Gladiators star Hunter, 52, says he was forced to ‘sign on the dole’ after spending all his earnings from iconic 90s show

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The muscleman shot to fame as Hunter on the iconic 90s series Gladiators. 

James Crossley, 52, remembers having to claim unemployment benefits after using all his money following his appearance on the show during its second season.

He got the dream job when he was only 19, and to celebrate, he took a luxurious trip to Los Angeles after filming finished but before the show first aired.

James came back to the UK with a tan after being with his co-stars Kim Betts, Diane Youdale, and Mark Griffiths – who were known as Lighting, Jet, and Trogan on the show. Despite the trip, he was still relatively unknown and had no money left.

He explained on the Remember Me? podcast that when he returned, he was broke and unable to work because he was filming Gladiators.

After filming wrapped up, I signed up for unemployment benefits for around five or six months. Then, I started getting opportunities to make public appearances.

James quickly became popular with audiences, had a relationship with show host Ulrika Jonsson, and earned money not only from his TV work but also from paid appearances at events.

After playing his famous character one last time in Sky’s 2000 remake, James has traded in his superhero costume for a focus on wellness.

He left the entertainment industry and now works as a yoga instructor and leads gong bath sessions.

Triyoga explains that gong baths are deeply restorative and promote full-body relaxation. This can lower stress levels and improve your resilience when facing challenges.

Gone are his famous locks in favour of a clean-shaven head, complete with a salt and pepper beard.

James frequently uses social media to teach yoga and demonstrate his unique gong bath methods.

After several injuries, the former strongman and world record holder decided to change his training regimen, as noted in his studio biography.

Discovering his love of healing and alternative medicine during a yoga retreat in Bali.

He’s still in incredible shape and continues to work out. He also makes appearances with other stars from Gladiators, including a recent spot on the TV show This Morning in 2022.

Ulrika and James were rumored to be dating, and though they first claimed it wasn’t true, Ulrika later wrote about their relationship in her 2003 autobiography, ‘Honest’.

They dated from 1996, with Ulrika admitting she was ‘infatuated’ with her ex-beau.

While talking with Vicky, Ulrika shared that Hunter was just 22 when they started dating, and fondly described him as a very kind and sweet person.

I dated Hunter for about a year and a half, and when we weren’t filming the show, he was a really wonderful and kind person. He was only 22 years old when we started dating, which is so young.

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2026-03-08 20:48