Gladiators (UK TV series)

This article is about the 1990s TV series. For the 2008 series, see Gladiators (2008 UK TV series).

Gladiators
Genre	Sports
Format	Game show
Created by	Dan Carr John Ferraro
Presented by	Ulrika Jonsson John Fashanu (1992-6, 1999-2000) Jeremy Guscott (1997-8)
Starring	John Anderson (Referee) John Sachs (Commentator)
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language(s)	English
No. of series	8 (Series) 2 (International Gladiators) 2 (The Ashes) 2 (The Springbok Challenge)
No. of episodes	112 (Series) 14 (International Gladiators) 6 (The Ashes) 14 (The Springbok Challenge)
Production
Location(s)	National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
Running time	60mins (inc. adverts)
Production company(s)	LWT in association with The Samuel Goldwyn Company
Broadcast
Original channel	ITV
Picture format	4:3 (1992–8) 16:9 (1999–2000)
Original run	10 October 1992 (1992-10-10) – 1 January 2000 (2000-01-01)
Chronology
Related shows	Gladiators: Train 2 Win (1995-8) Gladiators (2008-9)

Gladiators is a British television entertainment series, produced by LWT for ITV, and broadcast between 10 October 1992 and 1 January 2000. It is an adaptation of the American format American Gladiators. The success of the British series spawned further adaptations in Australia and Sweden. The series was revived in 2008, before again being cancelled in 2009. The series was originally presented by John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson, however, Fashanu was replaced by Jeremy Guscott in 1997. Guscott left the series in 1998, and subsequently, Fashanu returned for the final series in 1999. The series was refereed by John Anderson and the timekeepers over the show's run were Andrew Norgate, Derek Redmond and Eugene Gilkes. John Sachs was the show's commentator, and the series was accompanied by its own group of cheerleaders, known as G-Force. Despite being made by London Weekend Television, all episodes of Gladiators, International Gladiators, the second series of The Ashes and the first series of The Springbok Challenge were recorded at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. The first series of The Ashes and the second series of the The Springbok Challenge, however, were filmed on the sets of the Australian and South African versions of the shows respectively. The series also spawned a version for children, entitled Gladiators: Train 2 Win, which was broadcast on CITV between 1995 and 1998.

Format

The format of the series involves contestants from all walks of life battling against a 'Gladiator' in a number of events in order to secure points for the final event, The Eliminator. Typically, four contenders would appear in each episode, two male and two female, with the exception of charity or celebrity specials, and each contender would compete in five or six events, depending on the series or time restraints. In each event, the contenders will score a number of points, usually ten for a win, or none for a defeat, or any number if games such as Swingshot or Atlaspheres are played. Typically, both male and female contenders would compete in the same events, however, during series six, this format was removed, and as such female contenders would play easier games such as Swingshot, whilst the male contenders would play more difficult games, such as Sumo Ball or Dogfight. Once all five or six games are played, the number of points is totalled and the contestant with the highest number of points gets a head start in The Eliminator, worked out by how many more points he has compared to the other contender. Every one point lead is worth half a second head start (e.g. 10 points lead = 5 second head start).The winner of The Eliminator then goes on to compete in the next round. Every domestic season (with the exception of Season 1 and season 8) started with 32 contestants, who are typically wittled down to 16, 8 and then 4 for the grand final. A typical series contains fifteen episodes - eight heats, four quarter finals, two semi-finals and the grand final. Occasionally, a celebrity or charity special will be broadcast after the grand final. Season one was slightly different as mention above. With this series there were 12 heats, 2 semi finals and a grand final. Once a contender had won the eliminator, his or her score would go onto a leader board. The top 4 scoring males and females from across the six heats went onto the semis. From there it's was a straight knock out competition. With the final season (season 8), it consisted of just 3 episodes. 2 heats and a grand final. Again this was a straight knockout competition.

The Gladiators

Female

Gladiator Name	Portrayed By	Domestic Series	International Series	Live Shows
Amazon	Sharron Davies	Series 4	N/A	Wembley 1996
Blaze	Eunice Huthart	N/A	N/A	Sheffield 1995
Falcon	Bernadette Hunt	Series 2-8	International Gladiators 1-2	Wembley 1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996
Flame	Kimbra Standish	Series 1	N/A	Wembley 1993
FoxB	Tammy Baker	Series 6-8	The Springbok Challenge 2, MTN Gladiators 2001	The Royal Tournament 1998
Gold	Lize Van Der Walt	Series 6	The Springbok Challenge 2	N/A
Jet	Diane Youdale	Series 1-4	International Gladiators 1-2, The Ashes 1	Wembley 1993-1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996
LaserC	Tina Andrew	Series 5	The Ashes 2, The Springbok Challenge 1	N/A
LightningA	Kim Betts	Series 1-8	International Gladiators 1-2, The Ashes 1-2, The Springbok Challenge 1	Wembley 1993-1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996
Nightshade	Judy Simpson	Series 2-5	International Gladiators 1-2, The Ashes 1	Wembley 1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996
Panther	Helen O'Reilly	Series 1-5	International Gladiators 2	Wembley 1993-1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996
Phoenix	Sandy Young	Series 1	N/A	Wembley 1993
Rebel	Jennifer Stoute	Series 5-8	The Springbok Challenge 1	Wembley 1996, The Royal Tournament 1997
Rio	Jane Omorogbe	Series 5-8	The Springbok Challenge 1-2	Wembley 1996
Rocket	Pauline Richards	Series 6	The Springbok Challenge 1	The Royal Tournament 1998
Scorpio	Nikki Diamond	Series 1-3	International Gladiators 1	Wembley 1993-1994
Siren	Alison Paton	Series 6-8	The Springbok Challenge 2	N/A
Vogue	Suzanne Cox	Series 4-8	International Gladiators 2; The Ashes 1-2, The Springbok Challenge 1-2	Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996
Zodiac	Kate Staples	Series 2-5	International Gladiators 1-2	Wembley 1993-1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996

