Gladiators’ Saracen appeared on all eight series of the hit ITV show – but also had another surprising career at the same time.
Michael Lewis – better known as the one and only Saracen – became a Gladiator in 1992 and was one of the few who starred in every series until it ended in 2000.
But despite the gruelling challenges and demanding role of a gladiator, the 58-year-old was able to continue his job as a firefighter which he landed seven years prior to the show.
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In an exclusive chat with Daily Star, the TV icon revealed that despite the show’s hectic filming schedule, he was still able to do both jobs.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
He explained: “I was a bodybuilder but I joined the fire service in 1985 and retired in 2015.”
Saracen continued: “So I did that the whole way through and it was lucky because with the way we filmed the show, we were filming two shows back to back and sometimes three in one day, so it meant because it was all so close together, I was able to do Gladiators but also keep my job in the fire service as well.
“It was a lot of work and long hours. I felt like I was working nine days a week sometimes!” he added.
Being one of the few gladiators that remained for the show’s entire run, Saracen became a firm fan-favourite and remains one of the most iconic members of the series.
Reflecting on the show’s end in 2000, the former firefighter explained that he would’ve continued being a gladiator “forever” had the show not been axed.
He explained: “They say everything has to come to an end because everything goes round in circles, but I never would’ve stopped being a gladiator.”
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“Maybe it was good that it did end when it did, because I would’ve carried on forever,” he added.
It was announced last month that the hit show will be making a triumphant return to screens after 22 years off air.
Speaking about a possible return, Saracen explained that while some of the original Gladiators might be past it, they shouldn’t be written off.
He said: “Now I’m not saying that Saracen could take on all these new young bodybuilders that will no doubt be wanting to join the new show, because all these people will be young and fit and some of us might be past it, but what they have to remember is, there’s only one Saracen.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
