TRIBUTES are pouring in for Gladiator star Falcon after it was announced she died aged 59 following a battle with breast cancer.
Nineties TV legend Bernadette Hunt was an all-round Gladiator who joined the show after training as a ballerina and an aerobics teacher.
The Falcon star tragically passed away after a battle with cancer. and her death was announced by Rick Jango, the partner of her sister, in a Facebook post.
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. 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."
Read our Falcon blog below for the latest updates…
- Henry Moore
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Thank you for reading our coverage of the British telly legend's sad passing.
You can find more Gladiators content here.
- Henry Moore
Was Bernadette Hunt married?
Bernadette Hunt is well known for her role in the legendary 90s TV show Gladiators.
Today, it was announced the star had tragically died after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Hunt leaves behind her husband Mark, and two children, Adam and Angel.
- Henry Moore
More about Gladiators star Falcon
Bernadette Hunt rose to fame as Falcon on the hit 90s show Gladiators.
According to the show's official website, before her TV fame, she was a dancer.
At 18 Hunt was accepted into London Contemporary Ballet School before being forced to pull out due to a back injury.
She then began her life as a bodybuilder, a career which saw her win several awards including Miss Natural Health 1992, Miss Novice Britain, Miss London and Home Countries 1992 and Miss South Britain.
Hunt would then make her Gladiators debut as Falcon in 1993.
- Henry Moore
Former Gladiator calls show 'highlight' of her life
Jennifer Stoute, who is best known for her role as Rebel on the 90s hit Gladiators, has opened up about her time on the show.
Jennifer told Athletics Weekly: "It was the highlight of my life.
"After being a sprinter, there was something in me that was unfulfilled and Gladiators gave me that buzz I needed and was kind of like a transition between elite sport and living a normal life.
"It allowed me to see what life was like in normal society, while still having a lot of fun in a physically competitive environment.
“When I was offered the job, I was initially unsure whether I wanted to jump around in lycra. However, it was like going to play in a big funpark and got me ready for the rest of my life.”
- Henry Moore
Gladiators star dead after battle with cancer
GLADIATORS star Falcon has died at the age of 59 after a cancer battle.
Falcon, whose real name was Bernadette Hunt, was an all-round Gladiator who joined the show after training as a ballerina and an aerobics teacher.
She made her debut on the show’s second series in 1993, before staying on until Series 8 in 1999.
Falcon also appeared on International Gladiators between 1994 and 1995.
- Henry Moore
How old was Bernadette Hunt?
Bernadette Hunt starred in the iconic 90s show Gladiators before becoming a gym instructor.
The much-loved star was just 59 when she died after a long battle with cancer.
- Henry Moore
Tributes continue to pour in for Falcon
As fans learn of Bernadette Hunt's tragic passing, they are rushing to social media to remember the Gladiators icon.
One fan wrote: "So sad to hear that Bernadette Hunt, Falcon from the Gladiators, has died aged just 59.
"I did panto with her in Southend in the 90s. Such a lovely woman."
- Henry Moore
Where are the Gladiators cast now?
Gladiators ran for eight seasons and was presented by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu.
The Gladiators themselves would be pitted against contestants who would compete in a variety of events such as the Hang Tough or the Duel.
Each episode would star two male and two female contenders against a gladiator of the same gender.
Its been 30 years since the show aired so where are some of its biggest stars now?
Find out here.
- Henry Moore
Where is Zodiac now?
Former British pole vaulter Kate Staples battled it out on Gladiators under the alias Zodiac from series two to five.
The athletic TV regular was best known for smashing speed and agility events, including Pendulum, Skytrak and Pursuit.
After suffering a serious fall on Pole Axe in 1996, Kate took on a less prominent role.
She had a daughter with fellow Gladiator Mark Griffin before marrying rugby player Chris Sheasby, who she had two more children with.
They separated in 2011 before finalising the divorce five years later.
Zodiac now runs adventure boot camps with ex-GB athlete Daley Thompson.
- Henry Moore
Gladiators star Wolf is unrecognisable from 90s fame
One of Gladiators' most iconic stars is unrecognisable 20 years on.
Show legend Wolf – real name Michael Van Wijk – revealed to hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard that his son is now aiming to join the show.
Wolf, now 70, appeared on the show between 1992 and 2000 and says his son Dean has applied to be a Gladiator on the show when it's rebooted later this year.
- Henry Moore
Falcon’s sister pays tribute
The sister of legendary Gladiators star Bernadetta Hunt has paid tribute after her tragic passing to cancer.
Bernadette’s sister said: “My beautiful sister was the best kind of human being on this earth.”
- Henry Moore
Will you be watching the new series of Gladiators?
