John Anderson, the legendary referee whose commanding voice and iconic catchphrase “Contender, ready! Gladiator, ready!” defined the hit television show Gladiators, has passed away at the age of 92.
Born on 28 November 1931 in Glasgow, Scotland, John’s journey from a celebrated athletics coach to a beloved television personality has left an indelible mark on sports and entertainment.
John became a cornerstone of Gladiators during its original ITV run from 1992 to 2000 and its 2008 revival on Sky. His no-nonsense yet fair approach earned him admiration from both fans and participants. His presence on the show wasn’t just about enforcing rules; it embodied the spirit of competition and respect.
Living in Corby, Northamptonshire, John passed away on 28 July 2024, leaving behind his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Anderson. At the time of his passing, the second series of the BBC’s Gladiators revival was being filmed in Sheffield, where a special tribute was held to honour his memory. Tributes poured in worldwide, celebrating his extraordinary life and legacy.
Beyond Gladiators, John was a highly esteemed track and field coach, revered for his dedication and expertise.
Among the athletes he coached was Judy Simpson, known to fans of the show as Nightshade, a three-time Olympic heptathlete who later became one of the show’s most formidable Gladiators. Another of his trainees was Pauline Richards, also known as Rocket. She relocated to Fife to be coached by John, who also helped her secure a place on Gladiators. Under his guidance, she represented Scotland in the heptathlon at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
Over his career, John coached more than 100 Olympians, including David Moorcroft, who shattered the world 5,000m record in 1982, and Liz McColgan, the Olympic silver medallist in the 10,000m at the 1988 Seoul Games.
David Moorcroft, one of John’s most celebrated protégés, described his mentor’s transformative influence:
“I can’t speak too highly of John. He turned water into wine. He took a shy kid who didn’t believe in himself and had that amazing ability to believe in me and others. I’m certain that I would never have been a decent athlete if it wasn’t for John.”
John Anderson’s contributions extended far beyond individual athletes. He served as the head coach for the Amateur Athletics Association of England and as the Scottish national coach. Alec Clarke, a close friend and assistant, reflected:
“He coached athletes in every corner of the world—Australia, America, Africa. His knowledge was shared globally, and he was totally selfless. He could spot raw talent from a mile away and got the very best out of people across the world.”
The Gladiators cast shared their memories, with Michael Van Wijk, known as Wolf, expressing his sadness on Instagram:
Even though everybody thought he was my nemesis on the show, actually we were the best of friends. There is no way my character on the show would have been so successful without my interactions with John. He truly made the show. I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace.
Wolf (Michael Van Wijk)
Other Gladiators, including Jet (Diane Youdale), Rebel (Jennifer Stoute), and Hunter (James Crossley), also paid tribute, remembering John as “the voice” and “the true backbone” of the show. Rhino (Mark Smith) described him as “a force of nature” with unmatched energy.
After his return to TV in 2008 as the referee for the Gladiators reboot on Sky, John continued to make his mark.
His popularity even led to the creation of an action figure in his likeness, complete with his signature whistle and stopwatch.
During this time, John recruited Shirley Addison, who appeared as Battleaxe, for the show. Shirley described him as an “absolutely phenomenal man with an iconic voice,” recounting how John had coached her father, Andrew Webb, for the Commonwealth Games in the 1970s.
She noted his extraordinary dedication and clear communication, saying, “you didn’t want to disappoint him.”
Alongside his work on the reboot, John achieved significant success coaching William Sharman, who served as a timekeeper on the revival, transforming him from a decathlete into a world-class sprint hurdler.
A statement from the GladiatorsTV.com team encapsulated the loss felt by many:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved referee, John Anderson. Our hearts go out to his friends and family. John will forever be remembered as the iconic voice that brought us ‘Contenders, Ready! Gladiators, Ready!
Paul Noddings, GladiatorsTV.com
Inducted into the Coaching Hall of Fame in 2002, John Anderson’s achievements stand as a testament to his lifelong passion for sport.
While his legacy in athletics is monumental, his role in Gladiators introduced him to a new generation, ensuring his influence transcended disciplines and generations.
The echo of his voice—firm, fair, and unforgettable—will remain a lasting symbol of his remarkable life.
For generations to come, his iconic calls of “Gladiators Ready!” will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who admired him.
