7:05PM, Jul 14, 2009
Media personality and former England international Ian Wright needs little introduction. As a footballer, Ian played for Crystal Palace, Arsenal, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, Burnley and England. During his celebrated career, he gained 33 England caps, and until 2006 was Arsenal's highest ever goalscorer.
Wrighty made his television debut in January 1998 with his own chat show, Friday Night's All Wright on ITV. Retiring from football in 2000, Ian presented Friends Like These for BBC, followed by This Is My Moment for Granada, Sing It Your Way for Carlton and An Audience with Lennox Lewis for LWT. In 2003, Ian returned to the BBC to present The National Lottery Wright Ticket, followed by Wright Around the World and What Kids Really Think.
Ian was one of BBC Sport's regular and popular football pundits, appearing on live matches for the FA Cup, England internationals and major tournaments including Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.
In 2005, Ian competed in Sky1's All Star Cup and last year he presented Premier League All Stars with Helen Chamberlain for Sky1.
Ian presents the drive-time show on talkSport four days a week and in 2000 he was awarded the MBE for his contribution to sport.
An Interview with Ian Wright
Why do you think Gladiators has been such a success?
It's a classic. The show is good, old-fashioned, wholesome fun that actually involves people having to do something to be rewarded and it showcases talent, fitness and determination. There's no age limit either. Dads can watch for the lovely ladies, mums can appreciate the flesh on show and, for children, it makes a positive change from certain things that they're playing on their video games or the films that they're watching. I find it very inspiring for kids. You have to take your hat off to Sky1 for taking on a massive, iconic show and doing such a good job with it.
What can we expect for season two?
Believe it or not, the Gladiators are even more pumped up and ready to go. And, obviously, we've got all the new guys, who are determined to prove themselves. The Contenders are going to have to be tough this series. Sky1 has upped the ante with three new games as well: Pursuit, Rocketball and Suspension Bridge. In terms of the old events, there's been a major lockdown, with the introduction of a tougher points system. The show is constantly evolving.
Are you looking forward to working with Caroline Flack?
Definitely. It's going to be a lot of fun. Caroline knows what I'm about, so I'm sure we'll make a great team. I've given her a few words of advice too. Gladiators means a lot to people and it can get emotional and serious, but I keep telling the Flack that she just needs to let herself go and have fun with it.
How do you feel about the Big Bad Wolf's return to his former hunting ground?
Wolf is an amazing addition to the show; a major coup. He's a Gladiators legend and everybody loves him. Wolf's a spontaneous character who doesn't like to be kept on a leash, so I'm just going to let him do his thing. Expect plenty of off-the-cuff antics.
What do you bring to the show?
At the end of the day, I'm just a fan who has found himself in pole position. I religiously watched Gladiators and feel privileged to be a part of it. I think I bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I just burst into the studio, deliver a good line, see a good game and have fun with the Gladiators, the Contenders and the crowd. It's a great presenting job.
Do you have any desire to don the spandex and go up against the Gladiators?
I have absolutely no issue with the spandex part, the problem is the prospect of being completely battered. I mean, who am I going to go up against? I wouldn't even want to go up against the girls!
What event would you like to try your hand at and why?
Out of the new ones, it'd have to be Rocketball, which is brilliant. And you always fancy yourself at Duel, because it's so iconic and promises a good battle. That's why I envy the Gladiators so much!
Describe Gladiators in three words
Adrenaline-pumped action.
