Where 90s Gladiators stars are now – tragic death, arrest and career swap

The One Show: Barney Walsh talks about Gladiators revival

After a staggering two decades, Gladiators smashed back onto TV screens last year under the BBC's banner with the dynamic duo Bradley Walsh and his son Barney at the helm.

Launched back in the glory days of 1992 on ITV and making a brief comeback in 2008 via Sky, this iconic battle of brawn roared back into living rooms with a sizzling new line-up of Gladiators from Fire, Fury, Diamond, and Phantom.

Cranking up the excitement, the BBC has dropped a bombshell with a one-off celebrity special.

Big names like cheeky comedian Rob Beckett, fitness fanatic and presenter Louise Minchin, funnyman Joel Dommett, and Ted Lasso's own Ellie Taylor are gearing up to go toe-to-toe with the new Gladiators.

As we brace for this celeb-packed extravaganza, let’s take a look back at where the original cast of the show are now…

His journey took a sharp downward turn in 1998 (Image: ITV/PA)

Warrior - Michael Ahearne 

Michael Ahearne, once celebrated as Warrior on the original ITV show, quickly ascended to stardom, earning up to £100,000 annually.

His journey took a sharp downward turn in 1998 when he received a 15-month prison sentence for obstructing justice during a drug baron-related incident. Michael found himself caught in a scheme aimed at halting the prosecution of former international cocaine kingpin Curtis 'Cocky' Warren.

Michael was released early for good behaviour six months after his sentencing, however, his troubles resurfaced in 2018 when he was caught with CS spray.

Subsequent legal challenges led to his appearance in court for possessing a weapon designed for discharging a noxious liquid. He was handed a six-month sentence at Liverpool Crown Court in October 2018, although it was later suspended for a year.

Jet's time was abruptly ended by a neck injury (Image: ITV)

Jet - Diane Youdale

Jet, celebrated for her flawless figure, became a fan-favourite during her stint on the original Gladiators series.

Known for her athletic prowess and relationship with co-star James Crossley, Jet's time was abruptly ended by a neck injury, which led to her early departure from the show. Reflecting on the decision, Diane shared: "I was beginning to see more spinal injuries. You can damage your ankle or your knee and it will recover, but breaking your neck — that's a different story."

Jet, 54, also recounted an uncomfortable moment on the show. She told Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour: "The only bit I felt a bit uncomfortable about was the contestants would win a car and they wanted to do a swooping grab shot of the girls semi-draped over this jeep without our tracksuit bottoms on and I said, 'absolutely not'."

After leaving Gladiators, Jet pursued a career as a psychotherapist. Her personal life also took a significant turn when she fell in love with a woman called Zoe, who she met at a supermarket.

Jet shared her happiness on the Chillin’ With Ice podcast: "Just over a year ago, a gorgeous lady approached me in my local supermarket. And over a year later, we’re going to get married. We are what we are. It doesn’t matter. And I don’t give a damn."

Wilson faced significant challenges during and after his tenure on the show (Image: ITV/BBC)

Cobra - Michael Wilson

Michael Wilson, known as Cobra on television, faced significant challenges during and after his tenure on the show. While many might recall the physical prowess he displayed across eight seasons, his behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism painted a different picture.

Despite the career highs, his lifestyle led to a dependency that impacted his performance, making it difficult at times to perform stunts like chasing contestants up a 32-foot wall.

Reflecting on those days, Michael told The Mirror in 2019, "I was mucking about pranking, I had so much fun; it was brilliant I was with a lot of mates with similar interests, we were all similar age, it was fun. There were end-of-show parties, when we had international Gladiators come over, we would be up all night boozing."

His health took a serious turn in 2019 when he was hospitalized with pneumonia, an ailment he attributes to his strenuous Gladiator days. Speaking to The Sun, he remarked, "I'm only half a Gladiator now. It's been touch and go." He would later go on to make a full recovery.

Now living in the West Midlands, Michael spends his time making watercolour paintings. He also travels to schools and youth clubs up and down the UK, promoting that keeping fit can be fun

Kim Betts was known as Lightning on the show (Image: ITV/ Instagram)

Lightning - Kim Betts

Kim Betts, widely recognized as Lightning, holds the distinction of being the only female Gladiator to participate throughout the entire run of the show, from its first series in 1992 to its eighth in 2000. After her successful stint on the beloved ITV program, where she was celebrated as "one of the toughest and most determined," she transitioned into bodybuilding.

Lightning's journey in athletics began at the tender age of six when she joined the Lichfield Olympic Gymnastic Club. Born on Christmas Day in 1971, she has since cultivated a strong presence on Instagram, where she frequently showcases her still-impressive physique to her dedicated followers.

Kim revealed that she welcomed her son Lexus just three weeks before she competed in the penultimate series of the show. Today, Kim is a mother of two and an entrepreneur, managing multiple ventures including a beauty parlour and a fishery. She enjoys a fulfilling life on a farm with her husband and children.

In the late 90s he dated and got engaged to model Katie Price (Image: ITV)

Ace – Warren Furman

Not much is known about Warren Furman before his Gladiator stint, other than that he was born on July 3, 1972, in Doncaster.

Known as Ace on the show, he a starred from 1996 to 2000 and has opened up about his steroid abuse during his time on the series. In the late 90s he dated and got engaged to model Katie Price, while she was still going by her pseudonym Jordan.

These days he is a devoted Christian and evangelist, visiting schools and sharing his story and struggles. In 2017, his co-star James Crossley claimed that finding God saved Warren's life.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun Online at The Guide Dog Awards, James said: “Ace is now a Christian, he’s turned to God. “He had some quite horrific things happen in his life, really horrific, so it was either that or probably he wouldn’t be around now.”

Hunter made his mark as the youngest Gladiator (Image: ITV/ Instagram)

Hunter – James Crossley

James Crossley, famously known as Hunter, made his mark as the youngest Gladiator, joining the iconic show at just 19 years old. He graced the series from its second installment and remained a staple until the show concluded in 2000.

Crossley found himself in the tabloids for reportedly dating the show's host, Ulrika Jonsson, who was about 25 at the time. Despite initial denials, the truth of their relationship surfaced in Jonsson's 2003 autobiography.

Following his time on the original show, Crossley returned to the Gladiators arena for the 2008 reboot, showcasing his skills as a seasoned bodybuilder. Beyond the physical competitions, he has also pursued acting, featuring in numerous theatre productions, including Sir Peter Hall's production of As You Like It.

In a notable feat of strength, James set a world record in May 2018 by lifting the Dinnie Stones in Aberdeenshire. More recently, in 2021, he ventured into reality TV differently by appearing on The Circle, where he catfished as an NHS nurse named Gemma.