Gladiators Zone - Jet, Diane Youdale, Transcript Part 1

PAUL: Hey, please welcome Jet to The Gladiators Zone!
xox_emily_xox: hi jet!
daryl: Welcome Jet
ChrisR: hi jet :)
Gladfan: Hey Diane/Jet!!!
jelly: hello
Julie17: hi diane
Leopard: Good morning Jet!
MikeBarrett: *nervous* A very good morning to you Diane
Leopard: Even though it's 5:20 AM here in America, I would NEVER miss this chance to talk to JET!
xox_emily_xox: good on you for gettin g up early for it
MikeBarrett: I would just like to say its great that you've managed to take time out of your busy life to chat with us :)
xox_emily_xox: yes we are very grateful
Seranedo: Hi everyone :)
PAUL: The chat will kick off at 10.30 so chat amongst yourselves
xox_emily_xox: ok
xox_emily_xox: seranedo, you made it just in time!
Seranedo: Righty-o Paul :)
Seranedo: Yup I did!!
JET: Hi everyone ! I'll be here over the next hour and a half to answer your questions while I enjoy a cup of tea. Im currently sat in the comfort of my new home. I know Paul has put together the system for the chat room so bear with me guys as I work it out!
PAUL: Thank you to everyone that has taken time to come along, we'll be starting the chat very soon.
Gladfan: Thanks Paul...and thanks Diane!!
JamesM: Its a pleasure to have you here Diane. very big welcome!
MikeBarrett: well I hope that you enjoy the chat Diane and that cup of tea too ;) :)
Seranedo: Hi Diane, thanks so much for coming along! :) It is a pleasure to have you chatting with us. I hope all is well in your new home :)
2709girl: Hi Diane! Thank you so much to talk to us today.
JET: Thank you very much. It may help me if you use your first names so I can respond to you individually. Who wants to start first with the questions ?
Seranedo: Nice to speak to you Diane, my real name is Alicia :)
2709girl: I'm 2709girl. You can call me I'm Gabriela.
ChrisR: Wow. Good turnout
MikeBarrett: Well My real name is Mike
JamesM: And I'm James
PAUL: Ok excellent, right guys and girls I'm going to switch the chat room into live mode so you all need to type in your questions and Diane will very kindly answer them.

QUESTION TIME BEGINS.

JamesM (Q) Well Il kick off if no one minds. So Diane what are you up to these days?
JET: Gosh, thats a big question. I'm using all my fitness, health and psychotherapeutic knowledge and experience with my own company, Core Equilibrium.Ltd, to provide workshops, training and seminars in the field of personal development. I spend a lot of time thinking of ideas for workshops and I do a lot of studying and reading around my subject. More recently, I am now helping out Trisha Goddard as a TV Studio therapist on her show. I love to keep in shape and I am still looking to do more photo's very soon.

MikeBarrett (Q) My question is this, When You suffered your injury, what went through your mind?, did you know what you had done?
JET: Oh God, yes, my immediate thought was, as I heard the snap from my neck area, I've broken my neck!!! Fortunately that was not the case. I'd compressed my spinal cord with no long term damage, and I've fractured one of my vertabrae. EEEK !

xox_emily_xox (Q) Were you sad to have to leave Gladiators?
JET: I think my time had come, I believe accidents, injuries and illness happen to help us change direction, or take note of something.

Leopard (Q) Hello Jet! I'm Leopard from America and you can call me Kurt.
JET: Ok, thanks Kurt !

Bretto (Q) Who were your best friends throught your series run?
JET: Kate Staples, who was better known as Zodiac, she helped me through some of the more stressful times, a lovely lady and still a good friend. I also got on well with Mickey, who was Cobra. Again, another lovely guy, and great fun. To be honest I got on with all of them, they were a great bunch from very varied backgrounds.

Gladfan (Q) I've got a question...Diane: what was your favourite series overall?
JET: Hi there, it would have been series 2 and 3 for me. As for the rest, I did not watch it after my accident.

garetharam (Q) hi jet. what was your best and worst event on gladiators.
JET: My best event was Hang Tough, and the wall. The worst was Atlaspheres.

Leopard (Q) If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?
JET: That's a great question. I'd love to check out Hawaii for the surf and the beauty. I also love the UK, as I love the outdoors, walking and running, you'll always find me up a mountain or near a lake when I have time.

