Gladiators (1992 UK TV series)

Format

The format of the series involves contestants 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 (Red and Blue) and two female (Pink and Yellow), and each contender would compete in five or six events, depending on the series or time constraints.

In each event, the contenders will score a number of points, usually ten for a win. Typically, both male and female contenders would compete in the same events; however, during series six, this format was removed, and female contenders would play easier games, whilst the male contenders would play more difficult games. 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 headstart in The Eliminator assault course with every point ahead of their competitor worth half a second. The winner of The Eliminator then goes on to compete in the next round.

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. Mini series, such as the final season (series 8), would consist of 3 episodes: 2 heats and a grand final.

Events

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, whose ITV provider is Central. 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 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).

Presenters

Over the course of the 8 domestic Series, Gladiators had 3 main presenters. Former TVAM weather presenter Ulrika Jonsson was with the show from the first episode and in many ways was the main anchor due to her TV background. Despite having no hosting experience, footballer John Fashanu was given the role of male host of the series. For Series 6 and 7 he was replaced by Rugby player Jeremy Guscott.

The Gladiators

Both 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. This is the reason neither appear on the cover of the music CD that was released to accompany the series. They were both upgraded to full-time participants in show three, and both remained until the very end of the programme.

Fox 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. When the British series ended, Fox became a member of the South African Gladiators team, appearing in their final domestic season.

Laser 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. 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.

Vulcan 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.

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

Diesel and Vulcan only participated in the "Battle of the Giants" special in season 8.

Contenders

Applicants who wanted to take part in the show had to go through vigorous fitness tests 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. Female wrestler Non Evans who appeared only once as a contestant during the sixth series. Cage fighter 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 Micah Hudson. Series 5 winner Mark Mottram went on to become a professional stuntman and was Pierce Brosnan's stunt double in the James Bond films. He appeared in Batman (as Heath Ledger's double). He is married to Debbie Mottram, who was a cheerleader he met on Gladiators. Series 1 winner Weininger Irwin appeared in the BBC series Back in Time for Brixton in November 2016, in which a family experience 50 years of black British history; in one episode, he and his family watched his victory in the first Gladiators series final.

Champions

John Anderson

John Anderson has been the head official. 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 game. 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. John had an assistant on the show, known as the "Official Timekeeper". The role was predominately filled by Andrew Norgate who was also a producer. Norgate was replaced by athlete Derek Redmond for series 3.

International Gladiators

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 country to get in on the act after the United States 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. They participated in IG2 along with Russia, UK and United States and Germany (Germany never had a domestic season and this was their only venture into Gladiators). Japan had a brief forray with a series entitled Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang. Some American Gladiators did appear. Other countries that launched their own version included Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden in the 21st century. Sweden started in 2001 and ran for 5 seasons making it one of the longest running versions. With Sweden gone in 2004, no other nations remained, and the Gladiators craze was over. Discussions spurted in the United States in 2007 about a revival.

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").

Controversies

Format changes

Series 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 a rival of Wolf. Behind the scenes aspects were added including clips of the contenders selections and training. 3 new games were introduced, the most since 1994 although all 3 flopped with viewers. As well as the new games, 3 of the most established events (Powerball, Pendulum and Gauntlet ) had rule changes.

Another change was the Gladiators' costumes. The "logos" (Crossbow for Hunter, Cards for Ace etc.) were removed and a standardised outfit was brought in, albeit customised for each gladiator. The actual "cut" of the costume remained the same for all gladiators from the previous year and no two design were the same. The main design was part of the word "Gladiators" written in black on each outfit.

Despite the changes, Viewing figures continued to drop and the series was axed in early 1999. However ITV agreed to film another 4 episodes. These episodes were filmed in summer 1999 at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham. 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 3 episodes attracted good ratings for the time slot with the series making it into a new millennium, finally bowing out on New Year's Day 2000.

Live shows

For four years a series of 'live' shows were played in the Spring ahead of the recording of the televised series. These shows were used to roadtest new event concepts and new Gladiators.

1993

Venue: Wembley Arena, London, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Female Gladiators: Flame, Jet, Lightning, Panther, Phoenix, Scorpio, Zodiac
Male Gladiators: Bullit, Cobra, Hawk, Saracen, Shadow, Trojan, Warrior, Wolf
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
Dates: 26th-28th March

The first set of live shows was used to roadtest three new potential events ahead of the televised series. One of the events, Tilt, would be utilised in the televised series with little modifcation. Joust was also roadtested in this series with pugil sticks being used but the sybikes were much larger and lower to the ground than the events ultimate appearance in the televised series. A third new event taken from the American series, Breakthrough And Conquer, was also roadtested but would not be taken forward. An 'updated version' of Duel on a rocking suspension bridge utilising pugil sticks was also played and this format would be modified and played as a new game called Suspension Bridge in the 1993 televised series. Atlaspheres, The Wall and the Eliminator were also played.

Three new Gladiators, Bullit, Trojan and Zodiac were included in these shows. For unknown reasons Bullit did not appear in the televised series (though would finally appear in a Legends episode of the 2008 revival series). These shows would be the last to feature Flame, Phoenix and Hawk who were dropped before the 1993 televised series.

