11:42AM, Dec 22, 2008
An up-and-coming television talent, Caroline Flack landed her first major gig in 2002 as a presenter on The Pepsi Chart Show, where she toured with one of her favourite bands, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Following on from this successful stint, Caroline tried her hand at DJing as part of the outfit 90210s and appeared on-screen as Michael Jackson's other half in the irreverent Channel 4 series Bo Selecta!
In 2006, Caroline fronted Channel 4's The Games and, in 2008, entered the realm of children's TV as the co-host of CBBC's TMi.
An Interview with Caroline Flack
How much of a Gladiators fan are you?
I was a diehard fan as a kid. The old series was a Saturday night necessity, the Gladiators/Blind Date combo. It was sad to see it go. But when it returned on Sky1, I was immediately drawn back in. The addition of the pool is a stroke of genius, although I'm scared that I'm going to fall in - a proposition that really isn't great when you see the dresses I'm wearing! Plus, you can never have enough spandex on television, that's what I say.
What attracted you to the project?
It ticked all the boxes. I love doing my Saturday mornings on the BBC and want to stay in family entertainment, which is what Gladiators provides on a much larger scale. It's primetime and this is where I want to stay!
Are you looking forward to working with Ian Wright?
Of course. I've only met him twice, but he seems like such a lovely guy. We've had dinner and get on really well.
Who is your favourite Gladiator and why?
Without a doubt, Wolf; he was, and is, incredible. For me, Wolf is Gladiators, he made the show. He used to scare me as a kid, but in a good way. It's like when you're terrified of spiders, but you can't help but be intrigued by them.
How do you feel about the Big Bad Wolf's return to his former hunting ground?
I'm so excited. I've met him a few times now and he's a real gentlemen. He looks amazing as well, his arms are the size of my waist. I'm not sure that he'll maintain his gentlemanly ways in the Gladiators arena though. We'll have to wait and see.
What do you bring to the show?
A lot of fun and banter. I want to get a good rapport going with Wolf. By the end, I should have him wrapped round my little finger!
Do you have any desire to don the spandex and go up against the Gladiators?
As much as I love their sparkly costumes, no. Have you seen my arms?
What event would you like to try your hand at and why?
It's not an event, but I'd love to give the Travelator a go. It's something that I've always wanted to do, it's the part of the show you look forward to the most. Anything could happen - have they got enough energy to secure victory? Are they about to be overtaken? It's nerve-wracking.
What would your Gladiator name be?
Twig Arms. It doesn't sound particularly threatening, unless you say it in a menacing tone.
Describe Gladiators in three words?
Tense, dramatic and energetic.
