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Gladiators (2008 Australian TV series)

For the 2024 revival, see Gladiators (2024 Australian TV series).

Gladiators was an Australian television series which aired on the Seven Network in 2008. It was a revival of the earlier series of the same name, and was based on the American version of the show, which was also revived in 2008.

Gladiators
GenreSports entertainment
Created by
  • Dan Carr
  • John Ferraro
Developed byEndemol Southern Star
(Licensed from MGM Television)
Presented by
Narrated byAndy Paschalidis
Theme music composerNeil Sutherland
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes15 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Rikkie Proost
  • Lisa Fitzpatrick
Production locationsThe Dome, Sydney Showground, New South Wales
EditorThom Cochoran
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Running time60 minutes (including commercials)
Production companyEndemol Southern Star
Original release
NetworkSeven Network
Release30 March (2008-03-30) –
6 July 2008 (2008-07-06)
Related
Gladiators (1995–1997)
Gladiators (2024)

The revival of Gladiators was first announced in September 2007, and premiered on 30 March 2008 at 6:30 pm.[1] The Challengers in this series competed to win A$50,000 and a new Subaru Forester. The revival lasted for one season.

In July 2023, following the BBC’s revival of the British version, the show was confirmed to return for the second time, set to be revived by Warner Bros. Television Studios[2][3] and began broadcasting on Network Ten on 15 January 2024, hosted by Beau Ryan and Liz Ellis, but was cancelled in May later that year due to a lack of audience.[4][5]

Production

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The show was filmed at The Dome at the Sydney Showground, and was hosted by Tom Williams and Zoe Naylor. Well known NRL referee Bill Harrigan was one of the two referees for the show, the other was John Forsythe, who was a referee on the original series. Although not credited, the Sydney Altitude Cheerleaders were present in every episode,[6] doing various routines throughout each episode whether an event was taking place or not.

Behind the scenes, highly respected military fitness expert 'Chief' Brabon (head strength & conditioning coach) was responsible for preparing the gladiators for their extremely physical roles.

Selection process

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To ensure that both Gladiators, and Challengers were of the highest possible calibre, all prospects were submitted to a grueling physical selection process designed by the shows head strength & conditioning coach 'Chief' Brabon.

Chief's gruelling 'Barrier Test' was based on similar selection programs that he had designed for elite military and law enforcement tactical response teams around the world.

The barrier test was so successful at vetting would-be Gladiators & Challengers that less than 10% of applicants successfully completed the first event known as the "Grunt Challenge". The challenge required participants to do a burpee style exercise (Grunts) to a cadence called by Chief himself. Prospective Challengers were required to complete a minimum of 75 Grunts to pass through to the next event, whereas Gladiators were required to complete 100 Grunts.

Pre-series training

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Once Chief and the producers had selected the final 13 Gladiators, they entered Chief's intensive 6 week preparation program known as "Camp Agoga". Along with wife and fellow coach Emilie Brabon-Hames, Chief set about transforming the team both aesthetically and athletically, in order to achieve their demigod like looks and ability.

Results

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Note: Challengers which are bolded advanced through to the next stage. Times listed next to the challengers' name is their runtime for the Eliminator. DNR indicates the challenger did not run the Eliminator due to the other challenger pulling out from injury.

Men

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Heats Quarterfinals Semifinals Grand Final
Damien Nicholls 0:55
Sam Brodie Damien Nicholls
Simon Pavolo Nick Hicks 1:01
Nathan Wood 1:05 Nick Hicks
Marcus Saltmarsh Philip Breslin
Nick Hicks 1:04 Nathan Wood
Phillip Breslin 0:57 Phillip Breslin
Shane Elisara Nick Hicks
Shaun Baxter Paul Baird
Joseph McKay 1:06 Joseph McKay
Lincoln Burns 1:08 Lincoln Burns
Nikolai Sawaszenko Joseph McKay
Simon Orton DNR Paul Baird
James Stretch Simon Orton
Hayden Forder Paul Baird
Paul Baird 0:56

The eventual winner of the Grand Final was Paul Baird.

Women

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Heats Quarterfinals Semifinals Grand Final
Natasha Haines 1:19
Bryony Barker Nicole Sawon
Georgie Leake 1:27 Natasha Haines 1:11
Janere Reid Natasha Haines
Julie Casella Georgie Leake
Nicole Sawon 1:21 Georgie Leake
Rony Lebovics Ashleigh Kelly
Ashleigh Kelly DNR Natasha Haines
Jacqueline Watson 1:26 Jacqueline Watson
Emily Sharp Kim Papp
Kim Papp 1:26 Jacqueline Watson
Louise Symonds Jacqueline Watson
Michelle Halemai Michaela Williams
Michaela Williams 1:26 Kristine Banks-Smith
Kristine Banks-Smith 1:28 Michaela Williams
Jessica Scott

Winner of the Grand Final was Natasha Haines.

