Contender, ready! Gladiator, ready! Gladiators was a staple of Saturday night nineties television and is currently drawing massive viewing figures after being rebooted by the BBC, a show where everyday heroes are pitted against the super-human.
As the current series approaches the Grand Final, Zingo Bingo sat down with our favourite Gladiator Diane Youdale AKA Jet to discuss what it was like behind-the-scenes on the hugely popular TV show and how she was given her iconic Gladiator name.
In its pomp, Gladiators was the biggest television show in the UK, drawing in 14 million viewers an episode.
What was it like behind-the-scenes on Gladiators? There are a lot of rumours of it being very hedonistic and an atmosphere more akin to an Olympic Village – is that true?
I can only speak for myself. From what I could see when I was there, most of us were in good, fixed long-term relationships and towards the end I had then met the lovely gentleman who was to become my husband.
But prior to that, I did date James Hunter, who was Hunter on the show. We’re still really, really good. He's lovely and lifelong friend doing amazing things. I don't know so much about the other Gladiators and what they may have done in their own time during the show.
I don't know too much about the other Gladiators personal journeys beyond that time.
Well, that's disappointing (laughs).
I know (laughs)! If you think about the Olympic Village analogy, if you're young and you're virile and you're at the peak of your powers and you're not in a fixed relationship and you're looking for someone, I would imagine that would be a massive thing for those young athletes.
If you could take one current celebrity and whack them with a pugil stick, who would it be and why?
Oh no! I thought you were going to ask me which celebrity I admire or have a crush on. I’m a lover not a fighter!
I don’t think there is anyone that I would like to whack with a pugil stick. I’m not like that at all (laughs).
No, not even Piers Morgan? Give him a give him a little hit with a stick. He'd be my choice.
He's only a journalist doing his job, really, isn't he? Sometimes I'm too nice.
You're too nice, Diane!
How did you get your amazing Gladiator name: Jet?
When I went to try out for Gladiators, the producers had us doing some intense physical tests at the gymnasium in Woolwich Barracks.
It was so intense. They really put us through our paces and we had to complete an army assault course.
I was pretty quick. I think I impressed the producers with my speed and agility, and then I was told, “You’re going to be on the show and we’re going to call you Jet”.
It was an amazing feeling.
The current series of Gladiators is moving towards the Grand Final. What advice would you give to the contenders?
Well, I kind of do know the results because this was filmed last year, but I’m sworn to secrecy!
I have met some of the contenders briefly. They’re all absolutely brilliant.
For the guys that will be competing in the final, you know the arena, you know the events, the gladiators are obstacles to you gaining your points.
Get the gladiators out of the way. Do the best you can.
Everyone is up for the challenge, both Gladiators and contenders. They look great competing against each other – it’s amazing TV.
The best thing about the show is the contenders, they’re the best thing that walks into the arena, without a doubt.
They must do everything and be super functional, super focused. They’re only thinking about winning.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about competing in the next series?
Have a great back storyandbring your life to the arena.Bring your family and friends with you to support because that makes great TV.
Gladiatorslovesa contender that is competing on the show because of something powerful that happened to them. We like seeing contenders who are competingfor all the right reasons.
When you do that, you get the nation behind you. And if you can tickall ofthose boxes, you are a winner in my view.
Could you and the original Gladiators give this current crop a run for their money?
Yeah! We could absolutely give this generation of Gladiators a run for their money!
When I think of my then husband (Hunter), Lightning and Saracen, we’re still all super fit and have the experience. I think we would do alright against them. Although myself and a few OGs could still whip butt in there, the new breed/generation of Gladiators are stunning and invincible - everything Gladiators should be!
I could definitely still ace Hang Tough and do that event pretty quickly.
I still have the agility and the speed. My body's really, really fit and functional.
I do have a few joint issues like my wrists and my lower back are not great, so I'd have to think about that, but theoretically, yeah! Bring it on!