Male

Gladiator Name	Portrayed By	Domestic Series	International Series	Live Shows
Ace	Warren Furman	Series 5-8	The Ashes 2, The Springbok Challenge 1-2	Wembley 1996
Bullit	Mike Harvey	N/A	N/A	Wembley 1993
CobraA	Michael Willson	Series 1-8	International Gladiators 1-2, The Springbok Challenge 2	Wembley 1993-1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996
DieselG	Darren Crawford	Series 7-8	N/A	N/A
Hawk	Aleks Georgijev	Series 1	N/A	Wembley 1993
Hunter	James Crossley	Series 2-8	International Gladiators 1-2, The Ashes 1-2, The Springbok Challenge 1-2	Wembley 1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996; The Royal Tournament 1997-1998
Khan	Radosev Nekic	Series 6	N/A	The Royal Tournament 1998
Raider	Carlton Headley	Series 4	International Gladiators 2	Sheffield 1995
Rhino	Mark Smith	Series 4-8	International Gladiators 2, The Ashes 1-2, The Springbok Challenge 1-2	Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996, The Royal Tournament 1997
Saracen	Mike Lewis	Series 1-8	International Gladiators 1, The Ashes 2, The Springbok Challenge 1-2	Wembley 1993-1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996
Shadow	Jefferson King	Series 1-3	International Gladiators 1	Wembley 1993-1994
SharkD	Metin Hussein	N/A	N/A	N/A
Trojan	Mark Griffin	Series 2-5	International Gladiators 1-2	Wembley 1993-1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996
VulcanEG	John Seru	Series 7-8	International Gladiators 2, The Ashes 1-2, Australian Gladiators 1-3	N/A
Warrior	Michael Ahearne	Series 1-6	International Gladiators 1-2, The Ashes 1	Wembley 1993-1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996, The Royal Tournament 1997
WolfF	Michael Van Wijk	Series 1-8	International Gladiators 1-2, The Ashes 1-2, The Springbok Challenge 1	Wembley 1993-1994, Sheffield 1995, Wembley 1996, The Royal Tournament 1997

• ^ABoth Cobra and Lightning were never originally intended to be Gladiators. Instead, they trained and entered as contestants, and it wasn't until hours before the first recording that it was decided two more Gladiators would be required for the series. They were added to the team at the last minute, initially being marked as reserves. However, they were both upgraded to full-time participants in show three, and both remained until the very end of the programme.

• ^BFox originally appeared as a contestant during the Wembley live shows of 1993. She was hand-picked to be a reserve Gladiator for the sixth series, however, she ended up becoming a full-time participant after Gold injured herself during training, and was no longer able to compete. When the British series ended, Fox became a member of the South African Gladiators team, appearing in their final domestic season.

• ^CLaser originally trained and entered as a contestant, but was later made into a reserve Gladiator. However, she ended up becoming a full-time participant after Nightshade injured herself during an event, and was no longer able to compete. When she appeared in the first Springbok Challenge, she appeared as a Gladiator for her native South Africa and her Gladiator name was changed to Sheena.

• ^DShark remains an unseen Gladiator. He was hired for the sixth series of the show, and was to be the all new "bad guy", to become one of Wolf's biggest rivals. However, he was never used in action, and was dropped before filming of the series began. He is briefly featured in behind-the-scenes clips of the Gladiators at their training camp in Mauritius. He was set to be played by Metin Hussein.

• ^EVulcan joined the British Gladiators series after his native Australian edition of the series was cancelled. In international Gladiators 2 and both Ashes competitions, he competed for Australia.

• ^FWolf later became the team coach for the new set of Gladiators, who appeared in the 2008 revival of the series.

• ^GDiesel and Vulcan only participated in the "Battle of the Giants" special in season 8.

Events

Main article: List of Gladiators UK events

This is a list of Gladiators UK events. The event line-up changed from series to series, with new events being added every series, however over the years some events were dropped due to safety reasons (Joust, Pole-Axe, Pyramid and Tilt), some never made it onto screen (Breakthrough & Conquer and Cyclotron) and one just disappeared without any explanation despite being both very popular and not causing any injuries (Pursuit).

Below is a detailed description of all events.

Atlaspheres

Main article: Atlaspheres

• First appearance: Series 1, 1992 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: 1999 – Battle Of The Giants
• Time limit: 60 seconds
• Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
• Points: 3 points for each "goal"

The first event ever shown on Gladiators. The two contenders and two Gladiators are caged in large Atlaspheres that they have to propel from within. The contenders' task is to roll the spheres onto any of four scoring pods. They were given 60 seconds to score as many points as they could in this fashion, whilst the Gladiator must block the contenders from scoring by any means possible.

The event's signature tune was "We Will Rock You" by Queen. The event was sometimes modified for celebrity specials, in which either 2 Gladiators faced 3 contenders or 3 Gladiators faced 3 contenders from a standing start.

Catapult

Main article: Catapult (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Heat 4
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Quarter Final 3
• Time limit: 60 seconds
• Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
• Points: 2 points for each "goal"

Two contenders face two Gladiators. Each competitor is attached to a bungee cord. On the whistle they begin to bounce up and down. Situated above each contender is a ball tray. The contenders score by throwing the balls into flashing hexagonal goals situated behind the Gladiators, whilst the Gladiators attempted to stop the contenders from scoring using blocking moves.

This event had heavy modification to its gameplay between its initial concept and first outing, with the 1998 programme mentioning a volleyball-style net situated between contenders and Gladiators. It was however modified into the event that made it onto screen as this was deemed more exciting.

