Former Gladiator and Basingstoke resident Bernadette Hunt, better known as Falcon, has died at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer, it has been announced.

Her death was announced by Rick Jango, the partner of Falcon's sister, through a Facebook group.

A tribute to the Gladiators legend posted on Facebook read: "It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of my partner's younger sister Bernadette Hunt.

"Most people will remember her as Falcon from the hit TV Show Gladiators."

The fan-favourite from Basingstoke was one of the most popular Gladiators and was on the ITV show for seven series until it ended in 1999.

READ MORE: Falcon perches at home

She was known for being an all-rounder, able to turn her hand to any of the gruelling events, whether she was armed with a pugil stick in Duel or traversing the rings of Hang Tough.

Basingstoke Gazette: Bernadette as FalconBernadette as Falcon (Image: Contributed)

Bernadette’s career could have taken a very different path as she was first accepted into the London Contemporary Ballet School when she was 18.

But her hopes of becoming a dancer were killed when she suffered a back injury.

She later took on bodybuilding and became Miss Natural Health in 1992.

Bernadette went on to win other titles including Miss Novice Britain, Miss London and Home Countries 1992 and Miss South Britain, before joining Gladiators.

Basingstoke Gazette: Gladiator Falcon working out with a club during a crime awareness day held in Southampton in May 1994Gladiator Falcon working out with a club during a crime awareness day held in Southampton in May 1994 (Image: Contributed)

When Gladiators returned to television screens in 2008, Bernadette spoke to The Gazette and shared her excitement.

She said: "I'm very excited at the prospect of seeing the show back on air and I'm sure it will bring back some memories.

"I can remember when I auditioned and having no idea it would go on to become such a success. I first had an inkling when my son said, Mummy, I like Gladiators. If you get on, it would be brilliant.'"

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Bernadette sailed through the auditions and joined the show in 1993 for the start of the second series.

She became renowned for being the show's nicest character, always willing to sign autographs and shake competitors' hands, even if she had lost.

After hanging up her leotard, she visited a number of schools to promote healthy living and carried out promotional work for charity.