Gladiators legend Wolf really wants to be the next Doctor Who

Michael Van Wijk — known to literally everybody, except perhaps his kids, as Wolf from Gladiators — has another massive TV gig in his sights. He wants the keys to the TARDIS on Doctor Who.

Wolf is back in the headlines with Gladiators back on our screens for a well-received reboot, but he told the Mirror that he's a "massive" fan of the BBC's flagship sci-fi series.

Ncuti Gatwa recently stepped into the time machine for the Doctor Who Christmas special, with his first full series in the role due to air later this year. But whenever Gatwa hangs up his sonic screwdriver, 71-year-old Wolf will be ready and waiting to step up.

He said: "I would really love to be considered [for] a Doctor Who with attitude. I mean, you've already got the fanbase. It would really take off. This is me putting out to the universe; Wolf wants to be Doctor Who, when they cast again."

But that's not to say that Wolf will only be satisfied with a heroic role. He said he would also be open to playing "one of his adversaries or whatever".

We could certainly see that happening, with Wolf bringing that trademark snarl to a Whovian baddie terrifying enough to send a whole new generation into hiding behind their sofas.

Watch: Where are the original Gladiators now?

Certainly, the Gladiators 2024 line-up lacks a villain as immediately iconic as Wolf, though the quietly aggressive Viper and pouting show-off Legend are giving it their best shot.

Wolf said he'd approached the BBC about a role for himself and other original Gladiators, including maybe in a presenting capacity.

"I'd love to co-present, maybe me and Jet, or me and Hunter, or something, that'd be great. Cause we've actually taken part in the events. We can relate to the events. We can say 'oh, I know how tough that was, how did you [find it]?', rather than somebody who's never done it."

Thus far, the Gladiators reboot hasn't used any of the original personnel, but has brought back classic Gladiators events like Powerball and Duel.

Gladiators is currently airing on Saturdays on BBC One.

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