Gladiators referee John Anderson has reportedly left more than £400,000 in his will following his passing last year.
The Scottish sports coach turned TV personality, who died in 92 last July after a 70-year career in sports, left his eye-watering fortune to his beloved wife Dorothy.
It is understood the star left a staggering total of £411,314 including property, possessions and TV royalties from hundreds of reruns.
He signed his final will in June 2022 and appointed two pals as executors, The Sun reported. Most of his personal items, including the couple’s home in Market Hanborough, Leics, were left to his loyal wife Dororthy.
Other funds were sent to a memorial foundation to be set up in his memory, with a direction that once his wife dies, the money is used for poverty relief and community development.
John starred in the original BBC series which made its TV debut in 1992 until 2000, with a brief return in 2008. Loyal fans will know recall that the star became famous for his now infamous catchphrase, ‘Contenders ready, Gladiators ready’.
After hearing the news of his passing last year, the show’s official X/Twitter account shared a touching statement online. They wrote: “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 brough ‘Gladiators Ready! Contenders Ready!”
As well as his decorated TV career, Glaswegian-born John also trained several numerous Olympian runners including Dave Moorcroft who broke the 5000m record in 1982.
John also coached silver medallist Liz McColgan as well as Commonwealth heptathlete Judy Simpson, who would go on to appear as Gladiator Nightshade.
Paying tribute Dave told Athletics Weekly: “I can’t speak too highly of John, he turned water into wine. He would die for his athletics and he never took a step backwards.
"He was a fighter in everything he did. He coached me from the age of 16 and never took a penny. It cost him a fortune for the privilege of working for nothing.”
Meanwhile, fans rushed to social media to pay their condolences, writing: “Sad news tonight that the original Referee of Gladiators John Anderson has died. A true icon of the show and will be fondly remembered by all Gladiators Fans. RIP John and thanks for the memories.”
Another agreed: “Sad news he was the original ref of the show such a legend RIP John Anderson.” A third echoed: “RIP John Anderson to everyone one who watched you in the old gladiators and the second reboot you were a massive part of our childhood and will forever be in our hearts. Hope you have it easy wherever you are now, and keep that voice in our minds.”
