Ex Gladiators star claims reboot line-up will 'NEVER be as good'

‘It’s like a photocopy of the originals!’ Ex Gladiators star Michael ‘Wolf’ Van Wijk claims reboot line-up will ‘NEVER be as good’ as 90s cast

Former Gladiators star Michael Van Wijk has claimed the reboot’s new line-up will ‘never be as good’ as the original cast.

The bodybuilder, 69, who competed under the name ‘Wolf’ between 1992 and 1999, said the new intake will be a ‘photocopy of the originals’ during a Sunday interview on GB News.

It comes after the BBC announced the show – which attracted 13 million viewers at its peak when on ITV – will be returning to our screens in 2023.

‘It’s like a photocopy of the originals!’ Former Gladiators star Michael Van Wijk has claimed the reboot’s new line-up will ‘never be as good’ as the original cast

Appearing alongside his former co-star Mark Smith, also known as Rhino, Michael said: ‘They’ll never be as good as us. It’s like a photocopy of the originals.

‘Let me tell you it was a wonderful time in our lives. I’d done a bit of acting before Gladiators and a few people would notice you.

‘But after Gladiators it all became crazy. Even now when I get back home and come through the airport the custom’s guys put their thumbs up and everyone wants a photo. The recognition is still there which is nice.’

Having relocated to the other side of the world, Michael added: ‘I visited New Zealand on holiday and thought this is a great place to bring up children. I love it.

Comeback: It comes after the BBC announced the show – which attracted 13 million viewers at its peak when on ITV – will be returning to our screens in 2023 (pictured in 1995)

‘But it’s been a difficult year. I lost my dad, who still lives in England, to Covid last year. And about five months ago I lost my brother. It’s been horrendous.’

The popular 90s TV programme saw members of the public battle it out against the show’s cast of bodybuilders and gymnasts, known as Gladiators, and ran for eight series before ending in 2000. 

The BBC confirmed the show will make a comeback with an 11-episode series and will be welcoming a new generation of ‘superhumans’ who will compete against contestants in the ‘ultimate test of speed and strength’.

The programme, originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu, will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and feature a host of new games alongside the classic challenges that long-time fans will know and love.

Wow! The bodybuilder, 69, (centre) who competed under the name ‘Wolf’ between 1992 and 1999, said the new intake will be a ‘photocopy of the originals’ during a Sunday GB News chat

Bombshell: Appearing alongside his former co-star Mark Smith (right), also known as Rhino, Michael said: ‘They’ll never be as good as us. It’s like a photocopy of the originals

Each show will end with the ultimate fan favourite challenge – the intense obstacle course known as The Eliminator.

The rebooted programme will be filmed at Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023, while the new hosts have yet to be announced. 

At its peak, Gladiators – broadcast from 1992 to 2000 – drew huge audiences to its Saturday evening ITV slot as the famous call of ‘Contenders Ready? Gladiators Ready?’ echoed across TV screens. 

Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, said of the reboot: ‘Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other.

Throwback: He added: ‘Let me tell you it was a wonderful time in our lives. I’d done a bit of acting before Gladiators and a few people would notice you’ (pictured in 1995)

‘Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out.’ 

The new series is to be made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK, with Scot Cru, executive vice president of global formats and Unscripted Content for MGM Television, adding: ‘Gladiators is a format that resonates with viewers worldwide.

‘We are thrilled to bring this revered series to the BBC and can’t wait to introduce our UK Gladiators.’

Dan Baldwin, managing director of Hungry Bear, said of the show’s big comeback: ‘It’s the perfect time for Gladiators to return. 

Yes! The BBC have now revealed that the show will make a comeback with an 11-episode series and will be welcoming a new generation of ‘superhumans’ who will compete against contestants in the ‘ultimate test of speed and strength’ (pictured: original cast in 1992)

‘What other show combines electric excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes, and a pinch of pantomime? 

‘Watch out for the new breed of superhuman, supersized, superstars bursting on to your screens on BBC One and iPlayer.’

The classic show, originally aired on ITV, made household names of the Gladiators including Jet, Lightening, the Wolf, Nightshade, Hunter and Warrior.

The format – which originated in the US – travelled to Australia, South Africa, Russia, Finland, Germany, Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden. 

The series was watched by over 14 million viewers and gruff referee John Anderson – known for his catchphrase ‘Contenders Ready? Gladiators Ready?’ – was on hand to keep the Gladiators and contestants in check.

But the show was axed in 1999 after it lost over half its viewers in later series dropping to six million. 

The show has seen many spin-offs and was briefly revived by Sky One in 2009, but only lasted two series.

The revived show has been presented by ex-Arsenal footballer Ian Wright and Kirsty Gallacher and has also featured Wolf from the original series.

Battle: The series has seen many spin-offs and was briefly revived by Sky One in 2009, but only lasted one series

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