It was impossible to escape lycra legends and spandex superheroes as they waged war against each other every weekend.
Billboards, toys, video boxes, they were everywhere.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 30 years since the series was no longer on our screens and even more difficult to imagine what happened to its stars.
Fortunately, you don’t have to imagine anymore.
We have a complete list for you! “3 … 2 … 1 …”
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Ace – Warren Furman
Warren holds two separate five-season titles as a fierce gladiator and also being the first fiancé to former glamor model Katie Price.
Life looks quite different for Warren these days.
He has continued to live a life of a devout Christian evangelist and lives with his family in East Yorkshire.
Amazon – Sharron Davies
You’d think being a gladiator would be the highlight of anyone’s career, but for Sharron Davies, it’s nothing more than a footnote.
Prior to being a part of the show, she had already gained fame as a champion swimmer.
Unfortunately, her run in the series was short-lived as she had to walk away after damaging a ligament in her knee with only one season under her belt.
Sharron’s life since then has been nothing short of hectic. It includes presenting the Big Breakfast and the Olympics (twice) and demonstrating his moves on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.
Sharron was in the limelight again recently for her imaginative kitchen counter workout during the lockdown.
Cobra – Michael Wilson
Michael’s career as a gladiator was not the end of days of pushing his body to the limit.
The former boxer then competed in the Springbok Challenge against South Africa.
Although he doesn’t revel in the spotlight like he once did, until recently he visited youth clubs and schools and shared tips with young people on how to stay in shape.
Hunter – James Crossley
At just 19 years old, James found his place in the hearts of viewers as the baby-faced fighter, Hunter.
During his time on the show, he attracted more than the attention of fans.
In 2003, after years of denial, host Ulrika Johnson admitted in a “revealing” autobiography that she and James had a romantic relationship while the show aired.
Love life aside, James pursued an acting career and even landed a role in William Shakespeare’s play “As You Like It”. As recently as 2018, he appeared in an episode of The Keith & Paddy Photo Show.
His acting career has been cut short lately, but he’s found other ways to keep busy.
Namely personal training. Who wouldn’t want to take lessons from a Gladiator?
Jet – Diane Youdale
Diane is possibly one of the most beloved members of the original Gladiators team. Her charm and charisma captured the hearts of viewers across the country.
Sadly, her career in the series was tragically cut short in 1996 after injuring her back. The accident happened while filming an unreleased episode at the end of the fourth season.
Fortunately, Diane did not stay too long off our screens.
Since leaving Gladiators, she has made appearances on Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, The Big Fat Quiz of the 90s, Mel & Sue and It’s Not Me, It’s You.
Lightning – Kim Betts
You’ll be happy to know that since leaving our screens Kim has grown even more successful, both as a mom and as a businesswoman.
The mother of two has business in every way you can imagine. This includes real estate development and beauty. She even has a fishery!
If you can’t find her on your screen, you can find her on a farm, where she now lives peacefully with her husband and children.
Nightshade – Judy Simpson
When it comes to career changes, Judy has probably done the least shocking.
Since hanging up her leotard, the former British heptathlete has remained in the world of health and fitness.
She currently holds the esteemed post of Honorary President.
Panther – Helen O’Reilly
In her heyday, Helen was one of the fiercest competitors to fight, dispatching competitors with ease. Sadly, the end of his time on the show came to a sad and familiar end. She suffered a serious back and neck injury after falling during the infamous Tilt event.
Helen is still involved in the fitness world, but has moved behind the scenes. She and her husband founded the Panther Gym in Uxbridge, named after her character in Gladiators.
Predator – Du’aine Ladejo
Paddington-born Du’aine Ladejo is known to most as Gladiator Predator, but others will have fond memories of him as an Olympic gold medalist at the 1994 European Championships.
He even made an appearance on Celebrity Love Island in 2005.
The business world has become Predator’s new hunting ground.
His most recent efforts include creating the popular show Down Under, Australia’s Greatest Athlete.
Rhinoceros – Mark Smith
When it comes to successful careers after Gladiator, the prize has to go to Mark Smith.
After leaving the show, Mark took the comedy world by storm. You can find it in Hollywood classics like; Batman Begins, Argo and Zootopia.
