Gladiators stars pay tribute to late referee John Anderson
Gladiators stars have paid tribute to late referee John Anderson, who has passed away at age 92.
The show posted a message to remember the Scottish sports coach on their Instagram, writing: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved referee, John Anderson, at the age of 92. Our hearts go out to his friends and family.
"John will forever be remembered as the iconic voice that brought us 'Contenders Ready! Gladiators Ready!'," the tribute also read. "Rest in peace John."
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Past contestants of the endurance programme also shared their memories of Anderson in the show's account Stories, with Wolf writing: "Just heard my dear friend John has just passed away. Even though everybody thought he was my nemesis on the show, actually we were the best of friends.
"There is no way my character on the show would have been so successful without my interactions with John. He truly made the show," he continued. "I will miss him dearly, Rest in peace."
Jet joined the tributes, celebrating Anderson as "the voice" of Gladiators UK.
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"John was the voice of original UK Glads," she wrote. "He was a brilliant ref in my eyes being firm and fair."
"His character as a person I also enjoyed working with and inspiring," she continued. "RIP love to Dorothy, his dogs (if still here), the rest of his family and the Glad Fans who will also feel this…"
"He had an incredible life as a coach, TV referee and husband, a force of nature with an energy that will always remembered," Hunter added, while Rhino called Anderson "the true backbone of Gladiators".
"Your smile, your voice and energy was second to none," he wrote.
Gladiators airs on BBC One.
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