Michael Van Wijk rose to fame as Wolf on the popular Gladiators TV show, with the bodybuilder claiming the new line-up will "never be as good" as the original cast.
The BBC recently confirmed a huge eleven part series of the iconic 90s show. The much-loved programme, which attracted 13 million viewers at its peak on ITV, will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2023.
Michael, 69, has now claimed the new cast will be "photocopies" and added his time on Gladiators was "wonderful".
"They’ll never be as good as us. It’s like a photocopy of the originals.
"Let me tell you it was a wonderful time in our lives. I’d done a bit of acting before Gladiators and a few people would notice you," he said in an interview with GB News on Sunday.
The bodybuilder added: "But after Gladiators it all became crazy. Even now when I get back home and come through the airport the custom’s guys put their thumbs up and everyone wants a photo.
"The recognition is still there which is nice."
After Gladiators, Michael swapped the UK for a life in New Zealand.
Speaking about the move, he said: "I visited New Zealand on holiday and thought this is a great place to bring up children. I love it.
"But it’s been a difficult year. I lost my dad, who still lives in England, to Covid last year. And about five months ago I lost my brother. It’s been horrendous."
The popular 90s TV programme saw members of the public battle it out against the show's cast of bodybuilders and gymnasts, known as Gladiators. It ran for eight series before ending in 2000.
It was confirmed last week that the classic TV series will return to screens after more than a decade off air.
The BBC will be welcoming a new generation of "superhumans" who will go head-to-head with Gladiators, in the ultimate test of speed and strength.
The revival is set to include "brand-new games alongside classic challenges, culminating at the end of each episode with fan favourite The Eliminator".
The rebooted programme will be filmed at Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023, while the new hosts have yet to be announced.
Gladiators is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2023.
