'Gladiators' legend Bernadette Hunt, aka Falcon, dies aged 59 following long cancer battle
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Gladiators' legend Falcon has died following a long battle with cancer. Falcon, whose real name was Bernadette Hunt, appeared on the popular show from its second series in 1993 and served as an important part of the program until it ended.
Bernadette's death was announced by her sister Carol's partner Rick Jango in a statement on social media, as he paid tribute to one of "the loveliest people" he knew. The post, which was shared on March 21, contained photos taken of Bernadette while on 'Gladiators', which is what she was best known for.
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'The nicest Gladiator'
"It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of my partner's younger sister Bernadette Hunt," the tribute read. "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 and I have to say she was one of the most loveliest people I have ever met. She never had a bad word to say about anyone, indeed she was always known as the nicest Gladiator, always stopping to speak and sign autographs for anyone. She had been battling cancer for a number of years until sadly she lost the fight. RIP Bernie."
The couple confirmed that the funeral will be private and family-only in response to a tribute. Bernadette's sister Carol wrote, "My beautiful sister was the best kind of human being on this earth."
Shift to being a trainer
Following her time on the show, Bernadette stepped away from the limelight and worked as a personal trainer. She previously told the Basingstoke Gazette about life after 'Gladiators', "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," according to Daily Mail. Bernadette also starred on 'International Gladiators' between 1994 and 1995.
Ballet beginnings
Bernadette was accepted into the London Contemporary Ballet School at the age of 18 prior to starting as a bodybuilder. But, her dreams of becoming a ballet dancer were crushed when she suffered a back injury. After starting her bodybuilding journey, Bernadette won the first competition she entered, Miss Natural Health in 1992. She went on to win other titles including Miss Novice Britain, Miss London and Home Countries 1992, and Miss South Britain.
'Gladiators' made household names of its titular competitors, who included Falcon, Jet (Diane Youdale), Wolf (Michael Van Wijk), Cobra (Michael Willson), and Lightning (Kim Betts), and was presented by likes of Ulrika Jonsson, John Fashanu and Jeremy Guscott. The show's eight series ran on ITV from 1992 until 2000, but the BBC has since confirmed it is reviving the show.