Gladiators' Wolf is ready to watch son Dean Van Wijk on 2023 reboot trends now
His father Michael Van Wijk made a name for himself as Wolf when he starred on eight seasons of Gladiators.
But, after his Michaels's run from 1992 to 2000, his son Dean, 34, is aiming to follow in his 70-year-old father's footsteps when the gameshow makes a comeback next year having applied for the reboot - and he's even planning on going by the name of Wolf Cub.
'I’ve always wanted to wear Lycra and chase people around,' Dean told The Sun. While Michael added: 'I believe he can take the contenders to shreds like I used to.'
Family affair: Dean Van Wijk (pictured) is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father Michael, who rose to fame as Gladiators' Wolf, on the gameshow's 2023 reboot
In its heyday, the programme attracted 13 million viewers, with he popular 90s TV show seeing members of the public battle it out against a cast of bodybuilders and gymnasts, known as Gladiators.
And while fitness fanatic Dean is confident he can take on the challenge, he knows he's got big boots to fill when it comes to matching up to his father.
'It’s a bit daunting to think about, he explained. 'Especially because he was the number one with his character.
Fighting fit: Michael appeared as Wolf on the show on eight series from 1992 to 2000 (pictured in 1992)
'But I’m up for it. I can’t be exactly the same as him but I will try bringing something else to the show.'
Dean said he got a taste for appearing on the show when he was a child after his father made him a mini lycra costume to match Wolf's which Michael carried him on his shoulders around Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena where the programme was filmed.
However, whether Dean will make it onto the show remains to be seen as the cast is yet to be announced and tens of thousands of aspiring Gladiators are said to have tried out.
Aspirations: Dean, who has not yet been confirmed as one of the cast but has applied for the reboot, said: 'I’ve always wanted to wear Lycra and chase people around'
The BBC confirmed this summer that the show will make a comeback with an 11-episode series and will be welcoming a new generation of 'superhumans' who will compete against contestants in the 'ultimate test of speed and strength'.
The programme, originally hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu, will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and feature a host of new games alongside the classic challenges that long-time fans will know and love.
Each show will end with the ultimate fan favourite challenge -
