Gladiators (Australian TV series) series 3
| Gladiators (Australian TV series) series 3 | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Sports entertainment |
| Created by | Dan Carr John Ferraro |
| Developed by | MGM Television |
| Directed by | Timothy Kupsch |
| Presented by | Kimberley Joseph Mike Hammond |
| Narrated by | Tony Schibeci |
| Theme music composer | Cameron Tait Marty Irwin Noel MacDonald |
| Country of origin |  Australia |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 27 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Patrick Condon Des Monaghan |
| Producers | Bill Edmonds Roger Kirk |
| Production locations | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Queensland |
| Camera setup | Multiple-camera setup |
| Running time | 60 minutes (including commercials) |
| Original release | |
| Network | Seven Network |
| Release | 4 May 1996 |
The third series of Australian Gladiators began airing on Channel 7 on 4 May 1996, the week after the last episode from series 2 aired.
Twenty four episodes were filmed at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in December 1995 including three three-part specials. A further three episodes were filmed in Birmingham in the summer of 1996 as part of a second Ashes series. An episode filmed in the UK featuring Australian challengers was also shown.
The series was once again presented by Kimberley Joseph and Mike Hammond with Tony Schibeci as commentator, Mike Whitney as referee, John Forsyth as assistant referee and the Kix cheerleaders performed in the background of the events. Forsyth would act as the Australian referee in the second Ashes series. Forsyth also acted as referee in some of the Quarter Finals after Mike Whitney caught a virus, and Forsyth's position as assistant referee was taken over by Neil Waldron during some of the Quarter Finals because of this.
The third series suffered a slight decline in viewing figures and due to an increase in costs, production on the fourth series was halted. A new series would not air until 2008.
Gladiators
Male
- Commando - Geoff Barker
- Condor - Alistair Gibb
- Hammer - Mark McGaw
- Predator - Tony Forrow
- Taipan - Michael Melksham
- Tornado - Tony Latina
- Tower - Ron Reeve
- Vulcan - John Seru
Cougar (Ashley Buck) was dropped following allegations of indecent behaviour with underage fans, for which he was later cleared. Tornado was brought in to replace him.
Predator suffered an injury in Heat 4 and was sidelined for the rest of the series.
Condor, Taipan, Tower and Vulcan went to Birmingham to film the second Ashes series in 1996.
Female
- Blade - Bev Carter
- Cheeta - Nicky Davico
- Delta - Karen Alley
- Electra - Roz Forsyth
- Flame - Lynda Byrnes
- Fury - Julie Saunders
- Glacier - Lourene Bevaart
- Storm - Charlene Machin
Rebel (Barbara Kendall) had quit midway through series two and was replaced by series two champion and International Gladiators 2 runner up Lourene Bevaart as Glacier.
Blade would suffer an injury on Hang Tough which was so severe it could not be televised and was sidelined for the remainder of the series. Cheeta would also be sidelined due to injury. Due to this, reserve Gladiator Electra was brought in though she never appeared in the starting credits or any publicity material. The official Australian Gladiators magazine makes no reference to her. She was married to John Forsythe, who was assistant referee and Director of training.
Delta, Fury, Glacier and Storm went to Birmingham in 1996 to film the second Ashes series.
Others
Laser, Lightning, Rio and Vogue along with Ace, Hunter, Rhino, Saracen and Wolf were the UK Gladiators who took part in the Ashes series. Falcon was a reserve and appeared in the opening credits but never appeared during the series.
Comet and Lynx along with Dynamite, Goliath, Titan and Viking were the Russian Gladiators who took part in the Australia Vs Russia series. Comet did not appear until the second episode and thus Lynx performed all four events in the first episode.
All fourteen Gladiators from the UK 1995 series appeared in the International Challenge of Champions series.
Events
Atlasphere, Duel, Gauntlet, Hang Tough, Hit & Run, Powerball, Pursuit, Pyramid, Swingshot, Suspension Bridge, Wall and Whiplash all returned. The Eliminator featured as the final event in every show.
Tilt had been axed midway through series two and did not appear in this series. Two new events were introduced, Skytrack and Joust, the latter of which was the apparatus for the UK event after it had been axed over there.
Shows
As per usual, fifteen shows were filmed in a progressive competition. An additional nine episodes were filmed for three special mini series; a Team Sports special, an Army Vs Navy series and an Australia Vs Russia series.
A further four shows were filmed in Birmingham in the UK, three as part of a second Ashes series and the International Challenge of Champions (filmed in 1995) both which were aired as part of series three.
