Gladiators legend Falcon dies aged 59

'Gladiators' legend Falcon has died aged 59.

The star, whose real name was Bernadette Hunt, passed away after battling cancer for "a number of years".

Rick Jango - the partner of Bernadette's sister - wrote on Facebook: "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.

"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 a 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 R.I.P. Bernie (sic)"

Bernadette joined 'Gladiators' as Falcon in the show's second series in 1993, and she remained on the programme until series eight in 1999.

She also starred on 'International Gladiators' between 1994 and 1995.

Following her time on 'Gladiators', Bernadette trained as a fitness instructor.

'Gladiators' made household names of the titular competitors, who included Falcon, Jet (Diane Youdale), Wolf (Michael Van Wijk), Cobra (Michael Willson) and Lightning (Kim Betts) among many others, and was presented by likes of Ulrika Jonsson, John Fashanu and Jeremy Guscott.

The show aired on ITV from 1992 until 2000, but the BBC have since confirmed they are reviving the show.

Speaking in August, Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC, said: "'Gladiators' is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other.

"Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out!"

In 2008, the show was resurrected for two seasons on Sky One, including three episodes that saw the new generation of Gladiators go up against some of the original line-up.

International editions have also sprung up in countries such as Australia, the United States, Finland and South Africa.