Danger Zone

Main article: Danger Zone (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 1, 1992 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Quarter 3
• Time limit: 60 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points:
  • Series 1: 10 points for hitting upper or lower target.
  • Series 2 to 8: 10 points for hitting the upper target, 5 points for hitting the lower target.
  • All series: 1 point for each weapon fired if hit by the Gladiator.

Contenders, one at a time, make their way across the arena whilst dodging tennis balls fired from a projectile cannon at high speed by the Gladiator. Between the start and finish are stations where the contender is shielded from the Gladiator's fire, and where they can attempt, using a provided weapon, to hit a target above the Gladiator. The contender must be quick, as each of their stations will explode every ten seconds and render that station's weapon unusable (a difference from the US version, which does not have the limit). Successful shots end the game earning them 10 points. However, contestants can still earn 5 points by simply reaching the end of the course without being hit. Reaching the end originally scored 10 points in series 1, and was reduced to 5 points in series 2 onwards. If the contender was hit directly by a tennis ball (rebounds off the floor didn't count), they were out.

The game was based on the American Gladiators Assault game.

Dogfight

Main article: Dogfight (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Semi-Final 2
• Time limit: 30 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 points for 2 hits, 5 points for 1 hit

This event is one on one as contender and Gladiator and strapped into an airship situated 30 feet above the arena floor. The aim is to hit the glowing chest plate on your opponent using a "Combat Club". 2 hits and you're out and despatched to the net below. One hit from the contender earns 5 points, while sending the Gladiator flying earns them 10. A hit is registered by a small Pyro explosion on the rear of the airship.

Duel

Main article: Duel (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 1, 1992 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 8, 1999 – Final
• Time limit: 30 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 points for knocking Gladiator off, 5 points for remaining on until the end of the time limit

Regarded by many as the Signature event of Gladiators. A contender and a Gladiator are each placed atop an platform elevated 12 ft in the air and 12 inches apart. Armed with a 8 ft long pugil stick, they would attempt to cause the other to fall from their platform. This could be achieved with either an offensive or a defensive strategy, although some contenders were disqualified if they made no attacking move towards the Gladiator. If the gladiator is disqualified for whatever reason, 10 points were awarded to the contender

The game was known as Joust in the US series.

Eliminator

Main article: Eliminator (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 1, 2008 – Heat 1
• Time limit: None
• Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: None

The final event, and the only event seen in every show. This was a contender against contender assault course. The first player to complete the Eliminator course would win the show and progress to the next round.

The whole show was set up for this. The points gathered throughout the show are used to determine a head start. For every point the contender with the higher score was ahead, a 0.5 second head start would be given.

The course changed several times over the shows run. The obstacles that featured in all incarnations were the hand ladder/hand bike, cargo net, zip line, travelator and Rope Swing through Paper Burst.

Season One (1992): The season one course consisted of: Cargo net, slide, scramble sheet, hand ladder -women or hand bike - men, rolling log, zip line, Travelator and Rope Swing through Paper Burst.

Season Two (1993) to four (1995): Season two saw the course extended to feature more obstacles. The course now covered the entire arena floor. The course was: High/Low Beams, Rope Climb, Hand Ladder - Women or Hand Bike - Men, Rolling Log, Cargo Net, Zipline, Balance Beam, Travelator and Rope Swing through Paper Burst.

Season Five (1996) One obstacle was added for this series. A bungee mesh maze know as "spaghetti junction". For this series a bonus was added for this final event. The male and female contender who ran the fastest overall series time would win £1000. This "bonus" remained until the end of the shows run. Contenders now had to tackle: High/Low Beams, spaghetti junction, Rope Climb, Hand Ladder - Women or Hand Bike - Men, Rolling Log, Cargo Net, Zipline, Balance Beam, Travelator and Rope Swing through Paper Burst.

Season Six to Eight (1997 to 1999) Season six saw the biggest changes to the course since 1993. Some long standing obstacles were removed (rolling log and balance beam) and some new obstacles were added. The course in this incarnation remained until the final episode. The course was now as follows: High low beams (2 high, 1 low), trampet, A frame cargo net, rope climb, Hand Ladder - Women or Hand Bike - Men, 2 trapezes, cargo net, zip line, 2 see-saw balance beams, Travelator and Rope Swing through Paper Burst.

Gauntlet

Main article: Gauntlet (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 2, 1993 – Heat 6
• Last appearance: Series 8, 1999 – Final
• Time limit: 30 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 3 (series 2); 5 (series 3 to 8)
• Points:
  • Series 2: 3 points for each zone completed, plus one bonus point for the fastest time
  • Series 2 quarter-finals onwards: 10 points for finishing with fastest time, 5 for finishing with slowest time.
  • Series 3 to 6: 10 points for finishing in under 20 seconds, 5 points for under 30 seconds
  • Series 7 to 8: 10 points for finishing, otherwise 1 point for each sector completed

A contender has to "run the Gauntlet" by passing Gladiators armed with ramrods. Gauntlet became one of the staple events after a revamp in the 1994 series in which the contenders had to run a narrower Gauntlet against five Gladiators, as appose to only three the previous year the newly added second and fourth gladiators having power pads instead of ram rods to slow the contenders down.

Hang Tough

Main article: Hang Tough

• First appearance: Series 1, 1992 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 8, 1999 – Final
• Time limit: 60 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 points for reaching the Gladiator Platform, 5 points for "hanging tough" in the scoring zone when the whistle blows

Often described as "A game of aerial chess". Contender and Gladiator begin on opposite sides of the arena, on raised platforms. Between them hangs a grid of suspended rings, similar to gymnastic rings. The contender's task is to reach the Gladiator's platform by swinging between the rings, scoring 10 points if successful. The Gladiator meanwhile, swinging in the opposite direction, would attempt to intercept the contender and pull them from the rings.