Winning challengers are in bold.[1]
| Episode | Contest | Original airdate | Challengers (Female) | Challengers (Male) | Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Heat 1 | 5 May 1996 | Joanne Stevens Vs Alison | Shane Velenecchi Vs Wayne | Hang Tough, Duel, Powerball, Atlaspheres |
| 02 | Heat 2 | 11 May 1996 | Liz Vs Marisa Huettner | Paul Stubbs Vs Sam | Skytrak, Pyramid, Hang Tough, Suspension Bridge |
| 03 | Heat 3 | 18 May 1996 | Leanne Martin Vs Mary Kominos | Cameron Simon Vs Paul Reynolds | Wall, Gauntlet, Whiplash, Swingshot |
| 04 | Heat 4 | 25 May 1996 | Nicki Thompson Vs Kylie Saunders | Jamie Rafanelli Vs Phil Burgess | Powerball, Duel, Skytrak, Hang Tough |
| 05 | Heat 5 | 1 June 1996 | Astrid Edlinger Vs Catherine Arlove | Joshua McEwen Vs Kerry Packer | Joust, Powerball1, Hit & Run, Pursuit |
| 06 | Heat 6 | 8 June 1996 | Jacqui Vs Christine Dale | Jeff Prewett Vs Gavin | Gauntlet, Swingshot, Suspension Bridge, Wall |
| 07 | Heat 7 | 15 June 1996 | Leesa Sharpe Vs Debbie Santic | Daniel Di Paolo Vs James Lenehan | Pyramid, Pursuit, Gauntlet, Hang Tough |
| 08 | Heat 8 | 22 June 1996 | Sandra Hansen Vs Lynne Holmes | Keith Hansen Vs Peter Cranney | Duel, Atlaspheres, Pyramid2, Whiplash |
| 09 | Quarter Final 1 | 29 June 1996 | Leanne Martin Vs Debbie Santic | Joshua McEwen Vs Paul Reynolds | Powerball, Duel, Skytrak, Gauntlet |
| 10 | Quarter Final 2 | 6 July 1996 | Marisa Huettner Vs Christine Dale | Paul Stubbs Vs Peter Cranney | Atlaspheres, Pyramid, Hang Tough, Suspension Bridge |
| 11 | Quarter Final 3 | 13 July 1996 | Joanne Stevens Vs Catherine Arlove | Phil Burgess Vs Jeff Prewett | Duel, Skytrak, Hit & Run, Wall |
| 12 | Quarter Final 4 | 20 July 1996 | Nicki Thompson Vs Sandra Hansen | Shane Velenecchi Vs James Lenehan | Pyramid, Swingshot, Joust, Hang Tough |
| 13 | Semi Final 1 | 27 July 1996 | Sandra Hansen Vs Catherine Arlove | Shane Velennechi Vs Paul Stubbs | Wall, Gauntlt, Skytrak, Suspension Bridge |
| 14 | Semi Final 2 | 3 August 1996 | Marisa Huettner Vs Debbie Santic | Jeff Prewett Vs Paul Reynolds | Swingshot, Duel, Whiplash, Pyramid |
| 15 | Final | 10 August 1996 | Catherine Arlove3 Vs Marisa Huettner | Paul Reynolds Vs Paul Stubbs | Gauntlet, Pursuit, Pyramid, Hang Tough |
| 16 | Team Sports 1 | 17 August 1996 | Natalie Shapiro & Leigh Martyn (Softball) Vs Kristen & Julie Towers (Hockey) | Johnny Platten & Richard Champion (AFL) Vs Matthew Hayden & Jimmy Marele (Cricket) | Pyramid, Skytrak, Hit & Run, Duel |
| 17 | Team Sports 2 | 24 August 1996 | Debbie Watson & Naomi Castle (Water Polo) Vs Sharon Finnan & Keely (Netball) | Graeme Mackay & Jason Croaker (Rugby League) Vs Brett & Michael (Rugby Union) | Gauntlet, Swingshot, Atlaspheres, Hang Tough |
| 18 | Team Sports Final | 31 August 1996 | Natalie Shapiro & Leigh Martyn(Softball) Vs Debbie Watson & Naomi Castle (Water Polo) | Johnny Platten & Richard Champion (AFL) Vs Jason Croaker & Graeme Mackay (Rugby League) | Wall, Pyramid, Hang Tough, Suspension Bridge |
| 19 | Ashes 1 | Marisa Huettner (AUS) Vs Sarah Damm (UK)/Michelle Kimberley (UK)4 | Paul Reynolds (AUS) Vs Emmil Watson (UK) | Pendulum, Powerball, Swingshot, Duel, Hang Tough | |
| 20 | Ashes 2 | Hannah Owen (UK)/Celia Duffield (UK)5 Vs Catherine Arlove (AUS) | Paul Stubbs (AUS) Vs Mark Everitt (UK) | Skytrak, Powerball, Gauntlet, Hang Tough, Duel | |
| 21 | Ashes Final | Marisa Huettner (AUS) Vs Catherine Arlove (AUS)8 | Paul Reynolds (AUS) Vs Mark Everitt (UK) | Pendulum, The Wall, Swingshot, Duel, Hang Tough | |
| 22 | Army Vs Navy 1 | Sandra Hansen & Suzie Llewellyn (Navy) Vs Sandra-Lee Walker & Michelle Perrone (Army) | Peter Gatti & Keith Lewis (Navy) Vs Gavin Davis & Ritchie Gibson (Army) | Duel, Skytrak, Gauntlet, Wall | |
| 23 | Army Vs Navy 2 | Jacinta Peel & Candice Cushway (Army) Vs Donna & Tess (Navy) | Dwayne & Rick "Wombat" Morse (Army) Vs Tim O'Brien & John Iles (Navy) | Pyramid, Whiplash, Swingshot, Suspension Bridge | |
| 24 | Army Vs Navy Final | Sandra-Lee Walker & Michelle Perrone (Army A) Vs Candice Cushway & Jacinta Peel (Army B) | Gavin Davis & Ritchie Gibson (Army) Vs Tim O'Brien & John Iles (Navy) | Joust, Skytrack, Pyramid, Hang Tough | |
