Gladiators legend John Anderson dies aged 92 as tributes pour in for show’s original referee who will be ‘forever remembered’ for iconic catchphrase

Gladiator legend John Anderson has sadly passed away at the age of 92.

The show’s original referee, who appeared on the show from its debut in 1992 through 2000, with a brief return in 2008, became famous for his now-iconic line, “Contenders ready, Gladiators ready.” No cause of death has been released.

The show’s official X account said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn that our beloved referee, John Anderson, has passed away at the age of 92.”

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family. John will forever be remembered as the iconic voice that delivered ‘Gladiators Ready! Contenders Ready!'”

In addition to his TV career, Glasgow-born John also trained numerous Olympic runners, including Dave Moorcroft who broke the 5000m record in 1982.

The show’s original referee, who appeared on the show from its debut in 1992 (pictured) until 2000, became famous for his famous phrase ‘Contenders ready, Gladiators ready’

John also coached silver medallist Liz McColgan and Commonwealth heptathlete Judy Simpson, who later played the role of Gladiator Nightshade.

Dave paid tribute Athletics weekly: ‘I can’t praise John enough, he turned water into wine’.

“He would die for his athletes and he never backed down. He was a fighter in everything he did. He coached me from the age of 16 and never took a dime. It cost him a fortune for the privilege of working for nothing.”

Meanwhile, fans rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to offer their condolences, writing: ‘Sad news tonight that original Gladiators referee John Anderson has passed away. A true icon of the show and will be remembered fondly by all Gladiators fans. RIP John and thanks for the memories X’.

‘Sad news, he was the original referee on the show, such a legend RIP John Anderson’: ‘RIP John Anderson to everyone who saw you in the old Gladiators and the second reboot. You were a huge part of our childhood and you will live in our hearts forever. I hope you are having an easy time wherever you are and that voice remains in our thoughts.’

More wrote: ‘Oh no! John was a legend, sad news. RIP John Anderson’: ‘Just some sad news in John Anderson has passed away Iconic referee of the British TV show Gladiators one of the biggest fun feuds with both John and Wolf’: ‘RIP to the man, the myth, the legend, John Anderson’.

John made a brief return for Sky’s reboot (pictured) in 2008 (John with presenters Kirsty Gallacher and Ian Wright)

In addition to his TV career, Glasgow-born John (pictured in 1997) also trained numerous Olympic runners, including Dave Moorcroft who broke the 5000m record in 1982.

The show’s official X account said in a statement: We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our beloved referee, John Anderson, at the age of 92.

Fans rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to express their condolences