Gladiators legend Falcon dies aged 59

Falcon, one of the stars of the hit 90s show Gladiators, has died at the age of 59.

The ITV star, real name Bernadette Hunt, had been previously diagnosed with cancer.

She starred on the show from the second series onward, starting out in 1993 and continuing until the original iteration went off air.

The news was announced by Rick Jango, the partner of Bernadette’s sister, who wrote in a public Facebook group about how she was ‘one of the loveliest people’ he’s met in his lifetime.

Sharing a picture of the athlete and performer, 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."

ITV

He continued: "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 he [sic] fight. RIP Bernie."

Bernadette’s sister herself was amongst those to pay tribute, writing: "My beautiful sister was the best kind of human being on this earth.”

Suzanne Cox, another Gladiator who went by the name Vogue, posted a crying emoji and wrote: “I found out a few days ago.”

Another personal tribute read: “I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it hadn’t been for Bernie.

“It was she who convinced me to do my training to become an aerobic instructor in her days before Gladiators and had the pleasure of working with her at Basingstoke Sports Centre.

“She was the loveliest of ladies, a beautiful soul with the biggest heart and smile.

“My thoughts are with her family.”

ITV

Falcon became known as one of the friendliest Gladiators on the show, often taking the time out after events to congratulate or commiserate her opponent.

She featured in the main show, as well as working on International Gladiators and being a reserve on The Ashes 2, where Gladiators from Australia and the UK were pitted against each other.

After her stint on the TV, she didn’t return to the spotlight, instead working as a fitness instructor in Basingstoke.

She had two children, Adam and Angel.