GLADIATORS ARE READY!
Who are the new Gladiators?
The BBC have confirmed the future of the reboot
GLADIATORS returned to TV screens for the first time in nearly 24 years with a fresh batch of faces.
The BBC reboot is now just days away from its grand final with four contenders rearing to go head-to-head against the famous Gladiators.
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Who are the new Gladiators?
There is a new generation of mighty Gladiators who form the BBC reboot.
The show originally ran on ITV for eight seasons from 1992 until 2000.
The Gladiators OG cast included famous Gladiators like Jett, Wolf and Cobra.
So, who are the new Gladiators?
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From an England rugby union player to a fitness YouTuber, here is the full line-up of the new for 2024:
Apollo
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With the cheeky good looks of a Greek god and the speed of a rocket, it’s no surprise Alex Gray has earned the name Apollo.
He started his career playing rugby under 16s and moved onto the Premiership.
He then England 7s team, and also captained English Rugby teams for 16s, 18s and 20s.
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Apollo was scouted to go to NFL for his skillset, making him the first British rugby player to transfer over to the NFL.
He signed for Atlantic Falcons and then became the first international player to Captain an NFL team.
He trains hard because he wants to be the best and has a super strong competitive nature.
Don’t be fooled by his smile and charm, if you’re in his way he’ll take you down, and told the BBC: "Gladiator ready?? You better believe I am!!
“After playing Rugby and In the NFL, the opportunity to inspire as Apollo is a dream come true. I plan on leading from the front and never giving up."
Athena
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A combination of brain, brawn and beauty, Karenjeet Kaur Bains, is just like the Ancient Greek Goddess of War and Wisdom, Athena.
Representing Team GB, she is a winner of three Gold and 2 Silver Commonwealth Powerlifting medals, the five time All England Powerlifting Champion and five time British Powerlifting Champion.
She’s represented Great Britain at the World and European Championships, and holds the Guinness World Record for the “Most Bodyweight Squats in a minute" - as well as being an Chartered Accountant.
Very proud of her South Asian heritage, as the first Sikh Gladiator she wants to inspire people of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential.
She may be small but she’s mighty. Contenders, be afraid if you come up against the full force of Athena.
Speaking to the BBC, she said: “I represent all those from diverse and minority backgrounds, especially women, that have ever been denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams in sport.
"I hope I can be a role model and show the levels a female can achieve if she is given the opportunity to follow her passion and given the wings to fly!”
Bionic
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Bionic - Matty Campbell - gets his name from his towering 6ft 6in frame.
Described as a "machine", Bionic promises to crush anyone who gets in his way.
He originally aspired to play football professionally but a car crash ended Bionic's dream career plans.
But it was thanks to his rehabilitation from the accident that saw Bionic fall in love with working out and bodybuilding.
He said: “Never in a million years did I expect to get the call to
be a Gladiator, it's a feeling that’ll never sink in.
"I’m just a normal lad from Teesside! All the training and hard work has finally paid off for me, I can’t wait to get started!”
Comet
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Like a Comet, Ella-Mae Rayner is a sight to behold.
A former elite gymnast, she made the move into semi-professional in Diving before starting her degree in Sport Science.
At university she successfully coached and competed in University Cheerleading Championships.
But it wasn’t until she suffered a career changing ankle injury, that she found her love for the gym.
She now trains six times a week, alongside being a Fitness Model and Coach.
Comet is a force of nature, flashing past you. Collide with her and you’ll be dust.
She told the BBC: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be Comet. I loved watching Gladiators growing up.
"I specifically remember Jet, she was an icon for me as a child and one of the reasons I become a gymnast. I can’t believe I will be following in her footsteps. It really is a dream come true”.
Diamond
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Bodybuilder Livi Sheldon is striking and indestructible earning her the name, Diamond.
After graduating with a degree in Sports Science, she took up bodybuilding, becoming a British Finalist ‘England Toned Figure’.
