Gladiators presenters Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh have received a lot of backlash from BBC viewers about their presenting skills on the show – but John Fashanu has clapped back at the claims.
Fashanu presented Gladiators alongside Ulrika Jonsson for five years from 1992 and saw a staggering success with the audience and viewers.
When it was announced that the Walsh’s were picked up to host the reboot of the series, many took issue with the choice leaving a nepotism row to break out.
Throughout the series, fans attention has been locked on the presenting duo, with one X viewer slamming: "Sorry but Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh are just too cringe.
"Bradley Walsh wasn't the right sort of fit for a younger audience show like this - him wandering around in a suit looking confused isn't funny. And Barney Walsh is about as funny and interesting as glue #Gladiators."
A second agreed: "#Gladiators Every time Barney appears on screen he is so wooden he looks like a thunderbird puppet."
John Fashanu has claimed Bradley and Barney need time
BBC
"#Gladiators I love Bradley Walsh but for me, Barney isn’t working, he’s not a natural presenter, he looks out of his depth. I feel this is nepotism at its finest," a third weighed in.
Another noted: "This presenter is an outstanding example of nepotism. How do they get away with this? The only thing that puts me off this show. #Gladiators." (sic)
Fashanu recently spoke to GB News on behalf of luckyblock.com and admitted he felt like the duo needed to be given a chance before comment could be passed on their presenting skills.
He said: "Let’s give them credit where it is due, it is too early yet to predict or actually say whether they have been good or not.
John and Ulrika presented together from 1992 to 1997
BBC
"They are just starting off, father and son, it is a new one to me but let’s give them some time before we scream and shout and say no.
"They do know that there are a lot of other people that would love to do the show but for now let’s let them do it, let’s let them go."
As well as the scrutiny which the father and son duo have been under, the show was also slammed for its costumes and not having any cheerleaders.
When asked if he thought the show had gone woke, Fashanu agreed: "Oh definitely! Definitely! This is not gladiators! The dress which everybody wore was agreed that everyone would wear the same thing, that was part of the fun of the show!
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John gave his verdict on Bradley and Barney as hosts
BBC/ITV
"That was why at one stage we were getting 18 million viewers globally, that is crazy! So I do think that is a small problem!
"I think that it is not quite the same as what it was before, but then of course, if it is not going to change in our time then it must be a problem."