Gladiators' Iconic Voice John Anderson Passes Away at 92

John Anderson, the unforgettable voice of the iconic physical gameshow *Gladiators

in the 1990s and 2000s, has sadly passed away at the age of 92. The official *Gladiators* Instagram account confirmed the news, with Athletics Weekly reporting that Anderson died in the early hours of Sunday, July 28th.

Anderson was synonymous with *Gladiators*, serving as the head official during its run on ITV between 1992 and 2008. His distinctive Glaswegian accent and booming voice were an integral part of the show, forever associated with the thrilling spectacle of contestants facing off against the physically formidable 'Gladiators'.

His iconic catchphrase, "Contender, ready! Gladiator, ready! Three… two… one…," delivered with unwavering gusto as each game commenced, will forever resonate with those who tuned in to the show. Anderson's presence was also felt in the short-lived Sky revival of *Gladiators

in 2008, a mere 16 years before the BBC revived the show to great success earlier this year.

Tributes have poured in for Anderson, acknowledging his lasting impact on the show and the indelible mark he made on the hearts of its viewers. The BBC *Gladiators

account expressed their condolences, stating: "We send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends."

Mark Clattenburg, the head official on the BBC series, shared a post from an official *Gladiators

account mourning Anderson's passing, simply captioning it: "RIP Legend."

Beyond his television career, Anderson was a respected figure in the world of athletics. He held the positions of head coach for the Amateur Athletics Association of England and Scottish national coach, working with renowned athletes such as Scottish Olympic runner Liz McColgan, a silver medallist in the 10,000m at the 1988 Olympics, and former 5,000m world record holder David Moorcroft.

John Anderson's legacy extends beyond the gladiatorial arena. He will be remembered as a true icon of British television, a beloved figure whose voice and personality were woven into the fabric of the *Gladiators

experience, leaving an unforgettable mark on the nation's entertainment landscape.