Ulrika Jonsson ‘prepared to hate’ Gladiators because ‘remakes are rarely as good’
Former Gladiators host Ulrika Jonsson said she was "prepared to hate" the BBC reboot of the 1990s classic, because "remakes are rarely as good as the real thing".
Ulrika Jonsson has shared her thoughts as Gladiators made its highly anticipated comeback after 24 years. Ulrika, who hosted the game show from 1992 until 2000, said that she was “prepared to hate” the BBC reboot as she reflected on her time at the helm of the show. However, she ended up being pleasantly surprised.
The presenter, 56, wrote in her new column: “I had no idea it would affect me so profoundly, but the return of Gladiators brought me to tears. Memories of my time as host came flooding back.
“I was quite prepared to hate it because at the end of the day, remakes are rarely as good as the real thing, and what we collectively created back in the 1990s was basically a sexy, family show.”
Despite her apprehensions, Ulrika revealed that she was “massively impressed” by the brand-new series.
She added in The Sun: “I take my hat off to the producers because they've done the one thing they should do - which is leave the show alone. With such a solid fanbase for Gladiators, I don’t think the public would accept anything else. If it ain’t broke and all that.”
Following the show’s debut on Saturday night, hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, viewers were left feeling nostalgic.
Many of the old games returned, including Duel, famous for the Q-Tip style poles used to try and hit people off a podium. Also still in place was the airborne challenge, Hang Tough, which sees contenders try to beat the Gladiators across the room while hanging from rings.
There were some new games - most notably Collison Bridge in which contestants try and cross a suspension bridge, all while taking balls from one side to the other as four gladiators swing from either side in order to prevent them from crossing.
The same theme tune returned and the costumes have remained pretty much the same, stirring a lot of memories for fans of the original show.
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One viewer said: “They've got a lot right with this reboot. Kept the theme, looks great in an arena setting, colourful, foam fingers, the Gladiator costumes look great, Guy Mowbray is good on commentary. Lots to like. #Gladiators."
While another added: “I’m actually giddy with excitement seeing #Gladiators back on the telly! I used to love this show! I can’t stop smiling!" And a third commented: "This is very nostalgic indeed #Gladiators."
Gladiators returns to BBC One on Saturday at 5.50pm.
