Gladiators star Michael Wilson – AKA Cobra – has admitted that he was “bleeding drunk” during the filming of the 90s hit TV show.
The 55-year-old athlete, who was on the show when it began in 1992, told The Guardian: “I remember looking at The Wall and thinking, ‘I’ve got to chase this guy up it and I’m bleeding drunk.”
The show featured a final hurdle in the form of a 32-foot wall on which contestants had to climb and not get caught.
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Michael said that before joining the fan-favourite show, he “ironically never touched a drop [of alcohol].”
“We never had to drive anywhere, we had hospitality twice a day so there would be wine and booze and stuff flowing.”
He admitted that some of his co-stars didn’t take advantage of the perks given to them.
“Hunter, the swot, would be up there early in the morning, practising on the Wall. That’s why he used to catch everyone.”
Earlier this year, the former Gladiator was in hospital for a month due to needing a hip replacement.
He told The Mirror: “I’ve got a new hip. I’ve recovered really quick. I got over… well I’m still getting over pleurisy and pneumonia.
“I’m waiting on a bicep repair, I might have a new shoulder next year and in three months I’m going to get my other hip done.
“I’m now doing lots of physiotherapy. I’m been going to the gym. Keeping the muscles strong.”
This was after it had been reported that the 55-year-old had been rushed into hospital after “destroying” his body with the amount of intense exercise he was doing.
He suffered with pneumonia in both lungs, along with a chest condition that he has called pleurisy.
He also couldn’t lift his arm due to a rupture in his shoulder.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX)
However, this isn’t the first time he’s suffered with health problems.
Last year, he was hospitalised due to an severe acute pancreatitis.
He said of his health at the time: “I’m only half a Gladiator now. It’s been touch and go. I don’t feel like I’m kicking the bucket at the minute, but it will only take another cold or cough and I’m in trouble.
“I’m isolated in my own ward. It goes to show – you never know what’s round the corner.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
