Gladiators legend had to ‘sign on the dole’ after finishing filming
Gladiators Legend Had To ‘Sign On The Dole’ After Finishing Filming
James Crossley, the iconic Gladiators star known as Hunter, has revealed how he relied on unemployment benefits following his initial run on the show. The 52-year-old, who was the youngest UK participant when the series originally aired on ITV in the 1990s, took on the role from 1993 to 2000 before the BBC rebooted the format in 2024.
Series History and Reboot
The original Gladiators show, which ran from 1993 to 2000, was later revived by the BBC in 2024 under the direction of father-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh. Crossley’s tenure as Hunter, a role he held during the show’s early years, ended in January 2000. Since then, he has pursued a career as a musician and sound healer, focusing on instruments like the handpan and gongs.
Post-Filming Struggles
In a recent interview on the Remember Me? podcast, Crossley discussed his transition after the original series concluded. He shared how, following the wrap of the second series in the ’90s, he spent several months on the dole before finding new opportunities. During this time, he and fellow Gladiators Lightning, Jet, and Trojan traveled to Los Angeles for a break, exploring gyms and fitness culture.
“We thought we’d go on holiday, so we all went on holiday and went to Gold’s gym and all the things in LA… because we were all into that stuff.”
After returning, Crossley found himself financially strained and unable to work immediately. He described the experience of signing on to the dole as a necessary step, which lasted around five to six months before his appearances in character began to generate income.
“The money then started rolling in as I attended fan events and signings in the guise of Hunter.”
Reunion Event Details
Now, Crossley is set to reunite with co-stars Jet, Lightning, and Saracen at a special event. The Gladiators Experience, a live show at the NEC in Birmingham, will run from May 1 to August 31, offering fans a chance to interact with the original Gladiators. This event marks the continuation of the show’s legacy, blending nostalgia with new challenges for attendees.
Co-Stars Reflect On Legacy
Saracen, a former Gladiators star, expressed pride in the show’s enduring appeal. “I never imagined I’d still be a gladiator over 30 years after the original series aired on TV,” he said. Jet also highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “It gives me ‘gladiatorially’ great pleasure to be hosting, supporting, and encouraging all abilities in our iconic show.”
The reunion event underscores the lasting impact of the show, which continues to inspire audiences and maintain its relevance in modern entertainment. Fans can now engage with the Gladiators’ history firsthand, experiencing the challenges and camaraderie that defined the series.
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