2709girl (Q) Do you keep up your music as much as your dance and drama?
JET: Good question but no. I do a little musical theatre still these days, but no great shakes, just a bit of fun.

melanie4855 (Q) Hi Diane. What did you enjoy most about your time on Gladiators and how did your time on the show influence your career from then on?
JET: What I enjoy most was meeting people I would never have meet otherwise, IE cast and crew, and the people that supported the show like your good selves. How did it influence my career? Well it took away as much as it gave, lots of further TV and media opportunities of course but in a very marginalised capacity when in reality I'm flexible, deep, quite intellectual for my sins! So now I make the most of what I really am and make no apologies for it.

Julie17 (Q) Did all of the Gladiatos get on backstage?
JET: From my perspective yes! However, you never fully know the minds of others... and their motivations! I'm a very altruistic type and tend not to see the negative in others! I think the boys wound each other up sometimes to get better results!

Gladfan (Q) Jet, sorry to ask this as it may be touchy, but I've always wanted to know...What made you so upset when you lost on Wall in The Ashes series downunder?
JET: Not touchy at all! Erm I'm not quite sure... probably because I felt I was letting the UK down!

Drathro (Q) Here's one from Mark, ie me, Are there any plans to rerelease your fitness vieos on to DvD?
JET: Yes, we are in the process of turning over some of my old work to DVD. I've been doing some great new up to date material too so watch this space!

Leopard (Q) Did you get to pick your own Gladiator name of "Jet"? What other nanes, if any, did you think of at first?
JET: Our boss Nigel decided on our names. I liked Jet and so can't think of what else I'd be called. If you were a Glad what would your name be!?

JamesM (Q) Excellent. Many Thanks. We heard about your work on Tricha's show. Any idea when we will actually see you on screen?
JET: It's due out in approx 4-5 weeks.

melanie4855 (Q) Hi Diane :) What did you enjoy most about your time on Gladiators and how did your time on the show influence your career from then on?
JET: Meeting new people, like I say the cast and crew and all the support from the viewers, and it taught me to do things in moderation, in terms of working hours and life balance.

Bretto (Q) Hey Jet! My name is Bretto. I'm from Australia, but you can call me Brett. What was your most favourite event of all time. Pyramid or Hang Tough?
JET: Hi Brett, it was def Hang Tough.

jelly (Q) hi diane my name is jo. do you still write for personal trainer for women?
JET: I do indeed, there is an article in the edition out now. Christina O'Neill was the editor for the Gladiators magazine and is now the editor for PTW.

daryl (Q) Hi Diane, my name is Daryl (Obviously - sorry) and i wondered of you watched Gladiators in the later years and were there any of the new events you would have liked to have done?
JET: Darryl, sorry I didn't watch it in the later years. I think you could get very creative with events on the show but health and safety was always a factor. Rightly so!

Emily.and.Rachel (Q) Did you think the name Jet suited you?
JET: Yes I guess so! What do you think about it?

jelly (Q) what are your worst habbits?
JET: I have to clean !!! I like my house to be spotless, light and fresh to the point of distraction at times! Then I can get on with my work.

Leopard (Q) Cleanliness is next to Godliness as the saying goes!
JET: Thanks Leopard.

MikeBarrett (Q) Gladiators Zone has been around for a long time, but did you think that a show such as Gladiators would be as big and as popular as it has gotten, all being it still be celebrated to this day.
JET: No not at all. I'm still shocked and heart warmed by its success. Its ageless success.

2709girl (Q) Do you still watch Gladiators on TV?
JET: Afraid not, no. I have occasionally caught glimpses and it makes me smile to myself.

Maria (Q) Did you get along with any of the contenders?
JET: Yes of course, all of them, they were awesome and they made the show.

2709girl (Q) Do you still get called 'Jet' whilst walking down the street?
JET: Yes i do!!!!

Leopard (Q) What is your favorite color?
JET: My favourite colour is Aqua Marine (Greeny blue) the colour of a beautiful sea, well, I am a surfer!

garetharam (Q) Jet I love the Gymnastics both you and lightning done on the show. Was that your choice do on the show or was you told to do it by producers. That made me like you and lightning and made you the best gladiators?
JET: Aargh, thankyou, no I was always a champion gymnast, competing at National level, and kept my skills to this day. Love it !

JamesM (Q) Talking about you not watching any series after you left, there were rumours of you returning for the 1999 Final mini Series. Can you tell us what happened?
JET: They asked me back, but when it came to it, it really wasn't where I wanted to go at that point in my life. My accident had left me more fearful of heights and falls so I would not have been the Gladiator I was prior to the accident. I have only just started recently to do some of the jumps, and twists that I used to do on the show.