| 25 | Australia Vs Russia 1 | Kathy McMorrow & Charity Crosby (AUS) Vs Elena & Larissa Toutchinskaya (RUS) | Shane Saltmarsh & Joe Lukowski (AUS) Vs Vladimir & Yuri (RUS) | Gauntlet, Hit & Run, Atlaspheres, Wall | |
| 26 | Australia Vs Russia 2 | Karen Trent & Suzanne (AUS) Vs Elena & Larissa Toutchinskaya (RUS) | Wayne & Dimitri (Aus) Vs Vladimir & Yuri (RUS) | Whiplash, Duel, Pursuit, Swingshot | |
| 27 | Australia Vs Russia Final | Kathy McMorrow & Charity Crosby (AUS) Vs Elena & Larissa Toutchinskaya (RUS) | Shane Saltmarsh & Joe Lukowski (AUS) Vs Vladimir & Yuri (RUS) | Pyramid, Hang Tough, Suspension Bridge, Powerball | |
| 28 | International Challenge of Champions6 | Eunice Huthart (UK) Vs Kerryn Sampey (UK) Vs Bernie Withers (AUS) | Wesley Berry (US) Vs David Wallis (AUS) Vs Shane Saltmarsh (AUS) | Atlaspheres, Pendulum, Hit & Run, Duel, Pyramid | |
| 29 | Heart of a Gladiator7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
1This was the first appearance of reserve Gladiator Electra.
2This was the last appearance of Cheeta.
3Catherine Arlove was injured after Hang Tough and was unable to compete in the Eliminator and thus Marisa Huettner won the series as the strongest competitor holding the fastest Eliminator time recorded in any series.
4Replaced Sarah after she was injured.
5Replaced Hannah after she was injured.
6This was an episode filmed in the UK featuring the winners of International Gladiators 1, The first Ashes series, and the Australian series 1 champions. Only UK Gladiators featured in this show. As the injured Andrew Halliday was the winner of both the Ashes and first Australian series, he was replaced by David Wallis and Shane Saltmarsh respectively. Bernie Withers and Shane Saltmarsh were the runners up.
7This was a special episode made due to fan interest in the Gladiators themselves. The show was to air on 6 April 1996[2] but was pulled due to the election that occurred in Australia the week before.[3] The episode was planned to air at a later date after series three.
8Marisa proved to be the strongest and most focused competitor defeating Catherine in the Eliminator by 13 seconds after she fell off the balance beam in one of the closest finals.
Production
Production began in October 1995 following the success of series two. Recording dates were pencilled in for 11–22 December at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.[4]
The Gladiators were given their specialist training schedules in October and took a break from promotional activities in November whilst the production crew started work on the new events.
Filming bgean in December and continued though into the new year.[5] Seating in the Brisbane Entertainment Centre was increased to 8,000 and the arena itself had some subtle changes with darker lighting and an increased use of spotlights similar to the UK arena at the National Indoor Arena. The Arena floor was also changed to a black floor with lights, just like the UK.
A fourth series went into pre production. Pendulum, a UK event seen in the International series was to be introduced[6] and there were events being developed that would be unique to the Australian series.[7]
However due to injuries, rising production costs and a slight decline in viewing figures, Channel 7 opted not to go ahead with a fourth series and after being on television for an almost constant eighteen months, Gladiators was over until its revival in 2008.
A team of Gladiators and challengers travelled to Birmingham to film a second Ashes series in the summer of 1996 after the show had been cancelled.
References
- ^ Original Australian Series Episode Guide http://archive.gladiatorszone.co.uk/YaBB.pl?num=1087254252;start=all
- ^ "Heart of a Gladiator" Australian Gladiators Magazine Issue 5
- ^ "Heartless" Australian Gladiators Magazine Issue 7
- ^ "A year in the life of Gladiators" Official Gladiators Magazine Issue 3
- ^ "G Mail" Official Gladiators Magazine Issue 7
- ^ "Storm: In the line of fire" Australian Gladiators Magazine Issue 6
- ^ "Behind the screams" Australian Gladiators magazine Issue 9