Dunfermline: Gladiators referee John Anderson dies at 92

The sports coach, who stayed in Dunfermline for many years, was best known for his role as the umpire in the original ITV show, between 1992 and 2000, and the revamped short-lived Sky series.

He also trained more than 100 Olympians, and was inducted into the Coaching Hall of Fame in 2002.

On Instagram, the official account for Gladiators shared a statement saying: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved referee, John Anderson, at the age of 92.

“Our hearts go out to his friends and family. John will forever be remembered as the iconic voice that brought us ‘Gladiators Ready! Contenders Ready!’.”

He would follow the introduction with a countdown, saying: “Three, two, one.”

The referee in the current BBC show which began earlier this year, Mark Clattenburg, said: “One of the most iconic voices and will always be remembered.

“I had the most difficult task to follow him in the new series of Gladiators and watching him keep the Gladiators within the rules will always be with me!! Rest in peace legend!!”

Anderson was also the head coach for the Amateur Athletics Association of England and Scottish national coach.

He worked with Scottish Olympic runner Liz McColgan, hurdler William Sharman, former world record holder David Moorcroft and also coached Judy Simpson, who went on to be Nightshade in Gladiators.

He coached athletes at every Olympics from 1964 to 2000.

Olympic sprinter Jennifer Stoute, who was known as Rebel on Gladiators, wrote: “He was the best. He knew how to make us laugh and get mad too. Best memories.”

Actor and bodybuilder “Rhino” Mark Smith said Anderson’s “smile, your voice and energy was second to none”.

He also wrote: “The true back bone of Gladiators. My deepest condolences to your family.”

Jane Omorogbe, who took the Gladiators’ name Rio, said: “This man literally changed my life in one simple phone call. Forever grateful.

"Thank you for believing in something I couldn’t see. Absolute legend.”