Some of the contenders from these shows went on to be in the televised shows. One of the contenders, Tammy Baker, would later become a Gladiator, Fox, from 1997 onwards.

Highlights from these shows were shown in a preview episode to the 1993 series and whislt footage of him playing was included, there was no specific reference to Bullit (or Flame, Phoenix and Hawk).

1994

Venue: Wembley Arena, London, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Female Gladiators: Falcon, Jet, Lightning, Nightshade, Panther, Scorpio, Zodiac
Male Gladiators: Cobra, Hunter, Saracen, Shadow, Trojan, Warrior, Wolf
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate

This set of live shows saw the entire 1993 team return. Cobra suffered an ankle injury during the shows and had to be sidelined. Only one new event was roadtested in this series, Cannonball Run, which was later used in the 1994 televised series under the name Hit & Run. Atlaspheres, The Wall, Powerball, Hang Tough, Duel and The Eliminator were also played.

Some of the contenders from these shows went on to be in the televised shows.

1995

Venue: Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Female Gladiators: Blaze, Falcon, Jet, Lightning, Nightshade, Panther, Vogue, Zodiac
Male Gladiators: Cobra, Hunter, Raider, Rhino, Saracen, Trojan, Warrior, Wolf
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate

Four new Gladiators were introduced in these shows over Easter 1995, with Raider, Rhino and Vogue going on to take part in The Ashes series in Brisbane shortly afterwards before taking part in the 1995 televised series. The third new Gladiator, Blaze, was the 1994 female champion and International Gladiators 1 champion Eunice Huthart. However following these shows, Huthart wanted to compete as a UK challenger for The Ashes series and stepped down as a Gladiator.

Unlike the other live shows, these shows took place in Sheffield Arena which was smaller than Wembley Arena. Pendulum had been intended to be roadtested in these shows but the arena was too small to fit the safety net. Instead Joust was played despite it being one of the least used events in the televised series and only making oen appearance in the 1995 televised series before being axed. Powerball, Pyramid and Atlaspheres were also played, with Saracen injuring his knee during Powerball.

1996

Venue: Wembley Arena, London, England
Presenters: John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson
Female Gladiators: Amazon, Falcon, Jet, Lightning, Nightshade, Panther, Rebel, Rio, Vogue, Zodiac
Male Gladiators: Ace, Cobra, Hunter, Rhino, Saracen, Trojan, Warrior, Wolf
Referee: John Anderson
Timekeeper: Andrew Norgate
Dates: 11th-14th Apri
Number of shows:7

The final set of live shows saw the introduction of Ace, Rebel and Rio as Gladiators - all of whom would go on to appear in that years televised series. Jet would suffer an injury during Pyramid in which she fell awkwardly trapping nerves in her neck and she retired from competition after this event. Amazon, who herself had picked up an injury on Pyramid to her knee, would quit between these shows and the 1996 televised series. Pyramid itself would be axed following both these injuries and a leg injury to Rhino during filming of the event on International Gladiators 2 the year before.

Sumo Ball was roadtested in these shows and would feature as the only new event of the 1996 televised series. Other events played were Atlaspheres, Powerball, Gauntlet, Hang Tough and the Eliminator.

Royal Tournaments

In 1997 and 1998 a short segment of Gladiators was introduced to The Royal Tournament after London Weekend Television won the broadcasting rights from the BBC. Duel would feature in the 1997 Royal Tournament and Pursuit featured in the 1998 Royal Tournament despite it having been axed after the 1996 series. For its Royal Tournament appearance, Pursuit saw a ten second headstart (rather than three) for the contenders with the course being a sprint round a cone, web trap (over), low wall, web trap (under), hand ladder, high wall, sprint round a cone, spaghetti junction (used in the Eliminator in 1996) and sprint finish. The balance beam and wire bridge from the televised series course were not used. Fox, Rocket, Khan and Hunter took part in the shows despite Rocket and Khan not appearing in the 1998 series and the Gladiators (except Hunter) not having had chance to play Pursuit in the televised series.

Merchandise

During the show's first three seasons, popular model makers Hornby made a selection of action figures and playsets based on the show. In 1992 the first wave of figures was released consisting of Gladiators Jet, Shadow, Wolf, Saracen, Cobra and Warrior as well as generic action figures of a male contender and female contender. Six playsets were also released - Super Duel, Duel, Atlasphere Challenge, Atlasphere Attack, The Ultimate Challenge and Danger Zone. Danger Zone originally shipped with a Hawk figure, but when he was sacked from the show the figure was replaced by Warrior but a number of the packs with Hawk made it to stores. In 1993 a second series was released consisting of Gladiators Hunter, Trojan, Panther and Zodiac along with second versions of Jet and Wolf. A new play-set of The Wall was also released. A final wave of series branded 'International Gladiators' was then released featuring a second version of Hunter along with figures of American Gladiator Hawk, Russian Gladiator Dynamite and Finnish Gladiator Terminator. A Gauntlet playset and figure of UK female Gladiator Lightning were advertised but never released.

Along with these popular models and play sets everything from plates to clocks were released. Two CD and Audio Tape compilations were released during the early years of the show, containing tracks such as Holding Out for a Hero, We Are Family & The Boys Are Back in Town, as well as the instrumental music used during events.

VHS releases

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