2709girl (Q) Do you ever get time to yourself or are you always too busy?
JET: Oh i get time to myself. I make sure of it. That was the mistake I made first time round, I was a workaholic. I now love a hot bath, reading my books, or better still, my walks and time on my surfboard.

knight33 (Q) Hi Jet, here's my question. What event would you have liked to play in your time on Gladiators, but you didn't get to do, and were discounting the live shows here?
JET: Swingshot. I damaged my ankle in the first series so i couldnt do high impact foot strike which swing shot demands.

freestyler (Q) good morning everyone, good morning Diane
JET: Good morning to you.

Seranedo (Q) If a new series of Glads was to be made, and you got asked, would you be in it?
JET: Ooohh, good question, I'd have to really think about it. I look better and feel fitter these days then I ever had done back then, however, I'd have to consider the risks, you dont forget accidents that easily if they are to your spinal column.

2709girl (Q) Once you left Gladiators, did you feel something was missing?
JET: It felt weird, it was such a big part of my life. I had so many other things I wanted to go on to discover, complete and transform with though.

Leopard (Q) Which do you prefer, a sunrise or a sunset?
JET: Gosh !!!! I'll admit to being an early bird and adore the mornings, however, you cant beat the sunset dropping down over the sea while i go out for my last surf of the day.

daryl (Q) In the video for the auditions you were in to get on the show, you seemed pretty close to Scorpio, did you know her before joining Gladiators, and do you keep in touch?
JET: No I didn't know her before the show and unfortunatley we dont keep in touch these days, but she was and is a lovely lady.

Maria (Q) Do you still see Flame and Phoenix?
JET: No I'm afraid not. They weren't with us long.

Julie17 (Q) Do you really know Paul who runs this website?
JET: Paul? No, I dont know anyone called Paul?!!? Only joking, yes I do indeed. We go back many years, Im very proud of what he's achieved.

Gladfan (Q) I'm from Australia so naturally my questions are tailored to downunder...but what did you think of the Aussie series?
JET: The aussies were the nicest, fittest and most accommodating professionals i had ever worked with. I think we could all learn a lot from those guys, in terms of their attitude to fitness and sportsmanship.

freestyler (Q) How did you get into Physcotherapy? Was it a natural progression from your background in the physical side of things, i.e dance, gymnastics, Gladiators; to move into the mental side of things?
JET: Absolutely. Having said that, I even remember as a little girl saying, that I wanted to be a doctor of the brain / mind and wasn't really sure what I meant !!!! But something deep inside me obviously knew what I meant and was already working towards it.

garetharam (Q) was wolf realy the big bad wolf?
JET: Oh yes! However, in the first series he was really stood out by being the baddy, and wanted everybody to love him. Hey, they did in the end, for being the best baddie that light entertainment has provided.

jelly (Q) do you still have your dog ben?
JET: Ben is well, although he is not with me anymore. I do get to see him and enjoy his company from time to time. He's a very special dog.

Emily.and.Rachel (Q) Were there any Gladiators that you didn't get along with?
JET: I think there were a few jealousies that I was not aware of until I left, perhaps this is normal in such a situation for some people, when the show meant so much to them.

swingshotking (Q) Hi, Diane.Who did you most get on with in the team?
JET: Zodiac, Falcon was a sweetie, Cobra was a nice guy. To be honest all of them were a real mix all brought together, with one thing in common, to be the best Gladiatiors they could be and we worked hard as a team to provide the show as it became to be known.

JamesM (Q) Theres no doubt you were the Most popular Gladiator of all time, as John Fashanu once said "Everybody loves the JET!" how did this go down with the rest of team? Any Jealousy there?
JET: Thanks James, yes I think there was, but this is normal. I tend to applaud and model positively if I see soemone do something really well, it is not the case for everyone, some people see negativity or become jealous as you call it, but it serves for them as a positive motivation for them to work even harder and do better for themselves. A bit of psychology there for you, and hey, we are all different, thats what makes everything so exciting.

Leopard (Q) What are some of your favorite foods?
JET: Wa Hey, lurve food and cuisine from around the world, especially Japanese, Thai and Mediterranean, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian. mmmmmm...

garetharam (Q) Why did you not continue with singing? I liked your single "I Don't Know"!
JET: Gosh, had forgotten almost, (in my view - probably best forgotten!) but thanks. I dont think singing is my natural gift. Although I love singing harmonies and group work. Muff Murfin who wrote the Gladiator theme tune encouraged me to do some recording, it was a great experience.

Leopard (Q) Do you keep in touch with other gladiators, whether in the UK or elsewhere?
JET: Erm, on and off yes. We had a reunion at Radio 1 at the top of last year.

freestyler (Q) On the show, you were renowned for your performances on events such as Hang Tough and the wall, and you were always a joy to watch. But we didnt see you on events like Duel or powerball as much as others, did you enjoy those types of events as much and would you have liked to have made more apperances in them
JET: I loved Powerball, with a passion. Didn't get selected for it much though as I was much stronger at some of the other events. Duel, I was crap, frankly !

