Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Siobhan Macdonald

Gladiators star Wolf looks unrecognisable as the iconic TV show is set to return

Michael Van Wijk is best known for his stint as bad guy Wolf on the iconic show Gladiators, but the star is sporting a very different look compared to his time on the show.

The 69-year-old bodybuilder skyrocketed to fame and became one of the most popular Gladiators on the programme and was well-known as a sore loser. Wolf was an iconic character known for his signature cold stare and curly brown hair, although Michael has changed a lot since his Gladiator days.

The star swapped his trademark perm for a shaved head and ditched the UK to set up a new life in New Zealand, alongside his wife Paula. The professional sportsman opened a series of gyms there following his time on Gladiators, writes the Mirror.

Michael is still dedicated to fitness and works out regularly, often posting clips on his Instagram account. His most recent post showed his huge muscles after he had completed an arm workout.

He captioned the snap: "So good to be back in training. I will be posting new content regularly now. Just finished my arm session. Got a really good pump. I really missed that feeling."

Gladiators Wolf unrecognisable after moving to New Zealand (Instagram)

Fans were loving the picture, with one person commenting: "Still an absolute legendary beast." Another said: "Still looking great wolf," while a third added: "YES! Good to see you back Wolfman!"

The star also posted a snap of himself shooting a gun, writing: "Went clay bird shooting yesterday. I was absolutely useless at hitting them as they flew through the air. If I had to shoot prey to survive I would definitely starve LOL."

Michael recently reminisced about his time on Gladiators, calling it "wonderful". Speaking to GB News, he said: "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.

"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."

The BBC recently confirmed a massive eleven part series of the iconic 90s staple. The much-loved show will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2023.

Filming will take place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023 and the BBC say further information about the series, including broadcast details will be announced, in due course.

Gladiators is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2023.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Showbiz newsletter here

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.