Gladiators legend Falcon, real name Bernadette Hunt, has died at the age of 59 following a brave battle with cancer, a family member has announced.
The TV star joined the iconic ITV show in its second season in 1993 and was well known amongst fans for being the “nicest” Gladiator.
She also starred on an international version of the series from 1994 to 1995 and remained an integral part of the programme until it ended in 1999.
Hunt’s passing was announced by her sister’s partner Rick Jango in a statement on Facebook posted on March 21.
Sharing photos taken of the TV athlete while on Gladiators, Mr Jango paid tribute to one of “the loveliest people” he knew.
He penned: “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.”
He added: “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 fight. RIP Bernie.”
In a later comment it was confirmed the funeral for the TV star would be a private and attended only by family.
In the years following her Gladiators fame, the mother-of-two worked as a fitness instructor in Basingstoke.
Speaking about life after the ITV series, she previously told the Basingstoke Gazette: “I’m very happy with the work I do now and am always busy.
“My time is spent as a personal trainer and with my children Adam, 23, and Angel, four.”