Hit & Run

Main article: Hit & Run (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Wembley Live, 1994
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Heat 3
• Time limit: 30 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 4
• Points: 2 points for each crossing

Known as Cannonball Run in its roadtest in the Wembley Live shows, the contender has 30 seconds to run back and forth across the suspension bridge, scoring two points for each crossing. Four Gladiators (two on each side of the bridge) attempt to knock the contender off using four four-foot demolition balls.

Joust

Main article: Joust (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Wembley Live, 1993
• Last appearance: Series 4, 1995 – Quarter Final 1
• Time limit: 30 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 for knocking the Gladiator off, 5 points for remaining on the "Sky Bike" for the full 30 seconds

An adaptation of Duel in which contender and Gladiator are sat on skybikes that twist, buck and spin like a rocking rodeo. Both participants have combat clubs with which they attempt to knock each other off. In the Wembley Live shows, the bikes were large and only a few feet off the ground and contestants fought using pugil sticks. For the televised series, the bikes were made smaller, were further off the ground and combat clubs used.

This event was quickly phased out, making very few appearances before being axed after the 1995 series. After being axed the apparatus was shipped to Australia and introduced as a new evert for their 3rd season.

Not to be confused with the American Gladiators Joust, which is known as Duel in UK Gladiators and the International version.

Pendulum

Main article: Pendulum (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 4, 1995 – Heat 2
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Final
• Time limit: 60 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points:
  • Series 4 to 6: 10 points for remaining on the Pendulum for 60 seconds, 5 points for staying on for 40 seconds.
  • Series 7 to 8: 2 points for each of 3 upper sectors hit, 4 points for lower sector (maximum of 10).

The "Pendulum" was a ball 5 metres (23') in diameter, which hung from the roof of the arena, 40 feet (12.23m) above the ground. The event was contender versus Gladiator in a game of hide and seek. On the whistle, the ball would begin to swing from side to side. The aim of the contender is to avoid the Gladiator, who must track the contender down and remove the Velcro tag from their back. Once this is done, the game is over. If the contender or Gladiator falls off, the remaining participant wins. In 1998, the rules were changed: the contender must hit 4 lit sectors in different positions around the ball, while still avoiding being caught up by the Gladiator.

Pendulum was originally planned to debut in the Sheffield Live 1995 shows, but had to be dropped as the safety net was too big to fit in the arena. Instead Joust was played.

Pole-Axe

Main article: Pole-Axe (Gladiators)

• First run: Series 3, 1994 – Heat 8 until International Gladiators 2, 1995 – Final
• Second run: Series 6, 1997 – Heat 8 until Series 7, 1998 – Semi-Final 1
• Time limit: None
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 points for hitting the top first and "pole-axing" the Gladiator

A contender and Gladiator each climb a 36-foot pole fitted with helically-arranged pegs. The first to the top presses a button, which retracts the pegs on the opponent's pole causing them to fall to the six-foot crash mat below.

This was another event that was axed in 1996 because of injuries to Gladiators and contenders. It was revived in 1997 with safety harnesses to stop the "freefall" aspect of the event. This also meant a run up to mount the pole and a higher climb. This new version failed to capture the excitement of the original incarnation and its appearances were limited. In fact the event only made 1 appearance in 1998.

Powerball

Main article: Powerball (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 2, 1993 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 8, 1999 – Final
• Time limit: 60 seconds
• Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 3 (series 2 to 6); 2 (series 7 and 8)
• Points: Outer Basket 2 Points, Centre Basket 3 Points

This original US series game debuted in the second British series (1993). This kind of cross between basketball and rugby was introduced in which 2 contenders faced 3 Gladiators on the Powerball pitch. Contenders had 60 seconds to place balls in the five scoring baskets on the pitch (2 points for a score in one of the four outer baskets and 3 points for the middle) whilst the Gladiators had to tackle the contenders, preventing them from scoring (though head-high tackles and similar moves were illegal for safety reasons, as in the US version, and would result in the gladiator being disqualified). This event became one of the most played events during Gladiators. From 1998 onwards, the rules were changed - there were only two Gladiators and each one targeted a specific contender. This was the only event that its last appearance was in series 8 and its first appearance was not in series 1.

The time difference (60 seconds vs 45 seconds for the original US version) was a major difference between the two versions.

Pursuit

Main article: Pursuit (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 3, 1994 – Heat 7
• Last appearance: Series 5, 1996 – Southern Semi-Final 2
• Time limit: None
• Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
• Points: 10 points for finishing the course first, 5 points for finishing second. Points deducted for mistakes: 1 for foot off the snake beam or wire bridge; 2 for missing a corner marker on the snake beam.

Two contenders race against each other over an obstacle course, chased by two Gladiators. The course comprised a snake beam, wire bridge, hand ladder, two web traps, a high and low wall and a sprint finish. The course was rearranged for 1995 onwards and the rules were tightened up somewhat with penalty points being introduced for coming off the beam or missing rungs on the ladder.

This event remains a mystery. It was a big success in its debut Season but its showing were limited to just 2 in 1995 and 1996. There were no major injuries over the 3 years it appeared however it was axed from 1997 onwards.

Pyramid

Main article: Pyramid (Gladiators)

• First run: Series 3, 1994 – Heat 2 until Battle Of Champions, 1995
• Second run: Series 6, 1997 – Heat 7 until Series 6, 1997 – Quarter Final 3
• Time limit: 60 seconds
• Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
• Points: 10 points for reaching the top first, 5 points for reaching the top second

Two contenders and two Gladiators face each other on a giant black and white pyramid. The contenders aim to reach the summit, whilst the Gladiators aim to stop them. This event was axed in 1996 after Jet was very badly injured in the live show. This caused her retirement from Gladiators.

It was reintroduced in 1997 with smaller steps and a red step which, once reached, the contender has free run to the top. However, it was very unpopular with viewers as it lacked the excitement of the original and consequently it was axed again.