Episodes

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No.TitleOriginal air date
1Episode 130 March 2008 (2008-03-30)
Events: Gauntlet, Duel, Pyramid, Pendulum
2Episode 26 April 2008 (2008-04-06)
Events: Hit and Run, The Wall, Sumo Ball, Pyramid
3Episode 313 April 2008 (2008-04-13)
Events: Hang Tough, Atlasphere, Suspension Bridge, Vertigo
4Episode 420 April 2008 (2008-04-20)
Pendulum, Gauntlet, Hang Tough, Powerball
5Episode 527 April 2008 (2008-04-27)
Events: Duel, Vertigo, Pyramid, Hit and Run
6Episode 64 May 2008 (2008-05-04)
Events: Gauntlet, Hit and Run, Sumo Ball, The Wall
7Episode 711 May 2008 (2008-05-11)
Events: Gauntlet, Duel, Pendulum, Pyramid
8Episode 818 May 2008 (2008-05-18)
Events: Suspension Bridge, Powerball, Hang Tough, Atlasphere
9Episode 925 May 2008 (2008-05-25)
Events: Pendulum, Whiplash, Gauntlet, The Wall
10Episode 101 June 2008 (2008-06-01)
Events: Atlasphere, Vertigo, Suspension Bridge, Pyramid
11Episode 118 June 2008 (2008-06-08)
Events: Gauntlet, Hang Tough, Powerball, Sumo Ball
12Episode 1215 June 2008 (2008-06-15)
Events: Hit and Run, The Wall, Duel, Pyramid
13Episode 1322 June 2008 (2008-06-22)
Events: Vertigo, Suspension Bridge, Powerball, The Wall
14Episode 1429 June 2008 (2008-06-29)
Events: Pendulum, Gauntlet, Duel, Whiplash
15Episode 156 July 2008 (2008-07-06)
Events: Gauntlet, Hang Tough, Sumo Ball, Pyramid

Gladiators

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Male

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Female

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Events

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  • Atlasphere
  • Duel
  • Gauntlet
  • Hang Tough
  • Hit & Run
  • Pendulum
  • Powerball
  • Pyramid
  • Sumo Ball
  • Suspension Bridge
  • The Wall
  • Vertigo
  • Whiplash
  • Eliminator

Development

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In early 2007, an episode of the television series Where Are They Now? featured some of the original Gladiators as special guests. The Seven Network used this segment as research towards reviving the show depending on viewer numbers for the episode as well as if the ratings fell after the end of the segment.

Once the gladiators and challengers had been chosen by producers and head strength & conditioning coach Chief Brabon, filming of all the episodes for season four took place from 6 January 2008 to 10 February 2008 at The Dome, Sydney Showground, New South Wales.

Speculation around who was going to host the new series was evident, with many reports in the media about celebrities which have either successfully or unsuccessfully auditioned. Seven Network presenter Tom Williams was reportedly the only male who was auditioned, and was picked up for the male co-host role immediately. For the female co-host role, the process was more intense, with many females auditioning, including swimmers Elka Graham and Brooke Hanson as well as actors Zoe Ventoura[16] and Samantha Noble.[17] On 18 December 2007, it was reported in the media that former McLeod's Daughters actor Zoe Naylor was being seriously considered as the female host, with an insider stating that "She looked amazing in the screen tests and there was a great vibe between her and Tom. She's fresh and fun."[18] She ultimately ended up being chosen for the female co-host position.

With new Gladiators being chosen for the new series, it was reported on 30 December 2007 that former Australian rules footballer Anthony Koutoufides and Olympic Pole vaulter Tatiana Grigorieva were two of the new gladiators for the new series, but the Seven Network refused to confirm the selections, even though these reports ended up being true.[19] Strongman Derek Boyer is the third celebrity to be picked up as a Gladiator, followed by former ironwoman Hayley Bateup being the fourth.[20] The other ten Gladiators have a non-public background. This show did help Tiffiny Hall become a celebrity as Angel was regarded as the most popular Gladiator on the show.

