John Anderson - the legendary referee who featured in the wildly popular Gladiators TV series - has sadly died at the age of 92.
Athletics Weekly reports that Anderson passed away in the early hours of Sunday (July 28).
The Scottish sports coach became a household name in in the 90s, when he was named head referee on the show's original run on ITV.
Fans across the nation would imitate his Scottish cry of: "Contender, ready! Gladiator, ready!"
Additionally, his run-ins with "bad guy" Gladiator Wolf became must-watch Saturday night television.
He appeared on the show's original run from 1992-2000.
Anderson would once again don the black and white stripes for the Sky revamp of the show in 2008.
Away from the show, Anderson was a gifted track and field star and his remarkable knowledge of sports led to him coaching over 100 Olympic athletes, per BBC News.
One of his students is the former 5000m world-record holder David Moorcroft, who told Athletics Weekly: "I can't speak highly enough of John," before commenting on how Anderson "just got the best out of people".
"I’m certain that I would never have been a decent athlete if it wasn’t for John," Moorcroft added.
Anderson served as the head coach for the Amateur Athletics Association of England and Scottish national coach. Other notable athletes who benefited from Anderson's tutoring include Sheila Carey, Liz McColgan, John Graham, and Judy Simpson.
A tribute from the Gladiators show was shared on Instagram, stating: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved referee, John Anderson, at the age of 92. Our hearts go out to his friends and family. John will forever be remembered as the iconic voice that brought us 'Gladiators Ready! Contenders Ready!'.
"Rest in peace John."
Among those to also pay tribute are former Gladiator Jet (real name Diane Youdale Gilbert), who wrote: "John was THE voice of original UK Glads… he was a brilliant ref in my eyes being firm and fair. His character as a person I also enjoyed working with and inspiring RIP love to Dorothy, his dogs (if still here), the rest of his family and the Glad Fans who will also feel this."
Former professional football referee Mark Clattenburg - who has stepped into the role as head referee on the BBC's latest version of the show - also paid tribute, writing: "One of the most iconic voices and will always be remembered.
"I had the most difficult task to follow him in the new series of Gladiators and watching him keep the Gladiators within the rules will always be with me!! Rest in peace LEGEND!!"
Following a remarkable career, Anderson's was recognized by his peers and in inducted into the Coaching Hall of Fame in 2002.
Our thoughts are with Anderson's family, friends, and fans at this time.