Gladiators role a dream come true for Daniel Singh

Dec 29 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

AS a teenager growing up in Durham, Daniel Singh spent four months in bed in traction. The former Belmont Comprehensive School pupil sustained a neck injury playing rugby, and he recalled: “My weight ballooned to 24 stone, I was horribly obese.

“As soon as I regained my health, I concentrated on my fitness. I appreciated the fact that I could move around again.”

And now Daniel has been billed as “Warrior, a savage beast who takes no prisoners”, after being selected for the forthcoming TV series Gladiators.

Which comes as some surprise after talking to the likeable, polite 21-year-old who was working out in the gym in preparation for the new series.

Daniel, now a fighting fit 17 stone, has been making a living on the professional wrestling circuit.

He said: “Being selected for Gladiators is a dream come true for me. I used to watch it avidly when I was growing up in Neville’s Cross, Durham. When I had my injury playing rugby, there was nothing to do but to lie around watching TV, but now I appreciate the value of keeping fit.

“I love the name Warrior and I am very confident I will bring something new to the character. The auditioning for the part was very rigorous, I was put through some really strenuous tests to satisfy the producers I was fit enough and strong enough for the part.”

Sky One bought the rights to the ITV hit from the 1990s after it became a hit in the USA. Branded by Sky chiefs as “bigger, bolder and badder than ever”, Daniel is one of six new Gladiators who join forces with last-series favourites to take on the Contenders in events such as Duel, Powerball and Hang Tough.

Twenty-four Contenders will compete for the title of Gladiators champion 2009, but standing in their way are 16 21st Century warriors. Sky say: “In a monumental return to the arena, the legendary Wolf becomes the ‘Sir Alex Ferguson’ of Team Gladiators. The Wolf-man won’t accept anything less than 150% from his prodigal sons and daughters in Lycra as he watches their performances against the Contenders and, if they slip up, they really will be afraid of the big bad Wolf.

“Ian Wright returns, alongside new arena reporter Caroline Flack and referee John Coyle, to preside over the toughest show on TV.”