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 shock amount she bequeathed has now been disclosed. The formidable gladiator honoured her son and daughter with a total sum running into hundreds of thousands of pounds. After debts and costs were deducted, Bernadette's estate amounted to £293,000 from an original £444,000, according to probate documents viewed by The Sun, meaning her children, Adam and Angel, received nearly £300,000 from her will.
The beloved 90s TV show Gladiators made a comeback last year, 30 years 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. On the legendary 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 superstardom, reports OK!. Rick Jango, the partner of Bernadette's older sister, broke the sad news of her passing in a heartfelt Facebook post. The emotional announcement 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.".
Rick went on to say: "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 as 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 her fight R.I.P. Bernie.".
During her stint on Gladiators, Bernadette also featured on International Gladiators between 1994 and 1995, and participated in three live shows. She mainly competed in events such as Joust, Powerball and Tilt. The popular Queen track Breakthru was her theme while she was on the show and she had a massive fanbase, with many Gladiators fans dubbing her the 'nicest Gladiator'. Before joining the TV show, Brighton-born Bernadette trained as a ballerina and an aerobics teacher. At 18, she was accepted into the London Contemporary Ballet School but a back injury halted her ballet plans.
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 transitioned into 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.