Ratings

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No. Title Air date Overnight ratings Ref(s)
Viewers Rank
1 Episode 1 30 March 2008 1,847,000 1 [21]
2 Episode 2 6 April 2008 1,571,000 1 [22]
3 Episode 3 13 April 2008 1,427,000 6 [23]
4 Episode 4 20 April 2008 1,560,000 3 [24]
5 Episode 5 27 April 2008 1,366,000 7 [25]
6 Episode 6 4 May 2008 1,276,000 6 [26]
7 Episode 7 11 May 2008 1,294,000 6 [27]
8 Episode 8 18 May 2008 1,379,000[a] 4 [28]
9 Episode 9 25 May 2008 1,262,000 6 [29]
10 Episode 10 1 June 2008 1,229,000[b] 8 [30]
11 Episode 11 8 June 2008 1,035,000[c] 9 [31]
12 Episode 12 15 June 2008 1,254,000 10 [32]
13 Episode 13 22 June 2008 1,264,000 7 [33]
14 Episode 14 29 June 2008 1,020,000 11 [34]
15 Episode 15 6 July 2008 1,258,000 6 [35]
Notes
  1. ^ Not aired in Adelaide due to AFL coverage
  2. ^ Shown at 7:00-8:00pm in Adelaide due to AFL coverage
  3. ^ Shown in a different timeslot in Adelaide due to AFL coverage

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Clune, Richard (6 January 2008). "Gladiator returns with sports stars". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 14 May 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
  2. ^ Perry, Kevin (19 July 2023). "Reality TV classic GLADIATORS set to return to Australian screens". TV Blackbox.
  3. ^ "The classic '90s television show, 'Gladiators', is slated for a reboot in Australia, and TV Blackbox can now confirm Channel 10 will be the new home for the series". 6 August 2023.
  4. ^ Molk, Steve (12 September 2023). "Channel 10 confirm LIZ ELLIS and BEAU RYAN to host GLADIATORS AUSTRALIA in 2024". TV Blackbox.
  5. ^ Knox, David (12 September 2023). "Gladiators set for 10 in 2024". TV Tonight.
  6. ^ "Hire Us". Sydney Altitude Cheerleading. Archived from the original on 18 July 2008. Retrieved 25 June 2008.
  7. ^ "Bunbury's Gladiator Star". Bunbury Mail. 16 April 2008. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2008.
  8. ^ a b Downie, Stephen (26 March 2008). "Glamour gladiator". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 20 April 2008. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  9. ^ a b c "Australian Gladiators". Gladiators TV. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  10. ^ Rothfield, Phil; Wilson, Rebecca (6 April 2008). "Wendell Sailor goes it alone". The Sunday Telegraph. Archived from the original on 14 May 2008. Retrieved 9 April 2008.
  11. ^ Reines, Ros (5 April 2008). "Gladiator dad". The Courier-Mail. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2008.
  12. ^ Tejszerski, Eva (27 March 2008). "This Amazon woman is the girl next door". St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. Archived from the original on 3 April 2008. Retrieved 27 March 2008.
  13. ^ "Tiffiny Hall gets ready to join the Gladiators". Herald Sun. 13 March 2008. Archived from the original on 3 April 2008. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  14. ^ Cartwright, Darren (31 March 2008). "Gladiators wins ratings war". The Courier-Mail. Archived from the original on 20 April 2008. Retrieved 9 April 2008.
  15. ^ Smart, Nick (11 March 2008). "Bateup is back - bigger and better". Gold Coast News. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  16. ^ "Gladiators role for Ventoura?". Herald Sun. 2 December 2007. Archived from the original on 5 December 2007. Retrieved 2 December 2007.
  17. ^ "New top tip for Gladiators". Sydney Confidential. News.com.au. 10 December 2007. Archived from the original on 11 December 2007. Retrieved 11 December 2007.
  18. ^ Grant, Sarah (18 December 2007). "Zoe Naylor the new host of Gladiators". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 20 December 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2007.
  19. ^ Byrne, Fiona (30 December 2007). "Anthony Koutoufides and Tatiana Grigorieva join". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 31 December 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2007.
  20. ^ Field, Katherine (10 January 2008). "Hayley turns from ironwoman into Gladiator". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2008.
  21. ^ Knox, David (31 March 2008). "Week 14". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  22. ^ Knox, David (7 April 2008). "Week 15". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  23. ^ Knox, David (14 April 2008). "Week 16". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  24. ^ Knox, David (21 April 2008). "Week 17". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  25. ^ Knox, David (28 April 2008). "Week 18". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  26. ^ Knox, David (5 May 2008). "Week 19". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  27. ^ Knox, David (12 May 2008). "Ratings Week 20". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  28. ^ Knox, David (19 May 2008). "Week 21". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  29. ^ Knox, David (26 May 2008). "Ratings Week 22". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  30. ^ Knox, David (2 June 2008). "Week 23". TV Tonight. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  31. ^ Knox, David (9 June 2008). "Week 24". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  32. ^ Knox, David (16 June 2008). "Week 25". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  33. ^ Knox, David (23 June 2008). "Week 26". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  34. ^ Knox, David (30 June 2008). "Week 27". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  35. ^ Knox, David (7 July 2008). "Week 28". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
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