2709girl (Q) Do you keep up your music as much as your dance and drama?
JET: No, not really.

swingshotking (Q) How much did you miss Gladiators when you left? And BTW my glad would be VOLCANO, I hate losing.
JET: It was a big transition, but my accident meant I had to turn a new corner, jeez, glad I didn't get to meet you in the arena, Volcano.

2709girl (Q) I read somewhere that you recently opened a performing arts building at your old high school. Do you ever miss being at home in Billingham?
JET: I left at 16, to study and live in London, Billingham was a special place for me as a child who loved her gymnastics, music and performing arts. There was a lovely supportive vibe in Teeside for me at the time. And I love going back to visit and seeing all the developments and opportunties that are now around for others starting out. I was only there the other day, visiting my mum and dad.

MikeBarrett (Q) I know alot of athelites like to be alone in a room or do a little mad training to get their mind on the game, did you do anything along these lines before filming?
JET: I did used to yes. For me, being in my peak performance state was something I'd become familiar with since becoming a child gymnast. Adrenaline can overcook you and make your performance worse if not managed effectively. For me, I used to just keep calm, slightly preoccupied or disengaged, otherwise you would have to spend hours during filming, wired and this can burn out your adrenals.

2709girl (Q) Have you always been interested in psychotherapy?
JET: Yes, absolutely. I think we are fascinating creatures.

dead_metal (Q) Hi Diane, thanks for speaking too all of us Glad nerds!! During your Gladiator career, you released an album. Looking back, what do you think of your album now and would you ever consider going back to singing?
JET: NOOOOOOOOooooooooo. Erm, I m glad I did it, I wrote quite a bit of the material as I have always been musical, but I prefer classical music any day.

Bretto (Q) It was soooo nice to meet you Jet!
JET: Thank you, you too, have a great weekend.

garetharam (Q) Did you ever go against lighting in training on hang tough and if so who won?
JET: Erm, we never really competed against each other, to limit risk of injury, but it would have been one hot contest!

Drathro (Q) What did you think of your likeness in the short lived Gladiators comic? the whole thing was very weird
JET: Like you said, very weird !

2709girl (Q) Did you empathise with Zodiac after she broke her neck on Pole-Axe in 1996? Did you support her like she supported you?
JET: Oh yes. ABSOLUTELY, poor thing. You learn things in life, and being there for some friends when they have been there for you is one of those unwritten rules that just goes without saying.

Seranedo (Q) Do you ever wish you got to try out some of the events we never saw you do on screen?
JET: No I was pretty happy with my lot.

knight33 (Q) If you hadn't got injured in the 1996 live show, would you have lasted the entire distance on the show?
JET: Not sure about that, good question, I've often wondered myself whether I'd have continued or not, difficult to say.

2709girl (Q) Do you cope differently to being called Jet now than you did back in the day of Gladiators?
JET: Yes, I went through a phase of finding it irritating and somewhat limiting, as people only saw 'JET'. However, now, i realise it was actually me that drove the success behind the character and image, so no I don't mind it these days at all, and feel very at peace about how lucky I've been and the learnings its provided.

daryl (Q) Was it strange for you to see Eunice Huthart become a Gladiator and compete as part of your team?
JET: No, not strange at all, she was inspiration personified as, Blaze. She went on to be a stunt woman and now has a wonderful varied life. Awesome.

2709girl (Q) What is your middle name?
JET: Oh God, are you ready ...... Patricia !!! I thank my mum. xxxx

Gladfan (Q) Hi Jet- I'm Arj by the way!! I was wondering, what made you try out for Gladiators in the first place?
JET: They contacted me having seen me from a couple of sources as they were scouting for talent.

2709girl (Q) Did your injury leave you with any fears or doubts? And was it a lasting injury?
JET: Yes I now have vertigo, and my neck is not 100%, mobility wise.

jelly (Q) if you could only take 3 things to a desert island what would they be and why?
JET: My radio, note pad and pen, one of my heavy texts on buddhist philosophy.

Seranedo (Q) I have a friend who keeps trying to starve herself, and its really worrying me. I know you have been in this position before, and have come out of it successfully. What advice do you suggest I give to her?
JET: First, try not to judge her, she is not her behaviour, it is just a way of her coping right now. It could be many things, only she knows and it her behaviours will change, everything does. My concern is she has externalised her unhappiness to her body image. There is a lot of this about today, with the pressures to look a certain way. I would encourage you to be present for her, model back in yourself being care free and happy with your image and life and then encourage her to talk to someone qualified. She can email me if she wishes, but she must do it for herself.

