She has been awarded an MBE because of her sporting achievements.
Gladiator history: After retiring from professional sport, she joined Gladiators in 1993, under the alias Nightshade. She became renowned as one of the toughest female Gladiators ever. Her particular strengths were in Duel, Pole-Axe and Suspension Bridge
Fun fact: Jamaican-born Judy Simpson was one of Britain’s greatest all-round female athletes. The three-time Olympian competed in the Commonwealth Games, European Championships and World Championships.
Rebel: Jennifer Stoute, 52
Funky look: Jennifer had been a former sprinter, with a hamstring injury halting her career for two years in 1993. She bagged a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1990 and now runs a management agency for athletes, Stellar Athletics
Name: Jennifer Stoute aka Rebel
Age: 52
Occupation: Jennifer had been a former sprinter, with a hamstring injury halting her career for two years in 1993. She bagged a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1990 and now runs a management agency for athletes, Stellar Athletics
Gladiators history: She joined the show in 1996 as Rebel, but chose to continue with athletics while she was competing on the series. Jennifer later quit the show in 1999.
Fun facts: Jennifer had appeared alongside Russell Crowe in the blockbuster movie Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott.
Vogue: Suzanne Cox, 45
Keeping it fit: Suzanne is now an aerobics instructor and had gone on to model and present TV show titled The Fix following Gladiators
Name: Suzanne Cox aka Vogue
Age: 45
Occupation: Suzanne is now an aerobics instructor and had gone on to model and present TV show titled The Fix following Gladiators.
Gladiators history: She joined the show in 1995 and had stayed with the series until it came to an end after its eighth series in 2000.
Fun facts: Suzanne is married to 1997 Gladiators quarter finalist Mark Roberts and they share two children together. She was a firm favourite among teenage boy viewers and was known for back-flipping while entering the arena to Vogue by Madonna.
Lightning: Kim Betts, 45
Strong: Lightning was known as the ‘Queen of Hang Tough’ and had remained undefeated in the UK Arena – asides from being beaten just once in Australia
Name: Kim Betts aka Lightning
Age: 45
Occupation: Kim is a gymnast, bodybuilder and TV presenter
Gladiators history: She had starred on Gladiators from its launch in 1992 until its end in 2000, before returning for its revamp eight years later.
Fun facts: Lightning was known as the ‘Queen of Hang Tough’ and had remained undefeated in the UK Arena – asides from being beaten just once in Australia. Kim had given birth to her son, Lexus, just THREE weeks before competing in 1999. She was the longest-serving female star of the show.
Wolf: Michael Van Wijk
Scary: Gladiators meanest warrior Wolf (Michael Van Wijk) starred on the show for seven years and eight series between 1992 and 2000
Name: Michael Van Wijk aka Wolf
Age: 65
Occupation: Michael owns a gym called ‘Wolf’s Gym’ in Auckland, New Zealand where he now lives. He had owned gyms previously before finding fame on Gladiators
Gladiators history: He starred on the show for seven years and eight series throughout the entire time Gladiators aired on ITV.
Fun facts: Wolf was deemed the most popular gladiator on the series, albeit controversial thanks to his mean persona
Saracen: Michael Lewis, 54
No longer: He has swapped his spandex for fire gear as he is now a firefighter following years in the ring
Name: Michael Lewis aka Saracen
Age: 54
Occupation: He has swapped his spandex for fire gear as he is now a firefighter following years in the ring
Gladiators history: Michael an
d his girlfriend Chrissie, tried out for the Gladiators show in 1992, Chrissie becoming a first series contender and of course Saracen joining the team. They are now happily married.
Fun fact: Mike tackled the tough Ninja Warrior course
