Gladiators legend Falcon dies aged 59 after fighting illness for years

In a post on Facebook, her sister's partner wrote: "It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of the passing of my partner's younger sister 'Bernadette Hunt'.

"Most people will remember her as 'Falcon' from the hit T.V Show 'Gladiators'.

"I had the privilege to be in her company a few times and I have to say she was one of the most loveliest people I have ever met.

"She never had a bad word to say about anyone, indeed she was always known as the nicest 'Gladiator' always stopping to speak and sign autographs for anyone.

"She had been battling cancer for a number of years until sadly she lost he fight. R.I.P. Bernie.

Bernadette was born in Brighton and became a dancer at the age of 16.

After suffering a back injury she began her training to become an aerobics teacher.

She won Miss Natural Health 1992 as well as other titles such as Miss Novice Britain, Miss London and Home Countries 1992 and Miss South Britain.

After Gladiators, Bernadette worked closely with charity Help the Aged and children with leukaemia.

It was later confirmed that the funeral for Bernadette would be a private affair just for the family.

Tributes poured in for the star, with one fan calling her a “beautiful soul”

Kat Allison wrote: “I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it hadn’t been for Bernie.

“It was she who convinced me to do my training to become an aerobic instructor in her days before Gladiators and had the pleasure of working with her at Basingstoke Sports Centre.

“She was the loveliest of ladies, a beautiful soul with the biggest heart and smile. My thought are with her family.”