Gladiators Reboot: Muff Murfin on creating show's iconic theme tune

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Friday, 12 January 2024 16:09

By Shaun Moore

TV viewers, ready? Do you have the speed, the strength, the heart to be a winner? Because Gladiators is set to make its TV return.

The hit TV show that drew huge audiences on Saturday nights in the 1990s will make its comeback with an 11-episode series on BBC One.

With a new generation of "superhumans", the show will pit contestants against Gladiators in the "ultimate test of speed and strength",

Originally on ITV, Gladiators including Wolf, Jet, Hunter, Cobra, Saracen, Warrior, Rhino and Lightning became famous for their physical prowess on the show, nimbly negotiating climbing walls, upside down race courses, swinging pendulums and the Hang Tough rings to stop contestants in their tracks.

Presented by John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson, referee John Anderson also became known for his famous call of "Contenders Ready? Gladiators Ready?" as he counted down to each game.

The show was famed also for its theme tune and music used in each game.

They were created and produced by local composer and Sunshine Radio chairman Muff Murfin.

Speaking to the Gladpod, he revealed how he wrote the hit theme tune:

The show originated in the US and initially aired in the UK from 1992 to 2000, with a revival on Sky in 2008 and 2009. The format was picked up in Australia, South Africa, Russia, Finland, Germany, Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden.

The new series hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney will include new games alongside classic challenges - with each episode ending with fan favourite, gruelling obstacle course The Eliminator and its infamous Travelator.