Her passion for sports began at age 6, when she played football for a boys football team.
She eventually moved over to a girls' team, where she became captain for many years, and went on to play for Worcester City Ladies team.
Don’t be deceived by Diamond’s bright beauty, she is unbreakable and super strong - and also stands at 6ft tall.
Speaking to the BBC she said: "When I was growing up I used to get picked on for being taller than everyone else.
"Now I get to show everyone that being unique is your superpower.
"I can’t wait to get into o the arena and take on the contenders as Diamond."
Dynamite
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Small, explosive and dangerous, just like Dynamite, Emily Steel is the youngest Gladiator in the current line-up.
With a background in swimming competing at a national level until she was 15 years old, she’s now a full-time elite CrossFit athlete, also juggling second year studies full time at university in sport and exercise science.
Recently competing internationally at one of the largest fitness festivals in the world and becoming an under 23’s weightlifting British record holder.
Don’t underestimate Dynamite. She may look small, but she’ll blast into the competition and obliterate her opponents.
Speaking to the BBC, she said:: “I’m too young to remember the original Gladiators, but my parents loved it and suggested I try out.
“ Dynamite really does represent who I am and I’m excited to showcase what I can do in the game."
When is the Gladiators final on TV?
The BBC has confirmed that the champ will be crowned on Saturday, March 30.
The show will air at 5,50pm on BBC One, but if you it you can catch up on iPlayer.
Hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh will be on hand to see just who manages to make it all the way to the end.
The final episode was filmed in front of a live audience in Sheffield in 2023 and it won't be long before eager fans will discover who triumphed.
It has also been announced that the show will return for another a second series of the BBC reboot.
A TV source said: "The viewing figures are proof that there is still a big appetite for Gladiators after all these years."
Electro
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Electro is described as a "quick, electrifying, unstoppable force" and started her fitness journey as a sprinter.
At just 12 she was ranked among the Top 10 Fastest Runners in the UK for 150m. Electro, real name Jade Packer, then discovered bodybuilding when she was 18.
After joining the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation, Jade was awarded Gold at the English Grand Prix.
Jade - who also trains in CrossFit - said: "I hope Electro can spark an unstoppable pursuit for a new generation of athletes. I’m ready to light up the arena with a different kind of energy."
Fire
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Blazing into the Gladiators stadium like a Fire is Montell Douglas.
She’s fierce and will burn through the arena destroying anyone who gets in her way, earning her the name Fire.
Former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder, she held the British woman's record for fastest 100m sprint at 11.05 seconds, smashing the previous record which had stood unbeaten for 27 years.
In January 2022, Montell made sporting history to become the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
Montell loves inspiring women to achieve their dreams, no matter what age, height or background they’re from.
Contenders should beware of Fire as she's fast, unpredictable and dangerous and will ravage anyone in her path.
She told the BBC: “I’m so pleased I’ve been asked to be Fire! Being a gladiator has been a secret lifelong dream of mine.
“As a strong and powerful woman, I’m living proof that you can achieve your dreams, no matter what age or background, if you
Fury
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Professional Exeter Chiefs rugby player, Jodie Ounsley, is named Fury thanks to her power and passion for competition.
A former England Women’s Rugby Seven’s player, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British Champion and five times World Coal Carrying champion, she won the title of Deaf Sports Personality of The Year in 2020.
Jodie has Gladiators in her blood, her father was a contender on the show in 2008, and she has been training to outdo him ever since. .
Fury told the BBC: "Watching Gladiators growing up I was always in awe of their strength and power and now I am one! I hope contenders are ready to feel the Fury."
Giant
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Former firefighter turned bodybuilder Jamie Christian Johal has earned the name Giant.
Standing at 6ft 5inches he made history by becoming one of the all-time tallest bodybuilders.
Now he’s bringing that power into the Gladiators arena.
He may look like a big, friendly giant, but don't be fooled, he won't be holding back when it comes to the games.
