The Circle viewers were in for a surprise when the new series started on Tuesday night.
The Emma Willis-fronted reality show was back on screens from Salford for its third series with nine new constants line-up to take part.
But fans were left gobsmacked when James Crossley showed up - as they recognised him as being Hunter from Gladiators.
The 47-year-old was part of the primetime television show in the 90s and was considered popular among fans.
Introducing himself in his VT, James said: "Some of you might remember me many, many years ago as Hunter from Gladiators. Awooga!"
However, he has left The Circle viewers dividedas he has chosen to catfish his way to £100k as Yorkshire-based NHS nurse Gemma.
Despite that, fans were in a frenzy on social media.
"HUNTER FROM GLADIATORS! It’s 1996, I’m 5 again and life is good #TheCircle," one exited fan tweeted.
Another said: "HUNTER FROM GLADIATORS AS A CATFISH I AM SCREAMING #TheCircle."
"Anyone else go ‘OMG HUNTER FROM GLADIATORS!’ as soon as James appeared?! He’s looking good! #TheCircle," a third screamed.
A fourth added: "I swear, if I thought I was talking to a girl called Gemma, and Hunter walked in, my Gladiators fan girling would blow my mind. #TheCircle."
