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AN original Gladiators legend wowed fans as she showed off her incredible shredded body - 26 years after the show.

The star appeared in ITV's Gladiators throughout its entire eight series run.

Kim Betts, "Lightning," from the British TV show *Gladiators*.
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Lightning was a fan favourite star of the original GladiatorsCredit: Rex
Kim Betts on the set of This Morning TV show.
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Decades on, gymnast and bodybuilder Kim Betts still keeps in incredible shapeCredit: Rex
Kim Betts, a Gladiator from the British TV game show, holding a helmet.
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She was Gladiators' longest-serving female star in the original runCredit: Rex

Gymnast and bodybuilder Kim Betts - who went by "Lightning" on the show - proved she still maintains peak physical condition.

On Instagram, Kim, 53, posted a side-by-side snaps of herself from 1992 and 2024.

She captioned: "It's never been about age... Health is your wealth. Balance of life is key."

Amazed by her physique, a follower commented: "Iconic then and now."

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Another added: "Like a fine wine, just gets better and better with age."

A third chimed in: "Always been stunning."

A fourth remarked: "You look absolutely fabulous in both pics!"

While a fifth said: "Still look amazing Kim fair play x."

Now a grandmother, Kim regularly shares inspirational fitness posts on Instagram - encouraging followers to stay in shape at every age.

The former gymnast stole the hearts of the nation when she appeared on Gladiators from 1992 to 2000.

Gladiators legends Lightning, Saracen and Hunter unrecognisable as they reunite on This Morning

She was undefeated on Hang Tough in the UK arena and was only ever beaten once in Australia

Since her time on the show, Kim became a successful businesswoman, running companies including a beauty parlour and fishery.

In addition, she also 16 years of property development experience in her repertoire.

Following a short-lived reboot on Sky in the '00s, the BBC have re-launched Gladiators once again.

The Chase's Bradley Walsh and his son - Casualty actor Barney Walsh - serve as hosts.

Meanwhile, two new Gladiators have signed up for the latest series - bringing the total up to 18.

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The fresh faces hoping to defeat all contenders are esteemed athletes Lystus Ebosele and Tom Wilson.

They will become known as Cyclone and Hammer in the BBC series.

A woman's physique, then and now: a comparison photo showing her in 1992 and 2024.
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Kim shared a side-by-side comparison spanning 32 yearsCredit: instagram
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