From TV Gladiator to God's Gladiator: Warren Furman's Remarkable Journey
Warren Furman, once known as Ace on the iconic ITV show Gladiators, has traded his lycra for a cassock, becoming an associate curate at a church in Hammersmith, West London. Now 58, Furman's life took a dramatic turn after the series ended in 2000, leading him to a path of faith and service.
A Whirlwind Romance with Katie Price
During the peak of his fame, Furman met and became engaged to glamour model and media personality Katie Price, sharing an 18-month relationship that captivated the public. Reflecting on their time together, Furman told The Sun, 'We were both equally to blame for the breakdown of our relationship. We were both young, we were both courting the Press.' He added that they parted on relatively good terms, but 'the pressures of fame cursed the relationship in a lot of ways.'
Despite proposing with a £3,000 ring, Furman later expressed relief at not marrying Price, once stating he was 'in a club of people who had had a lucky escape.' However, his perspective has softened over time. 'I pray for her because in that lifestyle of hers it's very difficult to keep on the straight and narrow, and it's very difficult to trust people,' he said. 'I pray that her family can stay together and I pray that she can settle down and find peace and happiness.'
Katie Price's New Chapter with Lee Andrews
Katie Price, 47, recently married businessman Lee Andrews in a surprise ceremony in Dubai this January, following a brief holiday romance. The union shocked her family, and with Andrews reportedly unable to enter the UK due to a travel ban, Price has been traveling back and forth to spend time with him.
In a show of commitment, Andrews unveiled a tattoo dedicated to Price's son, Harvey, despite never having met him. He also shared a photo of a drawing Harvey made, depicting Price and Andrews as frogs, with Harvey referring to Andrews as 'Daddy.' Andrews captioned the post, 'Harvey's beautiful picture for me and his mummy. Aww Daddy Lee x Cute. If you love your wife your love their children [sic].'
Warren Furman's Life Today
Furman has since married Dionne, who is also a curate at their church, and they share two children, Bailey and Annabel. Upon his ordination in 2024, he remarked, 'I've gone from TV's Gladiator to God's gladiator, while Dionne has gone from flying high as a cabin crew manager with Virgin Atlantic to reaching for the sky in the name of Jesus.' He hasn't forgotten his roots, with his stole reportedly featuring a Gladiators' helmet as a nod to his past.
Return to Television on The Summit
Furman has returned to TV as a contestant on ITV's The Summit, joining host Ben Shephard and 13 others in a race for £200,000. The show involves scaling a mountain in the Alps of New Zealand's South Island while carrying a share of the prize money. 'God loves mountains and a tent,' Furman quipped about his decision to join. He joked about the show's concept, saying, 'If you want to see capitalism at its worst, strap £200 grand on someone's back and say, "Right, first one to the top wins it."'
The Summit airs on ITV1, offering viewers a glimpse into Furman's new adventures. His journey from Gladiators star to vicar highlights a life transformed by faith, family, and reflection on past relationships.
