Former Gladiators star Wolf, 70, ‘knocked out in first round of Netflix’s real-life Squid Game’-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Wolf was reportedly eliminated after the first round of the new competition (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

Former Gladiators star Michael ‘Wolf’ Van Wijk is reported to have been knocked out in the first round of Netflix’s reality-spin of Squid Game.

Following the popularity of the thrilling South Korean drama – which followed a literal fight to the death – Netflix announced a reality series spin-off was in the works.

The programme, titled Squid Game: The Challenge, was described by the firm as ‘the biggest reality competition ever’, with the application announcement revealing that 456 players would compete for a prize of $4.56million (£3.7million).

Bodybuilder Wolf, 70, who rose to fame on BBC competition Gladiators is believed to have been eliminated in the first round of the competition, after being flown from his home in New Zealand to filming studios in Bedford.

A source revealed: ‘He was a really nice guy, it’s a shame he was taken out in the first round but he seemed in good spirits.’

The insider added to The Sun: ‘It just shows you how hard the competition was. If he found it hard what hope was there for any one else?’

‘If he found it hard what hope was there for any one else?’ (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

The 70-year-old was competing for a prize of $4.56million (£3.7million) (Picture: Fabio De Paola/REX)

Wolf appeared on Gladiators between 1992 and 2000, where he would compete on a team with other gymnasts and bodybuilders against members of the public.

This comes after the Gladiators revival has been confirmed, as the popular sports game show is making a return to our screens.

It’s expected to be shot in Sheffield Arena next year, meaning there is likely to be an opportunity for the public to go and watch all the fun take place. 

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The ITV series became quite the live TV event and attracted over 14 million viewers at its peak between 1992 and 2000.

In 2008, Gladiators was later revived on Sky One for two series, including three special episodes that pitted the new Gladiators against the original Gladiator Legends.

The show has enjoyed various spin-offs, in countries such as Australia, the USA, Finland and South Africa.

Metro.co.uk has approached Netflix for comment.

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