A former TV 'Gladiator' has warned of the dangers caused by punishing fitness regimes as he revealed he was admitted to hospital with pneumonia.

Michael "Cobra" Willson, 55, said he fell seriously ill after putting his body through years of "tough workouts" which had taken its toll on his health.

Willson, who made his name on the popular 90s TV show, said he was admitted to hospital three weeks ago after battling pneumonia in both lungs.

The 55-year-old, who starred on Gladiators alongside the likes of Wolf, Warrior and Rhino, also said he suffered a shoulder injury leaving him unable to raise his arm.

He told The Sun Online: "I'm only half a Gladiator now. It's been touch and go. I don't feel like I'm kicking the bucket at the minute, but it will only take another cold or cough and I'm in trouble.