Skytrak

Main article: Skytrack

• First appearance: Series 2, 1993 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Heat 7
• Time limit: None
• Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
• Points: 10 points for finishing first, 5 points for finishing second, no points if caught up by the Gladiator

The most spectacular event of early series was brought in for Series 2 (1993), Two contenders and two Gladiators are suspended 40 feet in the air on the Skytrak course - an upside down Scalextric-style figure of eight. Contenders have a 10-yard head start over the Gladiators. Each contender has a trailing detonator button behind them, and fails if the Gladiator presses this button (thereby deemed to have caught up with the contender). Should this happen, a small shower of sparks is released from the contender's vest.

Sumo Ball

Main article: Sumo ball

• First appearance: Wembley Live, 1996
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Quarter Final 3
• Time limit: 30 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 points for the Gladiator off the platform, 5 points for remaining on the platform for the full 30 seconds

The only new game for Series 5 (1996) and first road-tested in the 1996 live shows, the contender and Gladiator are on a large circular platform in which a large red sumo ball hangs from the ceiling. Both participants have 30 seconds to push the opponent off the platform using the 75 kg Sumo Ball.

Suspension Bridge

Main article: Suspension Bridge (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Wembley Live, 1993
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Heat 3
• Time limit : 60 seconds (series 2 to 3); 30 seconds (series 4 to 7)
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 points for reaching the other side, 5 points for remaining on the bridge until the end of the time limit.

Another adaptation of the Duel event in which contender and Gladiator, armed with hammerheads, aced each other on the Suspension Bridge. A swaying, moving walkway 15 feet off the arena floor. Unlike the other combat events Duel and Joust, Suspension Bridge only saw three draws over its entire run, with most bouts being over in a matter of seconds.

Swingshot

Main article: Swingshot

• First appearance: Series 1, 1992 - Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 8, 1999 - Final
• Time limit: 60 seconds
• Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
• Points: 1 point for each yellow ball, 2 for each blue ball, 3 for each red ball.

Both contenders and Gladiators are attached to bungee-cords balanced to their individual weights. Contenders have bounce from their tower to the floor in order to launch them up to the central pole. Once there the aim is to grab coloured balls from the pole then bounce back and put them in their scoring baskets atop their launch tower. Gladiators would time their jumps to block the contenders' from collecting balls from the central pole. The Gladiators are not permitted to deliberately remove balls from the pole or interfere with the contenders bungee-cord.

Tightrope

Main article: Tightrope (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 6, 1997 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Final
• Time limit: None
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 points for hitting the "Impact Cushion" first

The only new event of 1997, a one-on-one race. The contender and Gladiator are harnessed up on the Tightrope 30 feet above the arena floor. On the whistle they race up the rope to the halfway platform. Once there they hit a button to activate the Zip Line, then hook up to this and slide back down to hit the "Impact Cushion" at the end, therefore winning the event and sending their opponent flying in a shower of sparks!

Tilt

Main article: Tilt (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Wembley Live, 1993
• Last appearance: Series 4, 1995 – Heat 8
• Time limit: 30 seconds per bout (2Bouts are played.)
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 5 points for pulling the Gladiator off, 2 points for remaining on until the end of the time limit

An aerial tug of war in which both contender and Gladiator are on tilting platforms. The contender is placed on the lower platform, which is tilted back, and the Gladiator is placed on the higher platform tilted forwards. Because of their weight advantage, the Gladiators had the harder job of having to tilt their table back in order to get any leverage on the rope. Two 30-second bouts are played.

This event proved unpopular with the Gladiators with several naming it as their least favourite. The event saw one of the most serious injuries in Gladiators history. In the Season 3 quarter finals, Panther was dislodged from her platform and had a very bad fall. Panther was out for several weeks did return the following year. The following season during the heats Nightshade fell off her platform backwards. On impacting the crash mat, her head snapped forward and she had to be stretchered off. Due to these injuries and with no obvious way of adapting the event to make it safer, Tilt was axed after the 1995 series. Tilt became the basis for the American Gladiators event "Tug-O-War", which became a safer (due to the platforms being at the same height with each other) and more popular variation.

Vertigo

Main article: Vertigo (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 7, 1998 – Final
• Time limit: None
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 points for reaching the end ring first, otherwise 1 point for each pole traversed.

Another one-on-one race. Five 27-foot (8.3m) fibreglass sway-poles lie ahead of the competitors. On the whistle they must climb the first one to the top. Once there they swing their pole and must use this method to transfer to each of the remaining poles. They must complete a full left-to-right swing before transferring to the next one. They do this until the end where a silver ring awaits, the first to grab this wins the event.

The Wall

Main article: The Wall (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 1, 1992 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Series 8, 1999 – Final
• Time limit: 60 seconds
• Contenders: 2 / Gladiators: 2
• Points:
  • Series 1 to 2: 10 points for reaching the top of the Wall, 5 points for remaining on The Wall for the full time limit.
  • Series 3 to 8: 10 points for reaching the top first, 5 points for reaching the top second. 5 points for remaining on The Wall for the full time limit. .

Contenders attempt to climb up a 36 ft wall covered with hand and foot holds while the Gladiators give chase, and attempt to pull them off.

In the first series the female contenders received a 20 second head-start falling to 15 seconds in the semi-finals and final; while the men received a 15 second head-start falling to 10 seconds in the semi-finals and final.

In later series the head-starts were standardised at 10 seconds for female and male contenders. The head start was cut to 7 seconds at certain points in the competition (Semi Finals, Grand Final.)

Whiplash

Main article: Whiplash (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Series 4, 1995 – Heat 1
• Last appearance: Battle Of Gladiators, 1999
• Time limit: 30 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 1
• Points: 10 points for pulling the Gladiator out of the ring or obtaining he "dog bone".

