Gladiators Wolf says new cast will be photocopies of famous originals

2022-08-28

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Gladiators legend Wolf has said the new cast will "never be as good" as the originals.

The much-loved show is being brought back for an 11-episode run next year, after a lot of gossip and rumours about a revamp being in the pipeline.

Wolf, real name Michael Van Wijk, was quizzed about its comeback on GB News and teased that the newcomers would be like photocopies of the original Gladiators.

READ MORE: Gladiators stars talk backstage secrets – 'rivalries', outfit swaps and banned events

Discussing his own stint on the programme, which originally aired from 1992 to 2000, he said: "It was absolutely a wonderful time in our lives, I can say this for me and all the guys.

"But with all due respect, they'll never be as good as us. It's like they're a photocopy of the original."

Gladiators, which was hosted by Ulrika Jonsson, was a huge hit back in the day.

Bodybuilder Wolf – who now lives in New Zealand – starred in all eight series of the original show.

He told GB News that things became "crazy" for the stars of the contest.

"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," said the 69-year-old.

The BBC announced this week that Gladiators was coming back with a new series filmed at the Utilita Arena Sheffield.

So far the Gladiators haven't been announced but the BBC said they would be "a brand new generation of superhumans who will compete against contestants in the ultimate test of speed and strength".

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A presenter hasn't been confirmed either, although some people reckon it could be Holly Willoughby, whose hubby Dan Baldwin's production company, Hungry Bear, is making the reboot.

When it comes to the challenges some fan faves will be back, including the gruelling Eliminator. There will also be some new tests for the Gladiators to get to grips with.

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Gladiators star Wolf once suffered injury in reserve game for League Two side

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