Remembering John Anderson: The Voice of Gladiators

We have some sad news to share today. John Anderson, the famous referee who brought excitement to our screens with his booming voice on the show Gladiators, has passed away at the age of 92.

Anderson was not just a beloved TV personality; he was also an accomplished sports coach, having trained over 100 Olympic athletes during his impressive career. His passing has left fans and former Gladiators alike heartbroken.

The official Gladiators social media account announced the news, expressing their deep sadness over the loss of their ‘beloved referee.’ They fondly remembered him as the voice who would rally the contestants with his iconic phrases like ‘Gladiators Ready! Contenders Ready!’

Since the announcement, tributes have flooded in from fans and colleagues. Many fans took to social media to share their cherished memories of growing up with the show, where Anderson’s lively presence made every episode special.

Former Gladiator Jane Omorogbe, known as Rio on the show, shared a heartfelt message saying, ‘This man literally changed my life in one simple phone call.’ She expressed her gratitude for his belief in her when she couldn’t see her own potential.

Mark Smith, who went by Rhino, also posted a tribute, remembering Anderson’s infectious smile and energy that made him a true backbone of Gladiators. ‘My deepest condolences to your family,’ Smith wrote.

Another former Gladiator, Diane Gilbert, praised Anderson as ‘THE voice of original UK Glads’ and described him as both firm and fair in his role as referee. She mentioned how much she valued working with him.

In a nod to Anderson’s lasting impact, referee Mark Clattenburg acknowledged the challenge of following in John’s footsteps in the new series of Gladiators, noting that watching him enforce the rules was a memorable experience that will stay with him.

Fans and former colleagues alike are mourning the loss of a true television legend, whose contributions extended far beyond the screen.