The muscleman shot to fame as Hunter on the iconic 90s series Gladiators. But James Crossley, 52, has recalled how he was forced to live off benefits for nearly six months after spending all his earnings after joining the show during its second series. Gladiators star Hunter, real name James Crossley, said he was forced to 'sign on the dole' after spending all his earnings from iconic 90s showJames soon became a hit with viewers, dated show host Ulrika Jonsson, and as well as his TV earnings was paid to make personal appearances. He turned his back on showbiz and has trained as a yoga instructor as well as a gong bath practitioner. 'Obviously I dated Hunter for about a year and a half and away from the show he was amazing and the sweetest, sweetest man,' she said.

Source: Daily Mail March 08, 2026 22:36 UTC