Former Gladiators hero Wolf open to returning to 2023 reboot – but his ‘son has applied’ instead
Posted by  badge Boss on Nov 21, 2022 - 08:59PM
Wolf was the OG bad boy resident on the series (Picture: ITV/REX)

Former Gladiators legend Wolf is actually open to the opportunity of appearing on the 2023 reboot, however it looks like his son is doing the honours instead.

The original series of the beloved intense game show made its debut in 1992 and was broadcast on ITV, lasting for eight seasons until 2000.

Every Saturday, viewers tuned in to watch athletic TV fans battle as Contenders against the show’s mighty Gladiators, in events that test their speed, skill, stamina and strength.

Each week, four public members competed in gruelling trials against a colourful cast of professional bodybuilders and gymnasts.

Viewers can look forward to feeling the power of the Gladiators once again as the .

Although we’re set to be introduced to a brand new team of Gladiators, OG star Wolf, real name Michael Van Wijk, revealed he is ‘fitter than ever’ at 70 and wouldn’t mind making a glorious comeback.

The star (right) wouldn’t mind presenting the series (Picture: ITV/REX)
The show is returning back to the small screen next year (Picture: ITV)

‘I would love to go back and do the show, I am fit enough to do it, fitness isn’t the problem, but I don’t think they would take me on at 70.’

However, Wolf isn’t giving up completely and believes if he can’t be on the show, someone very close to him can.

‘My son looks exactly like me, he is 6ft tall, he looks exactly like me, he has applied to be a gladiator,’ he added.

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‘He hasn’t said he is my son, but he has sent his details off. He is super fit, muscular, an amazing athlete – he wants to be the new Wolf. His enthusiasm is the same as mine and his sense of humour is the same as mine.’

Speaking about how he would want to be involved in the highly-anticipated reboot, he said: ‘I don’t know anything about the 2023 show, all I know is that it is going to be in Sheffield,’ he added.

‘I would want to be a presenter on the programme this time.’

The official premiere date is yet to be revealed, but filming is set to take place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023.

The ITV series became quite the live TV event and attracted over 14 million viewers at its peak between 1992 and 2000.

In 2008, Gladiators was later revived on Sky One for two series, including three special episodes that pitted the new Gladiators against the original Gladiator Legends.

Gladiators returns in 2023 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.