and first outing, with the 1998 programme mentioning a volleyball-style net situated between contenders and Gladiators. It was modified into the event that made it onto screen as this was deemed more exciting. Danger Zone First appearance: series 1, 1992 – heat 1 Last appearance: series 7, 1998 – quarter final 3 Contenders, one at a time, made their way across the arena whilst dodging tennis balls fired at high speed by a Gladiator. Between the start and finish were stations where the contender was shielded from the Gladiator's fire, and where they could attempt, using a projectile weapon, to hit a target above the Gladiator. Each of the stations self-destructed at ten-second intervals and their weapons were rendered unusable (a difference from the US version, named Assault, which did not have a limit). Successful shots on the target ended the game, earning the contender 10 points. However, contestants could still earn 5 points by reaching the end of the course without being hit and touching a second, lower target. Reaching the end originally scored 10 points in series 1, and was reduced to 5 points in series 2 onwards. If the contender did not hit the target above the Gladiator, they were awarded 1 bonus point for each weapon fired. If the contender was hit directly by a tennis ball (ricochets off the floor, station or weapon did not count), they were eliminated. Dogfight First appearance: series 7, 1998 – heat 1 Last appearance: series 7, 1998 – semi-final 2 Contender and Gladiator were each strapped into an airship suspended 30 feet above the arena floor. The aim was to hit the glowing chest plate on their opponent using a combat club. Two successful hits resulted in the loser being automatically released from their harness onto the safety net below. Each hit was registered by a pyro explosion. One hit from the contender earned 5 points, while sending the Gladiator flying within the 30-second time limit earned them 10. Decisions were frequently reviewed as the equipment did not always register direct hits. The event's signature tune was "Up in a Puff of Smoke" by Polly Brown. Duel First appearance: series 1, 1992 – heat 1 Last appearance: series 10, 2009 – “The Legends Last Stand” A contender and a Gladiator were each placed atop an elevated platform a short distance apart. Armed with a pugil stick (often referred to