''MTN Gladiators'' was a
game show produced by
MTN for
SABC3
SABC 3 (stylised as S3) is a South African free-to-air public television network owned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). It carries programming in English and, few in other South African languages. It has a number of its own re ...
in
South Africa from 1999 to 2001. Following South Africa's initial participation in the second
''International Gladiators'' and the first
''Springbok Challenge'' 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.
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
The Ellis Park Arena (formerly Standard Bank Arena and often acknowledged as Ellis Park Indoor Arena) is an indoor sporting arena located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The capacity of the arena is 5,000 people. A large number of sports events ...
,
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
Cyril John Mitchley (born 4 July 1938) is a South African former cricket player, umpire and match referee. As an umpire he officiated in first-class and Test cricket matches.
Playing career
During the late 1960s he played for Transvaal as a wi ...
(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
References
External links
''Dispatch Online''- Gladiator fans, are you ready?
''TamyFoxBaker''- Former Gladiator FOX's own website.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mtn Gladiators
1999 South African television series debuts
2001 South African television series endings
South African game shows
Gladiators (franchise)
1990s South African television series
2000s South African television series