“They’ll never be as good as us. It’s like a photocopy of the originals.”
NEW: Wolf says new intake are no match for original line up of hit ITV show
GLADIATORS legend Wolf says the show’s new intake will never be as good as the original line up.
BBC recently announced the show – which attracted 13 million viewers at its peak when on ITV – was returning to our screens.
In an interview with GB News Wolf, real-name Michael Van Wijk, said: “They’ll never be as good as us. It’s like a photocopy of the originals.”
Van Wijk, 69, who now lives in New Zealand said: ” 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.”
Explaining why he’d 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.
“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.”
It was confirmed last week that the classic TV series will return to screens after over a decade off air.
The show, which originally ran on ITV between 1992 and 2000 before a brief revival on Sky in the late 2000s, is set to move to the BBC for a new 11-episode series in 2023.
The format sees a number of guest contestants go head-to-head with Gladiators, in a test of speed and strength.
The revival is set to include “brand-new games alongside classic challenges, culminating at the end of each episode with fan favourite The Eliminator”.
Credit GB News
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