Speaking about joining the show, he told the BBC said: "I feel like everything in life has lead me here.
"I’m honoured to be part of this iconic show that I watched as a child.
"I’ll be bringing my GIANT stature and personality so contenders better come prepared!"
Legend
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Training up to six times a week in bodybuilding and powerlifting, former international athlete, Matt Morsia describes himself as a Legend - hence the name!
The former Championship bronze medal winning long and triple jumper, and silver medal winning powerlifter, loved the ‘showmanship’ of competing.
After retiring from international competitions, he continued performing to a huge audience becoming highly successful fitness influencer and professional YouTuber - amassing over 355 million views.
In 2020, he released his first book, ‘The 24/7 Body’, which became a Sunday Times Bestseller, upon its release.
Bringing all his power and strength to the series, the contenders will not forget Legend.
Legend warned contenders: "I've been training like a beast for the show but realistically I didn’t need to.
“I could’ve spent the last two months eating doughnuts and playing Dungeons & Dragons and I’d still be better than everyone else. I’m called Legend for a reason! I can only apologise for the irreparable damage I’m about to do to the contenders.
“Actually, that’s a lie, I’m not sorry at all. I’m actively looking forward to it"
Nitro
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Team GB sprinter, Harry Aikines Aryeetey is lightning fast and a ball of energy earning him the name Nitro.
Commonwealth and World gold medallist sprinter, he has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth.
After becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, he won 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year age 17.
With his incredible speed and agility, the Contenders will have their work cut out, getting past Nitro.
He told the BBC: "Becoming a Gladiator is another great achievement!
"A childhood dream come true! You never know what is coming in life, each day is there to be enjoyed and savouring all opportunities is a must! It literally gives me energy and strength!
";I can’t wait to be in the arena and bring Nitro to Gladiators!"
Phantom
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Toby Olubi promises to haunt all those who dare to go up against him, earning him the title of Phantom.
He competed in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics with the Team GB Bobsleigh team where they broke the world record for the fastest ever bobsleigh at 97 mph.
Alongside his Bobsleigh achievements, Phantom has had success as a sprinter and previously won the county championship for the UK men's 60m sprints.
Toby was named the fastest Bobsledder in the UK push championships for four consecutive years.
Sabre
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Fierce, powerful and agile are the main attributes of Sabre AKA Sheli McCo.
An unstoppable force, she describes herself as a “grafter” and trains 16-19 hours per week.
She has competed in five British Weightlifting Championships events and numerous CrossFit championships all over the world and has simultaneously been Scottish champion in both sports.
Sabre runs her own gym in Dundee, hoping to inspire future generations to reach their full fitness potential.
Contenders should be afraid of an attack from Sabre, she’s fearless and ferocious, once she catches sight of prey, there’s no escape.
Sabre told the BBC: “I truly hope Sabre will inspire and empower the younger generation of strong capable females just as the gladiators I once watched inspired me to be a confident athletic women. It is Sabre’s time to shine - here come the powerful girls!”
Steel
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UK CrossFit star, Zack George, won the title of the UK’s Fittest Man in 2020, and his unbreakable strength has earned him the name Steel.
Zack was motivated to help people with their fitness after undertaking his own personal fitness journey as a teenager.
As Steel, he hopes that he can inspire a new, young generation of fans to get into fitness as well.
He told the BBC: "I was inspired by the Gladiators as a child, but never imagined I’d be physically fit enough to be considered a ‘superhuman’! I hope a new generation of fans will look up to me as their new strong, unbreakable hero, Steel."
Viper
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Viper - real name Quang Luong - got his stage name thanks to his silent but quick reactions.
Alongside his bodybuilding Viper boxes daily and also works as a fitness model.
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Thanks to his physique Quang has been cast in films and even featured in a James Bond movie where he played a gangster.
Viper said: ";I was born to be a Gladiator. I am strong, powerful and just like a Viper I can attack with speed.”
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