A tug of war type game. Contender and Gladiator grip a "dog bone" and the contender must use this to pull the Gladiator out of the ring or to obtain the "dog bone," No wrenching or pulling is permitted on the Gladiator's part, their role is strictly defence not offensive. However, the contender can use any means to defeat the Gladiator. The "dog bone" was changed in later seasons and was designed to keep both contender and gladiator from letting go and making for more exciting bouts.

Unused events

The two events in this section never made it to any televised series.

Breakthrough & Conquer

Main article: Breakthrough & Conquer (Gladiators)

• First appearance: Wembley Live, 1993
• Last appearance: Wembley Live, 1993
• Time limit: Breakthrough - None / Conquer - 15 seconds
• Contenders: 1 / Gladiators: 2 (1 Breakthrough, 1 Conquer)
• Points: 5 points for reaching "End Zone" in Breakthrough, 5 points for removing Gladiator from ring in Conquer.

This two-part event (which had proved popular in the American series) was road-tested in the 1993 Wembley Live series, but it was never played in any televised series (although clips of it were shown in the 1993 opening show).

For the first part of the event, the contender, armed with a rugby ball, had to get past a Gladiator without being tackled, gaining 5 points if successful. Any foul by a gladiator (illegal strike to the head, not in the five-yard zone) also was an automatic win.

For the second part, the contender was placed in a small circle against a different Gladiator and had 30 seconds to remove the Gladiator from the circle, again receiving 5 points should they be successful.

Although it was never played in the series, elements of the gameplay were used for the Powerball, Whiplash and Earthquake events.

Cyclotron

Main article: Cyclotron (Gladiators)

This event was due to appear as a new event in the 1997 series along with Tightrope, even appearing (as a CGI image) in the opening credits.

Gameplay appeared to involve both contender and Gladiator on cycles on a rotating circular track. It appeared that the Gladiator was to chase the Contender with the aim of catching them.

The reason for Cyclotron's removal from the events roster is unknown, although it is rumoured that it was due to technical problems and certain gladiators commented on it being too difficult to play and very hard for the audience to follow.

The Contenders

Applicants who wanted to take part in the show had to go through vigorous fitness tests to before they were selected to take part. Footage of several of the tests were broadcast during behind-the-scenes segments during both the first and second series. Notable competitors on the show include future British 400 metre hurdler Chris Rawlinson, and Wales International Rugby Union winger Glen Webbe. Celebrity personality Alex Reid also appeared as a contestant during the seventh series. Most competitors achieved brief local fame, but series three women's champion Eunice Huthart earned great recognition, and briefly presented late night television before becoming a stunt double. Several competitors from the show's history later went on to appear on Total Wipeout, the most notable being series seven contestants Colm Curran and Margo Hudson.

Controversies

• During the show's first series in 1992, Contender Nicola Bawden caused controversy following the very first game of The Wall, after she slipped away from Scorpio (Nikki Diamond). Scorpio had managed to get hold of her, but she slipped off moments later and dropped to the floor. It turned out that Bawden had greased her legs so Scorpio could not get a firm grip of her. It also turned out that Bawden had undone her laces so that Scorpio could not hold onto her trainers. Although this wasn't explored on the actual programme, the incident was given mention on the show's first home video release, Into the Arena, as Scorpio did indeed make a complaint. John Anderson, after reviewing the footage, ruled that while Bawden did indeed use excessive grease on her legs there was no actual rule prohibiting this therefore she was allowed to retain the points she had earned. However Anderson also ruled that Bawden greasing her legs to escape Scorpio was not keeping in the spirit of the programme and new rules were immediately put in place to prevent her or any other contestants from trying the same trick. Scorpio was shown to be unhappy about this as she considered Bawden to have cheated. However, when she advanced to the semi-finals, Scorpio was given a second chance to chase her up The Wall. This time, she was successful in wrenching Bawden off The Wall.
• After the Wembley live shows in 1993, Phoenix (Sandy Young), Flame (Kimbra LeAnne Standish) and Hawk (Aleks Georgijev) were sensationally sacked from the show, having received the lowest number of votes from fans in a magazine poll. Series showrunner Nigel Lythgoe was heavily criticised for the decision, and was slammed by TV critics for such ruthlessness. For reasons unknown, Bullit (Mike Harvey), who also appeared at the shows, was never transferred over to the television series. He was dropped for unknown reasons, and despite many press articles regarding the incident, no reason for his departure was ever given.
• During the show's third series in 1994, Panther (Helen O'Reilly) suffered one of the most shocking injuries ever seen on the show during a game of "Tilt" When she fell from the platform and severely injured her back. She returned to the show later in the season and remained with the show for a further two years before retiring permanently.
• After the show's third series in 1994, Shadow (Jefferson King) was sensationally sacked from the show, after a newspaper uncovered evidence that he had taken steroids. King later confirmed the rumours were true and was dropped shortly after.
• During the show's fourth series in 1995, Raider (Carlton Headley) became the only Gladiator to face an immediate exclusion from the show, for having pushed a contender who beat him in the Gauntlet. The red card meant disqualification from the following show and a fine. The contender, while on the floor, had kicked Raider out of the Gauntlet so as to win, and was not punished.
• Season five became known as the "season of injury". Before filming even commenced Jet (Diane Youdale) retired after being injured during a live show in Sheffield on Pyramid, Amazon (Sharron Davies) was severely injured during training and had to pull out and did not appear although she was on all publicity for this season including photographs and annuals. Laser was brought in as a replacement. Zodiac's (Kate Staples) appearances were limited to only 2, both being on Danger Zone due to an injury on Pole Axe during training, she retired the following year. Nightshade (Judy Simpson) made only sparse outings due to a worsening virus picked up the previous year in Australia. She had to be helped off after a game of Skytrak by the training team. Her final curtain call came when beaten on her speciality event Duel, her only defeat during domestic competition. She would never appear again.
• Also During the show's fifth series in 1996, it was widely reported by the media that Hunter (James Crossley) and show presenter Ulrika Jonsson were in a relationship with each other. Although heavily denied at the time, Jonsson later admitted it in her 2003 biography.
• After the show's sixth series in 1997, Warrior (Michael Ahearne) was sacked from the show, after being arrested for a fire arms offence. Despite many questions as to his departure, it was only revealed six months in a newspaper article why he had departed.
• Season seven (1998) saw the show have a major overhaul. 2 new male Gladiators joined the team. One of which was Vulcan, the "bad boy" of the Australian version of the show. He was brought in to be an arch enemy of Wolf and give him a run for his money in the Villan stakes. Several cringeworthy moments followed including a "spontaneous" game of Duel between the two which was obviously planned and in fact looked choreographed. Behind the scenes aspects were added including clips of the contenders selections and training along with contenders choosing, via coin toss, which Gladiator to face on a particular game. 3 new games were introduced, the most since 1994. All flopped with viewers, in particular "Dogfight" which was seen as the most pointless event ever. 3 events had rule changes: Powerball, where contenders would now go one on one instead to the customary 3 on 2, Pendulum now had lit "sectors" that the contenders had to activate and make flash to earn points and Gauntlet gave away 10 points if a contender got through in 30 seconds or a point for each section completed. The reason for these changes to event rules are unconfirmed although its believed it was to make the show more exciting by allowing contenders to score easier and not allowing Gladiators to dominate games like they had the previous year. Another major change was the Gladiators uniforms. The "logos" (Crossbow for Hunter, Cards for Ace etc.) were removed and a standardised outfit was brought in, all be it in different designs for each gladiator. In fact the actual "cut" of the costume remained the same for all gladiators from the previous year and design wise no two were the same. The main design was part of the word "Gladiators" written in black on each outfit. The outfits were white with flashes of black and red for females and white with flashes of black and blue for males. These new costumes did not go down well with fans who thought the individuality of each gladiator had been removed. Gladiators did remark however they were much more comfortable to wear and made them feel more like a Team. The entire overhaul did not go down well with the audience with viewers believing it to be too little too late. Viewing figures continued to drop and the series was axed in early 1999. However it was agreed to film another 4 episodes. These episodes were filmed in summer 1999 at the National Indoor Arena Birmingham as a final farewell and thank you to fans. Consisting of a 3 part mini series which saw previous winners compete to be crowned "Champion of Champions" and a one off special entitled "Battle of the Giants" where male gladiators competed against each other for the title of "Ultimate Gladiator". The honour went to Hunter (James Crossley). These 4 episodes attracted good ratings for the time slot with the series making it into a new millennium, finally bowing out on 1 January 2000.

