Gladiators star Warren Furman has revealed he is set to become a vicar in a shock career change 28 years after he made his debut as bodybuilder Ace.
The 51-year-old star appeared on the hit show from 1996 until 2000 and was once engaged to former glamour model Katie Price. However, as the programme is set to make a comeback on BBC One next weekend, he has revealed his life is now completely different
The former construction manager has confirmed will be ordained as a Church of England cleric in London’s St Paul’s Cathedral alongside his wife Dionne, who used to work as a Virgin Airways hostess.
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Speaking to The Sun, “I’m now fighting the good fight and I’ve become a Gladiator for God. As a Gladiator I lived life to excess but my heart was quite hardened. “Something important was missing from my life but now I have found it in the Church.”
Warren hit headlines during his time on the show after speaking openly about his previous steroids and alcohol abuse and turbulent relationship with Katie. The pair dated in the 1990s and got engaged in 1997 but they called it quits after he accused the now mother of five of cheating on him.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Despite having a rollercoaster romance with Katie, Warren wishes her the best. He told the publication: “At the time we were playing games and selling stories about each other. Recently I sent a message to her parents to say, ‘I just want you to know I am sorry for my part in it. I hope you will forgive me’. Her parents came back and said, ‘We really enjoyed having you around’. It was quite heart-warming.”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for WFTV Awards)
Gladiators originally ran from 1992 to 2000 and was hosted by Ulrika Johnson and John Fashanu. The show had millions of viewers first time round and saw fighters including Michael Van Wijk, James Crossley and Kim Betts shoot to fame as Wolf, Hunter and Lightning.The Chase host Bradley Walsh and his son Barney are going to be presenting the new show, which kicks off Saturday, January 13. The tough competition will see civilians compete against bodybuilders and athletes, like the original series.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX)
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The 11-episode series will see the return of fan-favourite challenges such as the Eliminator, Duel and Hang Tough. The full line-up – and their impressive costumes – has already been unveiled. They were seen together for the first time against a pink and blue blackdrop, and it’s safe to say all of them looked absolutely ripped and ready to rumble.
The cast were seen flexing their muscles and showing off their toned physique in their skintight costumes. The new Gladiators include Bionic, Legend, Electro, Fire, Diamond, Nitro, Giant, Steel, Apollo, Comet, Viper, Athena, Fury, Sabre, Dynamite and Phantom.
Gladiators kicks off on BBC One on Saturday, January 13 at 5.50pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
