Gladiators star Falcon dies aged 59

Virgin Radio

4 Apr 2023, 10:08

Tributes have poured in after the much-loved Gladiators star Falcon died at the age of 59.

Her real name was Bernadette Hunt, but fans of the fitness game show knew her as Falcon.

Bernadette initially trained as a ballerina before becoming a bodybuilder.

She turned down the chance to appear in the reboot as she wanted to keep "a low profile".

Her brother-in-law, Rick Jango, shared the news on a Facebook page.

He wrote: "It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of my partner's younger sister Bernadette Hunt. Most people will remember her as Falcon From the hit TV Show Gladiators.

"I had the privilege to be in her company a few times and I have to say she was one of the most loveliest people I have ever met.

"She never had a bad word to say about anyone, indeed she was always known as the nicest Gladiator, always stopping to speak and sign autographs for anyone.

"She had been battling cancer for a number of years until sadly she lost her fight. R.I.P. Bernie."

Her sister, Carol, wrote: "My beautiful sister was the best kind of human being on this earth."

The Gladiators website says she was "the most lovely, warm, generous person with a beaming smile", adding: "Our Gladiator family is truly heartbroken with our loss of Bernie."

"Win or lose Falcon is always there to congratulate [her contenders]".

She starred in season two to eight of Gladiators.

She became a personal trainer, working in Basingstoke Sports Centre.

Her original ballerina dreams were put on hold after a back injury.

Her brother-in-law said her funeral will be a private affair.

Hunt leaves behind two children, her husband Mark, son Adam, and young daughter Angel.