Fans of hit 1990s ITV show Gladiators felt a few pangs of nostalgia earlier this week as several of its super-fit stars came together on Good Morning Britain.
The much-loved likes of Jet, Hunter, Panther, Cobra and Lightning joined presenters Susanna Reid, Ben Shephard and Richard Arnold for the onscreen reunion – and stunned viewers would love to see them make a Saturday night comeback.
The light entertainment show, which pitted contestants in a series of physically-demanding tests against the larger-than-life Gladiators, was a early evening staple before the likes of X Factor, running from 1992 to 2000.
And despite the passage of time, several of the show’s favourite faces sounded like they could be convinced to put on their tight-fitting costumes once again for one more performance.
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Cobra, now 55, even pulled on the Lycra for this breakfast telly appearance, with the charismatic TV personality easily slipping back into character as he flexed his pecs for the studio cameras.
Asked if the series could return to the box, Panther – Helen O’Reilly – replied: “There is a demand for it. But I am 58, I don’t know if I am a bit past it.”
Cobra looks like a beefier version of Bobby Davro these days!
Pointing at Cobra, she added: “He’s got a walking stick and two new hips.”
Nonetheless, it was clear by the reaction on social media that many people watching at home enjoyed seeing them in the limelight once again.
Got a question for the @GladiatorsTV squad? Send them over to @GMB, they’ll be on the #GMB sofa at 8:20am… @RichardAArnold will be taking on the Gladiators! #GladiatorsReady #GMBReady pic.twitter.com/7aFKAapf6Z
— Gladiators (@GladiatorsTV) October 31, 2019
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“Great to see “Gladiators” Jet Lightening, Panther, Cobra & Hunter today. Should really bring this series back,” tweeted one fan.
“Bring it back! It was great fun to watch,” agreed another person.
And another contributed: “Yes be great to see something decent on a Sat night.”
“Looking old, but still nicely fit,” another person chipped in about the stars’ appearances twenty years on from the peak of their TV fame.
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Another person joked: “Cobra looks like a beefier version of Bobby Davro these days!”
And someone else reflected: “Jeez do I feel old seeing those guys 😂.”
Earlier this year it was reported Cobra – real name Michael Wilson – had been hospitalised with pneumonia and a chest condition.
He had previously been suffering with acute pancreatitis and pneumonia.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvzt9m-hUCu/
Michael said at the time: “I’m only half a Gladiator now. It’s been touch and go.
“I don’t feel like I’m kicking the bucket at the minute, but it will only take another cold or cough and I’m in trouble.”
Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays from 6am
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