John Anderson

Main article: John Anderson (Scottish TV Referee)

John Anderson has been the head official for all nine series, including the show's 2008 revival. Before every event he called: "Contender ready! Gladiator ready!," similar to his American counterpart, Larry Thompson, but also he added a countdown, "Three! Two! One!" before starting the match. During celebrity specials Anderson took a more light-hearted attitude to the show such as adapting his call to "Little contender ready!" when Willie Carson took part. Former American League (Major League Baseball) umpire Al Kaplon adopted Anderson's countdown before the whistle in the 2008 American Gladiators revival.

Train 2 Win

Main article: Gladiators: Train 2 Win

In the late 1990s, when the popularity of the programme began to wane, a spin-off entitled Gladiators: Train 2 Win was produced and was broadcast on CITV in 1996, based on Gladiators 2000, the kids' version of American Gladiators. 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").

International Series

Main article: Gladiators (television franchise)

While the show itself was inspired by the USA's American Gladiators, the UK show inspired many other countries to start their own series. The first two countries to get in on the act after the USA and UK was Finland. All three appeared on the first International Gladiators series. They were joined by Russia who participated in several international shows but never had a domestic series. Shortly after this series other countries such as Australia and South Africa followed the trend. They participated in IG2 along with Russia, UK and USA. Finland bowed out and Germany was brought in. Like Russia they never had a domestic season and this was their only venture into Gladiators. Japan had a brief forray into Gladiators with their own series entitled Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang. Little is known about this version but some American Gladiators did appear. Other countries that launched their own version included Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden. Nigeria and Denmark both began in 2002 and were launched after the success of the South African and Swedish versions. Both lasted only one season. Sweden started in 2001 and ended in 2004 after 5 seasons making it one of the longest running versions. With Sweden gone in 2004, no other nations remained, and therefore the Gladiators craze was over for the time being until discussions erupted in the United States in 2007 about a revival.

The Legends

When the show was revived in 2008 by Sky1, the producers expressed interest in asking former Gladiators to return to the arena as contenders, to take on the new selection of Gladiators in several classic events. Eight Gladiators agreed to take part, and thus, after one special was filmed and broadcast, two further specials were made. All three specials were filmed in aid of charity. Due to copyright issues with ITV, the "Legends" were not allowed to wear their trademark Gladiator costumes, and instead had brand new costumes made especially for the specials.

• For the first special, entitled "The Legends Return", Gladiators Wolf, Lightning, Flame, Hunter, Trojan, Ace, Rebel and Rocket made a welcome return into the new arena. The special was broadcast on August 31, 2008 on Sky1. The result of the special concluded with the female "Legends" defeating the current Gladiators, and the male "Legends" beaten by the current group of Gladiators.

• For the second special, entitled "The Legends Strike Back", Gladiators Wolf, Lightning, Trojan, Rocket, Scorpio, Cobra, Siren and Bullitt made a return. The special was broadcast on December 21, 2008. This time, both the female and male "Legends" were defeated by the current group of Gladiators.

