Gladiators legend Falcon dead at 59 – Cause of Death

“She had been battling cancer for a number of years until sadly she lost he fight. RIP Bernie.”

He confirmed in a comment response to a tribute that the funeral would be private and family only.

The tributes for the show legend began to pour in, with her sister Carol writing, “My beautiful sister was the best kind of human being on this earth.”

Suzanne Cox, better known as Vogue, also expressed her sympathies online, writing with a weeping emoji, “I found out a few days ago.”

Another added: “I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it hadn’t been for Bernie. It was she who convinced me to do my training to become an aerobic instructor in her days before Gladiators and had the pleasure of working with her at Basingstoke Sports Centre. She was the loveliest of ladies, a beautiful soul with the biggest heart and smile. My thoughts are with her family.”

“Oh lovely Bernie… I’m so sorry to hear this… I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with her in our local village pub in the early 90s. Never a happier smilier soul I have met. Sending huge condolences and much love. Rest well Bernie,” penned a third.

Someone else shared: “Oh I’m so sad to hear this. Bernie was just the loveliest person. So warm and friendly. Please send my love and condolences to the family. Xx.”

Falcon was regarded as the friendliest of the Gladiators by supporters, always present to applaud winners and losers alike.

She was a solid all-arounder on the program, capable of handling any exercise that was tossed at her – but it required a strong competitor to take on her.

Throughout her tenure on the program, Falcon competed in events such as Joust, Powerball, and Tilt.

Bernadette appeared as Falcon on two seasons of International Gladiators, as a reserve in The Ashes 2, and in three live performances in addition to the main programme.

Bernadette chose a life away from the limelight after the end of Gladiators, working as a fitness teacher at Basingstoke Sports Centre.