ULRIKA JONSSON I loved working on Gladiators – but staff at the hotel complained about all the bed-hopping
ULRIKA Jonsson started her career as a weather presenter on TV-AM, but she soon hit the big time as the face of Gladiators.
As the BBC is set to bring back the beloved format, the former face of the gameshow has reflected on her time hosting the hit programme.
In an exclusive sit down with The Sun, Ulrika, 56, made some stark revelations about when Gladiators first launched back in 1992.
The TV personality admitted that the gladiators were reprimanded by bosses due to their ‘bed-hopping’ in the hotel.
She told The Sun: “During filming in Birmingham, they were all housed on one floor of the hotel we all lived in, and at the start of that first series there was a lot of bed-hopping.
“It was bad enough for the producer and director to give them a reprimand.”
The blonde beauty also admitted that hosting the show was a challenge for her, as she hinted that she was taken outside her comfort zone.
“For me, personally, it was a massive change from doing the weather,” Ulrika admitted.
“my training in live presenting stood me in good stead as the shows were recorded live.
“I was initially made to wear a low-cut leotard, tight black leggings and heeled ankle boots.
“I hated the outfit because I felt exposed and vulnerable but in those days you weren’t really able to express an opinion, so I put up and shut up.”
The star also admitted that the show helped her get through some tough times in her personal life.
She explained: “I have really fond memories of all those years of filming. The show saw me through a lot of personal highs and lows — it was as if each year brought a new and different version of me.
“It really was a unifying show that brought families together, in fact, the cast and crew became my family over the years. You can’t say that about many shows.
“I couldn’t help but feel that I was part of something really special when we filmed the first series.”
However, despite being a major – and popular – part of the programme, Ulrika admitted that she was made to ‘fight’ to remain a part of the series due to her personal life.
“I was pregnant during the filming of the third series,” she said.
“I’d had to fight really hard to keep my role as presenter because they weren’t keen on taking the risk of having a pregnant woman on set.
“In the end, the compromise was that they employed a midwife who accompanied me everywhere for the duration of the recording.”
Even though she has not been asked to return for the new reboot on the BBC, she only has good wishes for the new production.
“I wish the show well,” Ulrika gushed.
“It’s a big blast of fun for a Saturday night — like the good old days of family telly.
“Because the key to the original’s huge success was that it was entertainment for the whole family.”
“I think Bradley Walsh is a brilliant, safe pair of hands when it comes to hosting the new version.”
“He’s funny and cheeky and is perfect for the role. Barney also did a good job — although he did look a tad nervous in that first episode.”
She jokingly added: “But then he has got huge shoes to fill . . .”