MTN Gladiators was a game show produced by MTN for SABC3 in South Africa from 1999 to 2001. Following South Africa's initial participation in the second International Gladiators and the first Springbok Challenge^[1] tournaments in Birmingham, England, the format developed a cult following in South Africa. In 1998 production finally began for a domestic series, eventually airing in 1999.

A special second Springbok Challenge series, known simply as Gladiators: Springbok Challenge 2, against a team of British Gladiators and contenders was filmed in South Africa in 2000.^[2]

Format

The show pitted contestants in a variety of physical events against the 'Gladiators', who would attempt to prevent them from achieving maximum points on a variety of games. After this, the two contenders would race each other on the Eliminator, an assault course containing climbing, balancing, and cargo nets. The contender with the most points received a half second head start for every 1 point they were in front by.

Production

All the MTN Gladiators tapings took place at the Standard Bank Arena, Johannesburg (1999–2000) and Big Top Arena, Carnival City (2001) in South Africa.

Presenters and crew

The show was originally presented by Glenn Hicks, executive producer of the first four series, and Ursula Staplefeldt. Following Glenn's departure from the show in 2000, he was replaced by James Lennox when it was resurrected for its penultimate fifth series in 2001.

The referees were legendary South African cricketer Cyril Mitchley (1999–2000) and international strongman Wayne "The Boss" Price (2001). The timekeepers over the show's run were Ingrid Chantler (1999–2000), and female Gladiator ICE in 2001, who was unable to compete due to pregnancy. The Gladiators and crowds alike were cheered on by a group of cheerleaders, known as G-Force.

Gladiators