Diane Youdale, best known as Jet on the original Gladiators, has shared her thoughts on the BBC's reboot of the popular 1990s show. The 53-year-old, who appeared on the programme from 1992 to 1996, said she is a big fan of the updated version.
Speaking on behalf of Zingo Bingo, Youdale described the new series as 'extraordinary'. She praised the new Gladiators, saying: 'They are not only beautiful, but they are so, so fit. They are serious athletes. I actually think that these Gladiators are the best versions of Gladiators that the show has ever had.'
Youdale also gave her verdict on hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh, who took over from Ulrika Jonsson, John Fashanu and Jeremy Guscott. She admitted initial reservations but said: 'When you watch them they're really good. They're a nice addition and I think they're fun, relevant.' She noted that Gladiators is in their DNA, as Bradley's wife Donna was a head cheerleader on the original series.
Bradley Walsh previously revealed that his wife Donna was involved in the original show as a cheerleader and associate producer, and that he used to visit the set with his son Barney. The father-son duo jumped at the chance to host the reboot when approached by production company Hungry Bear Media.
Gladiators continues Saturdays at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
