Gladiators' Falcon star Bernadette Hunt dies aged 59
Falcon joined hit TV show Gladiators for its second season in 1993 and remained a core part of the show until 1999.
Gladiators star Falcon has died at the age of 59, it has been confirmed. The tragic death of the TV legend, whose real name was Bernadette Hunt, came after a battle with cancer.
Hunt’s death was announced by Rick Jango, the partner of her sister, on Facebook. The announcement read: "It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of the death of my partner's younger sister Bernadette Hunt. Most people will remember her as Falcon From the hit TV Show Gladiators."
It continued: "I had the privilege to be in her company a few times & I have to say she was one of the most lovely people I have ever met. She never had a bad word to say about anyone, indeed she was always known a the nicest 'Gladiator', always stopping to speak & sign autographs for anyone."
The announcement concluded: "She had been battling cancer for a number of years until sadly she lost he fight R.I.P. Bernie."
Hunt took on the persona of Falcon in the hit TV show, which was hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu and saw everyday contestants tasked with fighting a 'Gladiator' in front of an arena audience.
Hunt first appeared on Gladiators for its second season in 1993 and remained a core part of the show until 1999. She also appeared on International Gladiators between 1994 and 1995.
After her role on Gladiators, Hunt opted for a quieter life and went on to work as a fitness instructor at Basingstoke Sports Centre.
Gladiators is returning to screens later this year on BBC One.
The news was confirmed in 2022, with Kate Phillips, director of Unscripted at the BBC saying at the time: "Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other. Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out!"
Scot Cru, EVP of hlobal Formats and Unscripted Content at MGM Television, added: "Gladiators is a format that resonates with viewers worldwide. We are thrilled to bring this revered series to the BBC and can’t wait to introduce our UK Gladiators."
