What the Gladiators stars really earned: Shadow reveals what the cast got paid for 14-HOUR days and weeks of training

As a lifestyle expert with a keen eye for the intricacies of celebrity careers, I must say that the tale of Gladiators star Shadow, Jefferson King, is both inspiring and disheartening. On one hand, it’s impressive to see how he turned himself into an overnight sensation without reaping the full benefits of his success – a common story in the world of entertainment. The sheer determination and resilience required to keep going despite the meager paycheck is truly commendable.

In the first series, it was disclosed that the stars of Gladiators received only £500 per episode.

1992 marked the debut of the BBC show, which instantly captivated audiences, attracting as many as 20 million viewers every week.

However, even though the TV series turned his fellow bodybuilders into instant celebrities, Jefferson King, known by his stage name Shadow, disclosed that he didn’t receive any share of merchandise or royalties when he joined the program.

It’s worth mentioning that while the U.S. edition earned ongoing income from the series, his payment was a one-time fee per episode. However, he had the potential to make significantly more through numerous appearances in different parts of the country.

During an episode of the Anything Goes With James English podcast, Shadow mentioned that a multitude of individuals across the nation had applied for the position in question. Eventually, the decision-makers chose a total of twelve individuals – six males and six females – for the primary team.

As a seasoned lifestyle guide, allow me to share an intriguing journey I embarked upon with a captivating television program. In its inaugural run, I had no grand expectations, pocketing a modest £500 for each episode. However, it wasn’t until the second season that the show truly took flight, and the magnitude of its potential became strikingly clear to all involved.

‘The Americans, they get repeat fees from every state that shows it, they get merchandise rights. 

For each performance, we receive a fixed payment. There’s an opportunity to make between £2,000 and £3,000 monthly by setting up stores, conducting signings, and similar activities; however, it’s important to note that we do not have merchandise rights or any additional fees for repeat performances.

Inquired about whether he had ever expressed dissatisfaction regarding his salary, considering it equates to approximately £1,071 after accounting for inflation, Shadow responded: ‘During the first year, since there were so many people auditioning for the show, and if one wasn’t content with the contract, then they simply wouldn’t agree to it.’

As a die-hard fan, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this job opportunity for quite some time. In what felt like a significant leap, they bumped up the pay to £750 per show after two years. Yet, even with that increase, it couldn’t compare to the allure and remuneration of the American equivalent.

Apart from mentioning that they performed before 1,000 spectators in a makeshift venue, they also showcased their talents at the National Exhibition Center (NEC), where over 10,000 people attended each performance, twice daily. In other words, it was quite a spectacle!

He subsequently disclosed that he along with the entire Gladiators team were preparing to put in 14-hour workdays, and had been training for two weeks on the equipment before each season started.

Two years ago, I found myself unexpectedly departing from the show, due to allegations that I had used cocaine at a London nightclub.

According to the programme maker, however, he left because he tested positive for steroids.

It’s said that the king began using cocaine at the age of 14 following his move to New York, and his drug dependency grew more severe after he separated from his spouse – following his dismissal from the popular ITV program.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’d rephrase that situation like this: To sustain my unhealthy habits, I found myself borrowing money from loved ones and unfortunately, I resorted to illegal activities.

Back in 2015, he shared that he successfully changed his life’s trajectory. However, at the age of 60, six years later, he confessed to being involved in a drug-induced extortion scheme.

For a period of six years and three months, he received imprisonment, following his request for a thousand pounds from the family of a man aged 40, who had been kidnapped.

At some point, it was claimed that King supposedly instructed one of his fellow defendants to retrieve a hammer in order to fracture his legs, following an attempt by the victim, Aaron Ali, to escape.

The individuals known as Simon Batson, Donna Harman, and Otis Noel were likewise convicted for their part in the scheme where Ali was detained for approximately six and a half hours.

Following the disclosure of her passing at 59 in March 2023, it’s been discovered that Gladiators star Falcon had bequeathed a substantial amount in her last will and testament.

Star Bernadette Hunt, who had been fighting cancer for quite some time, sadly succumbed to the disease.

Beginning in the second season of the renowned show back in 1993, a star became an essential component, continuing as such throughout the entire run of the program until it concluded.

It has been disclosed by The Sun that she bequeathed approximately £300,000 to her relatives through her will.

Bernadette’s estate originally amounted to £444,000, but after paying off debts and covering expenses, it was eventually valued at £293,000.

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2024-10-31 15:36