Original BBC Gladiators star teases surprise comeback to franchise: 'Ask me or not - I am coming back!'

Original BBC Gladiators star teases surprise comeback to franchise: 'Ask me or not - I am coming back!'

Contender gets revenge on CHEATING Viper

Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 23/03/2024

- 19:14

Updated: 23/03/2024

- 19:29

John Fashanu presented the show alongside Ulrika Jonsson between 1992 and 1997

Gladiators star John Fashanu has teased his return as presenter on the BBC One sports competition show admitting, he would “force” his way back.

The reboot of the classic series was picked up last year and began back in January, with Bradley and Barney Walsh at the helm.


Fashanu – who’s “Awooga” phrase made him well known – recently spoke to GB News on behalf of luckyblock.com and admitted he would love to go back.

He explained: “Even if you didn’t ask me I would force my way on there! Ask me or not I am coming back, big Fash is coming back!

“You will see me on the next series, I might be put in jail for pushing to much but I am coming back for the next show, I enjoyed it so much!”

The star also touched on whether he still spoke to any of the original Gladiators and said: “I lost contact with Ulrika.

John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson

Fashanu noted he would be thrilled to return to the show

BBC

“Ulrika was a wonderful gentle young lady and I think that she was going through a rough time in her life after the Gladiators and I think that she has now got on with her life.

“The good thing is, trying to actually contact some of the Gladiators is quite easy, we have all their information and the headquarters in London so it is quite easy to make some telephone calls.

“But there is no point in making telephone calls if you have nothing to say, if you ring up to say hello then that is a waste of time.”

When the father and son duo were first announced as the presenters for the show, there was a lot of divisive comments.

Bradley and Barney Walsh

Fashanu also gave his opinion on the new presenting duo

BBC

Whilst many were thrilled to see The Chase star and his son have a chance to showcase their presenting skills together, it also caused an on-going nepotism row.

Fashanu commented on the debate as to whether they were the right fit for the series and said: "Let’s give them credit where it is due.

“It is too early yet to predict or actually say whether they have been good or not. They are just starting off, father and son, it is a new one to me.

“But let’s give them some time before we scream and shout and say no. They do know that there are a lot of other people that would love to do the show but for now let’s let them do it, let’s let them go."

Gladiators

Gladiators star discusses comeback

BBC

The second semi-final, which was postponed due to a live FA Cup fixture on Saturday 16 March, will see female contenders Marie-Louise and Kerry fight for the last spot in the final showdown.

Male contenders Wesley and Chung will also go head to head, with the winner going through to next week's final.

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