Julie17 (Q) When did you first get to know Paul who runs this site? Do you really know him?
JET: Back in 1993, we met in Darlington, he was one of the big original Glad fans and now runs the whole damn thing !! Good on you Paul.

dead_metal (Q) You Played a lot of events during your time in Gladiators, especially The Wall and Hang Tough. But do you wish you could've played some more of your lesser played events ie. Duel, Tilt and Pendulem?
JET: I was pants at Duel, ok at Tilt and Pendulum was a blast ! However, I was often kept for the events that called for my greater skills particularly as the standard of contestants started to rise.

Emily.and.Rachel (Q) did you get a say in how your costume looked?
JET: It was designed and given to us, but we did have a say to a degree.

DDN (Q) Hi Diane, are you still in contact with any of the other glads
JET: Yes, on and off. I think we are all spread out demographically over the country, but we did all meet last year on the Radio 1 show.

QUESTION TIME ENDS.

Julie17: Ok, is chat now completed for today?
freestyler: I am practically Giddy!
PAUL: Diane, thank you so much for answering all of the questions.
Emily.and.Rachel: that was really informative!
jelly: thanx diane
sharn_davies: Thank u
ChrisR: Great chat! Thanks Diane!
JamesM: Well that was Brilliant! I think Diane answered 4 questions of mine, Great! A massive thanks to Diane for giving up her time!
freestyler: Diane, was awfully decent of you to do that for us xxx
PAUL: Any unanswered questions will have to be resent on Tuesdays chat. Sorry if we didn't get around to answering them this time round, over 100 questions were sent in.
2709girl: Cheers Diane, you have no idea how grateful I am!
Adders-P: Thanks Diane :)
sharn_davies: Shame I missed most of it
MikeBarrett: Thank you ever so much Diane for joining us today, I hope that you had as much fun as we did, Please I hope that you enjoy the rest of the day and that you take care, you were my inspiration growing up and even now you are GORGEOUS, she answered 4 of mine *gidddy*
PAUL: sharn_davies please come back on Tuesday for another chance to get your questions answered.
dead_metal: Thanks also to you Paul for setting this up, you're a star. *
JET: It was lovely to spend some time with you all. Thank you for your ongoing support and interest. Make sure you visit my website www.dianeyoudale.co.uk. Spring is coming, get out, get fitter, and most of all HAVE FUN in your life.
sharn_davies: I will see if I can make it on tuesday paul
Julie17: thank you diane and paul x
JET: Thank you Julie x
MikeBarrett: and a BIG THANK you to Mr Noddings for setting this up!, heres to more chats *here here*
sharn_davies: Thanks paul and diane
JET: Thanks Sharn x
JET: Thanks Mike
Leopard: Thank you Diane for taking the time for your fans! You are truely a dream!! I will cherish this always!
JamesM: Yes a big thanks to Paul! Another masterstroke! Cheers mate!
MikeBarrett: anytime diane :)
freestyler: Thanks Paul, and thankyou Jet, from your no1 fan!
JET: Thanks Leopoard
sharn_davies: Enjoy your day diane and it was nice of u to speak to us online
daryl: Thank you Diane, please do not be a stranger - you are always welcome here
sharn_davies: I think we all Diane's number one fans freestyler
MikeBarrett: Unfortunatly I have to go and get ready for work, have a great day all of you, and Diane dont be a strange please come back anytime you like and can :)
JET: Guys, check out the photo shop on my website , I have all my pictures on there for you to order, and I'll happily provide a personalised autograph of your request. X
sharn_davies: Thank u diane
jelly: thanx for taking the time out to chat diane
JET: No problem Jelly, I enjoyed it. x
freestyler: ok, im off to go and hyperventilate into a brown paper bag!
sharn_davies: Hopefully I can catch u again on tuesday
JET: Thanks Daryl, glad you got some of your questions answered.
PAUL: Diane, I'll be in touch before Tuesday to make sure everything is ok.
dead_metal: Diane you're still as lovely as the time years ago, i met you and you signed my homemade Joust Combat Club!!! Thanks a million.
Adders-P: I'm gonna have to go now guys. Take care everyone, and have a fab weekend! Cya!
JET: No worries Paul, thanks for organising this, have a lovely weekend.
Emily.and.Rachel: i should be able to make it on tuesday, it depends what time i get back from judo
MikeBarrett: Bye everyone, Diane stay Gorgeous
2709girl: Have a fantastic weekend. Looking forward to speaking to you on Tuesday! Keep well and remain happy!

JET LEFT. CHAT CLOSED.