Gladiators Jet star Diane Youdale has revealed leaving the show was a "no-brainer" as she put her priorities in order.
The original Gladiator appeared on the programme for four years between 1992 and 1996, until she suffered a horrific fall which almost resulted in breaking her neck. But despite loving her time on the BBC programme, Diane, now 53, explained that she believes it was the right decision.
Diane fell from a giant pyramid on the programme and landed awkwardly on her neck after she appeared to have her contender in a rugby tackle during the untelevised scene in front of a live audience at the Old Wembley Stadium.
Speaking to the Mirror on behalf of ICE 36, Diane said: "It was a no-brainer for me because at the time, I'd not long got married and I'm a big walker, I still am. Just my backpack, my walking boots, my then dog and then-husband, or anybody else who I could bribe to walk with me.
"I just thought in terms of an order of priority and because I'd always wanted to study psychotherapy and psychology, I just thought after four and a half years. To me, when a show comes out, the first three to four years to me are really powerful – and then it can go off."
She added: "I sat there recovering at home, I'd compressed my cervical vertebrae had it been worse, it would have been a neck break. I thought 'I've had a warning', the pyramid is a tough, tough game – it's basically vertical rugby at speed! It's going to be good tough. It makes good camera play.
"I just thought, it's time, I'd done the first four and a half years, I can save some pennies and go to university and do what I always wanted to do since I was a kid – it worked well for me."
Speaking of her reaction following the news that the show would be returning later this year, Diane explained: "Initially, I was like 'Oh my God, that's ambitious' - that's a big machine to put together.
"I just hope the Glads are going to be amazing because you've got to be really good because your contenders will be even better. We've got Olympians, international athletes and people still at the top of their game – I've been getting some feedback and it looks amazing, I feel really good about it."
Diane, a true northerner admitted she felt "proud" that the show was being filmed at Sheffield's Utilita Arena in South Yorkshire before adding: "Looking at some of the stills and the tiny bit of footage which I've been allowed to see, it looks like Sheffield is even bigger and the lighting design is even better.
"I'm really excited because I'd sort of blacked it out a little bit because I've got a job on at the moment but I'm going to really get into it."
The 11-part series will see a new generation of "superhuman Gladiators" compete against a brave set of contenders in the test of speed and strength.
Competitors from the general public will take part in several brand new games alongside classic challenges including fan favourites Duel, Hang Tough and The Eliminator - the gruelling obstacle course.
Although the BBC has not yet confirmed a return date, it's believed that Gladiators will be back on screens later this year.
