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Gladiators: Former GB hurdler William Sharman involved in TV reboot

Getty Images Athlete wearing competitor's bib and holding a large Union FlagGetty Images
William Sharman won two silver medals in the Commonwealth Games

Former Team GB hurdler and Commonwealth Games medallist William Sharman said he was "massively excited" to be involved in the reboot of TV show Gladiators.

It starts on BBC One on Saturday night, with contestants taking on Gladiators in tough physical challenges.

Sharman, who helped develop training programmes in a previous reboot, teased he would play a small part in the show.

"I'm actually involved with a couple of Gladiators on the new show," said Sharman, from Corby, Northamptonshire.

"I can't say who or in what capacity, but it's nice to still feel part of it and I'm massively excited."

Sharman, 39, who has won a number of Commonwealth and European medals, was an on-screen assistant to Gladiators' head official John Anderson in the 2008 version on Sky.

Anderson was a popular character in the original TV series in the 1990s, known for booming out "Contender ready? Gladiator ready?" in his strong Scottish accent, before telling competitors "you will go on my first whistle".

Sharman and Anderson, also from Corby, have worked with each other for years, with Anderson being Sharman's coach and mentor during his athletics career.

Getty Images Man with short white hair wearing black and white striped top standing in front of Gladiators logoGetty Images
Corby man John Anderson was the head referee in the ITV and Sky versions of Gladiators

Speaking of their time on Gladiators in 2008, Sharman said: "I was basically John's right-hand man.

"Before the show began, we had to syphon through all the contestants that wanted to come on the show.

"Given his coaching prowess, John would put them through their paces and then we'd turn round to the production staff and say, 'No - 90% of them are useless and aren't going to cut it.'"

Hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh alongside the new Gladiators
Father and son Bradley and Barney Walsh will host the BBC series of Gladiators

Sharman said Anderson, now 93, still liked to talk about Gladiators and his highly successful coaching career.

"I love listening to John and the tales and reminiscing of travelling around the world together. It's amazing, he does enjoy storytelling."

Asked whether Anderson would be watching the BBC reboot, Sharman added: "John loves sport and gameshows like this, so I'm sure he'll probably give it a watch."

The new version of Gladiators, presented by Bradley and Barney Walsh, will go on the first whistle on Saturday, 13 January on BBC One at 17:50 GMT, and BBC iPlayer.

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