John Fashanu has urged TV bosses to commission a ‘Gladiators’ reboot.
The 57-year-old television presenter – who hosted the sports game show in the 1990s – has claimed broadcasters are losing out on the health market by not reviving the classic family favourite with a new generation of stars.
He told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV Column: "The health and well-being market is played out all over Instagram, with fit men and women pushing us to believe in ourselves and be kind to our minds and bodies.
"So there is the next generation of ‘Gladiators’ right there ready to inspire us — and a new audience ready to absorb it. I think it would be a hit — TV bosses are missing a trick."
The show ran from 1992 to 2000 with co-stars John – who was replaced by Jeremy Guscott for series six and seven – and Ulrika Jonsson, but it was rebooted on Sky One in 2008 to 2009 with presenters Ian Wright and Kirsty Gallacher, while the latter was later replaced by Caroline Flack.
‘Gladiators’ saw four contestants – two male and two female – competing with the show’s titular warriors in a series of physical challenges before competing in one last event looking to earn a spot in the grand final.
And John believes no other show has "come close" to replacing the fun they had.
He added: "’Gladiators’ appeals to all ages and is the ultimate combat show. Nothing on TV has come close to replacing it. The show should definitely come back. I’d love to return too."
His comments come after former Gladiator Wolf – whose real name is Michael Van Wijk – also called for the show to make a comeback.
The 67-year-old bodybuilder starred on the classic ITV endurance show for seven years until 1999, and he would love to see his villainous character return in a potential revival.
He previously said: "To be perfectly honest with you, hand on heart, I could do every single game blind-folded. I’m so fit now, I’m raring to go.
"I would love to do it, I wish the producers would bring it back. You would get all the baby-boomers from the past watching it and you would get a new generation coming up as well.
"It would be a great show for the family again… Please bring it back, I would love to be in it again as a gladiator."
John Fashanu wants Gladiator reboot
