Ian Wright (Gladiators) Interview
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 is 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 Sky One's All Star Cup and last year he presented Premier League All Stars with Helen Chamberlain for Sky One. 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.
What are your memories of Gladiators?
John Anderson is Gladiators for me. But the show was all about the Contenders, they were always up for it and I was always rooting for them. There were some I didn't like because they were too flash, but I liked the fact that they were up against the odds.
Wolf was my man, he was the panto baddie. He and John Anderson are my main and favourite memories.
What are you most looking forward to about the show?
I'm excited for the kids, the new generation who have never seen Gladiators, and because it's coming back bigger and bolder it's going to be great and they're going to love it. It's all about the underdog, it's David and Goliath and anybody coming up against Destroyer, for instance, is going to have to overcome one very big obstacle and that's good for kids to see.
How will you handle any grumpy Gladiators?
Between me and the crowd we'll handle them. I'll tease any Gladiator who gets the hump and we'll have a lot of fun.
Do you think you'd make a good Contender?
No, I have a bad ankle! But if I could still run around and stuff I reckon I'd be all right.
Are there any events you'd like to try?
I'd like to give the Travelator a go and Duel. I loved it when there was a massive build-up to Duel and the Contender would be talking themselves up, then they'd get on the podium and it'd be over in a second with one blow from the Gladiator.
Would you like to see any of your former footballing colleagues face off against the Gladiators?
I'd like to see someone like David Seaman or Paul Ince up against the Gladiators because they're tough. Roy Keane would be good and Gazza would be fun.
How does John Anderson compare to a Premier League ref?
John's very authoritative; I think that's got something to do with being a Scotsman - when he's being forthright, you tend to listen a little bit more. I think some of the Premier League refs could take a leaf out his book to stamp their authority.
What would your Gladiator name be?
Volcano, because most of the time I just go about my business, but every so often I erupt.