• For the third special, entitled "The Legends Last Stand", Gladiators Vogue, Rebel, Panther, Siren, Ace, Cobra, Khan and Trojan made a return. Wolf also appeared, however, as the team coach for the new crop of Gladiators. The special was due to air on Sky1 in August 2009, but was not eventually broadcast until October 25, 2009. Again, both the female and male "Legends" were defeated by the current group of Gladiators.

Toys

During the show's first three seasons, popular model makers Hornby made a selection of action figures and playsets based on the show, many of which were made available to purchase via Toymaster. The following items were available:

ACTION FIGURES

• B800 - Jet
• B801 - Shadow
• B802 - Wolf
• B803 - Saracen
• B804 - Cobra
• B805 - Warrior
• B806 - Male Contender
• B807 - Female Contender
• B839 - Hunter
• B840 - Zodiac
• B841 - Trojan
• B842 - Panther
• B853 - International Gladiators: Terminator (Finland)
• B854 - International Gladiators: Dynamite (Russia)
• B855 - International Gladiators: Hawk (United States)
• B856 - International Gladiators: Hunter (United Kingdom)
• B876 - The Ashes: Taipan (Australia)
• B877 - The Ashes: Tower (Australia)
• B878 - The Ashes: Vulcan (Australia)
• B879 - The Ashes: Hammer (Australia)
• B880 - The Ashes: Condor (Australia)
• B881 - The Ashes: Male Contender

PLAYSETS

• B821 - Duel
• B822 - Atlasphere Attack (With Wolf)
• B823 - Danger Zone (With Warrior And Male Contender)^A
• B824 - Atlasphere Challenge (With Cobra And Male Contender)
• B825 - Super Duel (With Shadow And Male Contender)
• B826 - The Ultimate Challenge (With Saracen And Male Contender)
• B830 - The Wall (With Hunter and Zodiac)
• B860 - The Gauntlet (With Lightning)^B
• B882 - The Ashes: Duel (With Tower and Vulcan)

• ^AOriginally due to contain Hawk action figures, however, the release of his figure was cancelled and removed from production.
• ^BThis item was cancelled and never went into production.

VHS releases

During the show's first four seasons, a number of VHS releases of the series were issued. These regularly contained episodes, specials or other material exclusive for home release. Many quickly sold out and have subsequently become rare. The following VHS releases are available:

• GL001 - Into the Arena - Contains Heats 1 and 2 from Series 1 (1992)
• GL002 - Powerplay - Contains Heats 3 and 4 from Series 1 (1992)
• GL003 - The Conflict - Contains Heats 5 and 6 from Series 1 (1992)
• GL004 - Countdown - Contains Semi Finals 1 and 2 from Series 1 (1992)
• GL005 - The Ultimate Challenge - Contains the Grand Final from Series 1 (1992)
• GL006 - The Very Best of Gladiators - Contains the special episode "The Challenge of the Gladiators" (1993)
• GL007 - Gladiators Return - Contains the special episode "Return of the Gladiators" (1993)
• GL008 - Contenders Ready, Gladiators Ready - Contains Heats 1 and 2 from Series 2 (1993)
• GL009 - Arena Attack - Contains Heats 3, 4 and 5 from Series 2 (1993)
• GL010 - Battleground - Contains Heats 6, 7 and 8 from Series 2 (1993)
• GL011 - Combat - Contains Quarter Finals 1-4 from Series 2 (1993)
• GL012 - The Ultimate Challenge '93 - Contains Semi Finals 1 and 2 and the Grand Final from Series 2, plus the special episode "The Battle of the Gladiators" (1993)
• GL013 - The Climax - Contains Semi Finals 1 and 2 plus the Grand Final from Series 3 (1994), plus footage from the "International Challenge of Champions I" (1993)
• GL014 - The Gladiators Challenge '94-'95 - Contains the special episodes "The Return", "The Celebrity Challenge" and "The Fighting Forces Challenge" (1994)
• GL015 - International Gladiators: The Showdown - Contains Semi Finals 1 and 2 plus the Grand Final from International Gladiators I (1994)
• GL016 - The Power To Win - Contains the special episode "The Power To Win" (1995)
• SV001 - Jet: A Video Profile - Contains the special episode "Jet: A Video Profile" (1995)

Transmissions

Original series

Series	Start date	End date	Episodes
1	10 October 1992	5 December 1992	9
2	18 September 1993	1 January 1994	15
3	10 September 1994	17 December 1994	15
4	16 September 1995	23 December 1995	15
5	28 September 1996	4 January 1997	15
6	13 September 1997	20 December 1997	15
7	5 September 1998	12 December 1998	15
8	11 December 1999	1 January 2000	3

Original Series - Specials

Date	Entitle
9 January 1993	The Challenge Of The Gladiators
28 August 1993	Return Of The Gladiators
26 December 1993	The Battle Of The Gladiators
3 September 1994	The Return
24 December 1994	The Celebrity Challenge
31 December 1994	The Fighting Forces Challenge
20 January 1996	Battle Of The Champions
11 January 1997	Celebrity Challenge
27 December 1997	Celebrites Vs Jockies Special
25 December 1999	Battle Of The Giants

International Gladiators

Series	Start date	End date	Episodes
1	7 January 1995	18 February 1995	7
2	20 April 1996	8 June 1996	7

The Ashes

Series	Start date	End date	Episodes
1	30 December 1995	13 January 1996	3
2	18 January 1997	1 February 1997	3

Springbok Challenge

Series	Start date	End date	Episodes
1	3 January 1998	17 January 1998	3
2	20 March 2000	3 July 2000	11

External links

• Gladiators at Gladiators Zone
• Gladiators Videos at Youtube.com
• Gladiators at the Internet Movie Database
• Gladiators at BFI
• International Gladiators at BFI
• Gladiators - The Ashes at BFI
• Gladiators at UKGameshows.com
• Gladiators at FX Portugal