- Henry Moore
Tributes pour in for iconic Gladiator
Gladiators star Bernadette Hunt’s death was confirmed by her sister’s partner in a Facebook post.
It 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.”
“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.
“She had been battling cancer for a numberof years until sadly she lost he fight R.I.P. Bernie.”
- Henry Moore
Gladiators to return after 14-year break
The BBC announced in August 2022 that the popular show would be returning in 2023 following a 14-year break.
The popular show will start filming soon, with the show moving from its original ITV home to the Beeb.
Dan Baldwin, Managing Director Hungry Bear said: “Watching Gladiators LIVE in the arena is the perfect day out for all the family. Being close-up to the action is going to be an incredible experience like no other.
"Plus, we're making the tickets free, so it won't cost you a penny to get in!"
The new series of will consist of 11 episodes as a new generation of gladiators compete in classic challenges including fan-favourite The Eliminator.
And producers have already unveiled its new logo.
BBC - Henry Moore
Fans share more tributes
The sad news of Bernadette Hunt's death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans.
One wrote: "Such sad news. She was the loveliest person RIP Bernie".
Another added: "Oh I’m so sad to hear this. Bernie was just the loveliest person. So warm and friendly. Please send my love and condolences to the family. Xx"
"So sorry to hear this. Bernie was an absolute gem and one of the most giving people you could meet. Condolences to the family. A sad day RIP," a third wrote.
Another added: "Absolutely heartbroken to hear that Bernie has died. When I arrived in Basingstoke I joined the gym and she was the lady that did my induction, and became a friend."
- Henry Moore
In pictures: Gladiators legend Falcon tragically passes away
Flacon – AKA Bernadette Hunt – made her debut on the second series of Gladiator in 1993, before staying on until Series 8 in 1999.
Falcon also appeared on International Gladiators between 1994 and 1995, as well as three live shows.
She was considered the "nicest Gladiator" by many fans, and had the Queen song Breakthru as her theme while she was on the show.
ITV ITV - Henry Moore
Did Falcon have children?
Speaking on her life after Gladiators, Bernadette Hunt revealed she had two children.
"I'm very happy with the work I do now and am always busy. My time is spent as a personal trainer and with my children Adam, 23, and Angel, 4," she told the Basingstoke Gazette.
- Henry Moore
What was Bernadette Hunt's cause of death?
Bernadette sadly passed away in March 2023 at the age of 59 after a cancer battle.
Her death was announced by Rick Jango, the partner of her sister, in a Facebook post.
The statement 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."
- Henry Moore
Who was Gladiators icon Falcon?
Falcon, whose real name was Bernadette Hunt, was an all-round Gladiator who joined the show after training as a ballerina and an aerobics teacher.
She made her debut on the show's second series in 1993, before staying on until Series 8 in 1999.
Falcon also appeared on International Gladiators between 1994 and 1995.
After the show ended Bernadette worked as a fitness instructor in Basingstoke, according to reports.
Credit: Rex - Henry Moore
Gladiators to return this year
The 90s class Gladiators is set to return later this year.
In response to the announcement, several original cast members expressed concern over the safety of the show in the modern era.
- Henry Moore
Fans remember 'lovely' Bernadette Hunt
Heartbroken fans are filling social media with tributes to the late Gladiators star.
Responding to the announcement of her death, one wrote: “Sorry to hear Bernie’s passed on, was always lovely when I saw her at the gym."
Another added: “Bernie was just the loveliest person. So warm and friendly."
While a third said: “Always took the time to stop and chat in the gym. She got the whole family tickets for Gladiators too.”
- Henry Moore
Falcon to have a private funeral
Gladiators star Falcon tragically passed away after a battle with cancer.
The star's funeral will be a private affair attended by family only.
- Henry Moore
Fans pay tribute
Fans have flooded social media to pay tribute to Bernadette Hunt after the Gladiators star passed away.
One wrote: "Gladiators was one of my all-time favourite TV shows growing up I remember having a cheese toastie after a soak in the bath and settling down ready to watch it RIP Falcon."
Another added: "RIP Falcon from #gladiators. Loved that programme."
While a third said: "So young at 59."
- Henry Moore
When was Falcon on Gladiators?
Falcon, whose real name was Bernadette Hunt, was an all-round Gladiator who joined the show after training as a ballerina and an aerobics teacher.
She made her debut on the show’s second series in 1993, before staying on until Series 8 in 1999.
Falcon also appeared on International Gladiators between 1994 and 1995.
- Henry Moore
Former Gladiator reacts to Falcon's tragic death
Former Gladiator Vogue, whose real name is Suzanne Cox, paid tribute to Falcon, saying: "I found out a few days ago".
Bernadette Hunt tragically passed away after a battle with cancer.
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