Bernadette Hunt, better known as Falcon from the iconic TV show Gladiators, left a substantial sum to her family in her will after tragically passing away from cancer in 2023 at the age of 59.
The exact amount she bequeathed has now been disclosed. The formidable competitor left a total in the hundreds of thousands for her son and daughter.
After debts and costs were deducted from Bernadette’s estate of £444,000, it was reduced to £293,000, according to probate documents viewed by The Sun.
As a result, her children, Adam and Angel, received nearly £300,000 from her will. The beloved 90s TV show Gladiators made a comeback last year in a rebooted format, three decades after its initial debut.
However, just weeks before filming was set to commence, Bernadette, fondly remembered as Falcon, sadly succumbed to her battle with cancer. She had featured in every series until its eventual cancellation, and her absence has undoubtedly left a significant void for viewers everywhere.
In the renowned show, members of the public were pitted against a team of ‘gladiators’, comprised of bodybuilders and gymnasts, in a variety of challenges. Regularly attracting over 14 million viewers, the original cast quickly became household names, catapulting stars like stern referee John Anderson and hosts Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu to fame, reports OK!.
Bernadette Hunt, best known as Falcon from the popular 90s TV show Gladiators, has sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Her death was announced by Rick Jango, the partner of her older sister, in an emotional Facebook post, which read: “It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of the death of my partner’s younger sister Bernadette Hunt. Most people will remember her as Falcon From the hit TV Show Gladiators.”
He continued: “I had the privilege to be in her company a few times and I have to say she was one of the most lovely people I have ever met. She never had a bad word to say about anyone, indeed she was always known a the nicest ‘Gladiator’, always stopping to speak and sign autographs for anyone. She had been battling cancer for a number of years until sadly she lost he fight R.I.P. Bernie.”
During her time on Gladiators, Bernadette also appeared on International Gladiators from 1994 to 1995 and took part in three live shows, competing in events such as Joust, Powerball, and Tilt.
Her theme song was Queen’s hit track Breakthru, and she gained a huge following, with many fans regarding her as the ‘nicest Gladiator’. Before joining the show, Bernadette, who was from Brighton, trained as a ballerina and aerobics teacher.
At 18, she was accepted into the London Contemporary Ballet School, but a back injury forced her to abandon her ballet ambitions. She first entered the competitive scene in 1992, winning the Miss Natural Health title.
Over the years, she also claimed the titles of Miss Novice Britain, Miss London and Home Countries 1992, and Miss South Britain. After her departure from Gladiators in 1999, following the eighth series, Bernadette began a career as a personal trainer in Basingstoke.
The sad news of Bernadette’s death was announced on 31 March. She leaves behind her partner Mark and their two children, Angel and Adam.
Gladiators airs Saturday at 5:50pm on BBC One