INTRODUCTION
Rocket (Pauline Richards) recently spoke to the Gladiators Zone during a break in the filming of the Gladiators: The Legends Return. Here is what she had to say...
INTERVIEW
Q: "How did it feel to return to Gladiators 10 years later as Rocket? Would you have liked to have returned to the new show permanently?"
Rocket: "Coming back to the show was a difficult one. I didn't really fancy all the attention again as the first experience was not so enjoyable for me. I was flattered to be asked, especially because I was not a second choice and they approached me first after reflection so that made my choice easier. As far as returning back to the new Gladiators format... No! I don't think they will ever really upstage the original, it's like trying to replicate a first time experience, it is just not the same."
Q: "What did you think of the new Gladiators show/team? Did anyone in particular impress you?"
Rocket: "They were all nice guys, honestly. They even let me crash in the green room which they rightly own. Oblivion and Tornado are funny! But all in all they are all nice. Improvement I think comes with experience, and these guys, like me, are just fitting into their shoes. Given time I am sure you will see them improve."
Q: "How do you think the new Gladiators show compares to the original? Which did you prefer - classic or new?"
Rocket: "I prefer the old series mainly because everything was bigger and better thought out from a live audience point of view. There was a lot more to see and do for the audience, and that is really what matters, especially when viewing figures are concerned."
Q: "Was there any backstage rivalry between the Legends and the new team of Gladiators?"
Rocket: "That would be telling! But honestly, never! They are a great bunch."
Q: "How did you feel reuniting with your fellow team mates? What was it like seeing your coach John Anderson back as referee?"
Rocket: "Seeing them all, for me, felt like a second chance to get to know them as some I had never met. John was the same as always, as he coached me to the Commonwealth Games, so we had a close relationship from that point of view."
Q: "You never competed as a Gladiator alongside Flame and Trojan, how did you get along with them? Was it good meeting up with the rest of the Legends that didn't take part such as Jet, Zodiac and Panther?"
Rocket: "I always wanted to meet Zodiac, that was ace, excuse the expression! They did not disappoint. Trojan was fantastic, he was always up for a laugh, I loved that in him. Jet was beautiful and so warming to chat too. Panther I never really had much interaction with as it was a case of passing ships in the night."
Q: "Do you have any memorable moments or experiences from all of your years with the Gladiators that really sticks out in your mind?"
Rocket: "Yes, when Ace made me run out to a full capacity crowd, when it wasn't my name that was called out. I could have died! I look back now and it's funny as hell! I would say he is one, if not my favourite male Gladiator, he is always up for a laugh."
Q: "Were you gutted that you had to leave the Gladiators show so prematurely after such a highly successful debut season to compete 1998 Commonwealth Games? Was it the right choice looking back?"
Rocket: "Totally! You cannot compare the experience, but I suppose me and John always knew the Glads was always a short venture to get me to my goal on the track. I was training inbetween filming and it all was too much. I spent years preparing to reach my first major sport event so it made sense. No regrets!"
Q: "After Gladiators you went on to star in the Ridley Scott film 'Gladiator' alongside Rio and Rebel, what was it like filming for a movie? What was it like filming with Oliver Reed?"
Rocket: "That was weird. My agent David got me that role. I didn't even audition as he had good connections with the director Ridley Scott. I saw Rio going into audition when I went for fitting, she had found out through Diesel, he never made it. Rebel came in later when the third stunt girl never showed and Rio had recommended her.
Working with Oliver Reed was something you could only dream of, also because l loved him in Oliver! My best memory was my invitation to sit with him and the late Richard Harris and all the other lead stars including Russell at dinner. Please, I felt like a total fan then, we are talking Hollywood A-list here."
Q: "If you could Duel against anyone in the world and give them a good 'Rocket bashing', who would it be and why?"
Rocket: "Well, sorry to be boring, but I dislike no one really, so it would be more a case of who would be enjoyable to Duel. It would have to be Nightshade, just for the scary experience."
Q: "What was your favourite and least favourite Events during the classic and new series? Which ones did you enjoy competing in and which did you find difficult?"
Rocket: "My favourite game was Pendulum and my worst I would have to say was Hang Tough. I was so bad at it."
Q: "Who did you get on best with during your time with Gladiators (old and new team)?"
Rocket: "From the old series it was Saracen, and the new series it was Tornado. That guy is funny!"
Q: "Do you think the name Rocket suited you? Is there anything else you would have preferred to be called?"
Rocket: "Rocket suited me for sure. The first name they came up with was Spice but it just did not mix! He he... sorry I could not help it!"
Q: "What have you been doing with yourself since you hung up your Lycra costume?"
Rocket: "I'm currently working hard to set up a boot camp abroad and I'm getting my website up and running."
Q: "Do you have a final message for all of your fans?"
Rocket: "I just want to say thank you all for remembering me and for those I never signed T-shirts for I love you all and thanks so much for your support. The Legends would never have happened without all of your support."
