Gladiators

Gladiators (1995–96) was a strength and fitness challenge game show, hosted in its first season by Aaron Pedersen and Kimberley Joseph.

Each week, 4 challengers – 2 male and 2 female – competed against the Gladiators in a series of 'survival of the fittest' style events.

The games were designed to test the strength, stamina, skills and athleticism of the Gladiators and their challengers.

The team of Gladiators included Hammer (Mark McGaw), Cougar (Ashley Buck), Condor (Alistair Gibb), Taipan (Michael Melksham), Fury (Julie Melksham), Rebel (Barbara Kendell), Delta (Karyn Lenehan), Cheeta (Nicky Davico), Vulcan (John Seru), Storm (Charlene Symonds), Flame (Linda Byrnes), Blade (Bev Carter), Tower (Ron Reeve) and Force (John Gergelifi).

Aaron Pedersen, an Arrernte-Arabana man, and Kimberley Joseph, who was born in the Cook Islands, were genuine co-hosts on Gladiators. It made for a refreshing change from the traditional game show format of male host and female assistant. 

Pedersen became a film and TV star and AACTA award-winning actor who originated the role of Detective Jay Swan in the film and TV series Mystery Road (2013, 2018–2020) and film sequel Goldstone (2016).

Mike Hammond took over from Pedersen as co-host for seasons 2 and 3. 

This clip is from the first episode, which aired in April 1995.