16 January 2024 , 22:57
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Gladiators star Diamond says taking part in the new BBC game show has helped her confront the past trauma of being bullied over her height.
The 29-year-old athlete - whose real name is Livi Sheldon - stands at a striking six feet in height and has won over fans after debuting on the show. And while she stands above the shoulders of many other members of society, she confesses she hasn’t always felt like she can hold her head high due to the cruel remarks of bullies.
Gladiators has returned to screens after being revived by the BBC - returning as Saturday night entertainment after a fifteen year absence. The show has been a hit with TV fans - and Diamond has drawn attention as one of the stand out athletes on the show.
But the star, who grew up in Worcestershire and whose entry theme on the BBC show is the Little Mix song Woman Like Me, says she felt like an “outcast” growing up - but says she now thinks her height is like a superpower. Opening up to The Sun, she said: “When I was growing up I used to get picked on for being taller than everyone else.
The BBC's new version of Gladiators, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, has been a hit with TV fans (BBC / Nick Eagle / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)“Now I get to show everyone that being unique is your superpower. I can’t wait to get into the arena and take on the contenders as Diamond…. I was always the girl who played football with the boys and was seen as a bit of an outcast.”
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She added: “From playing football when I was younger, through to swimming, and then going into bodybuilding. I feel like all of it has led me to this outcome of being a Gladiator."
Gladiators has been a hit with TV fans who were overjoyed to see the show return to screens. However, some have complained that the show is being presented by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh.
The casting of the pair as co-hosts of the game show has provoked accusations of nepotism - with many arguing 26-year-old Barney only got the job because of his 63-year-old father is an established TV star. One fuming TV fan hit out at the pairing, writing on X: “Good to see nepotism is alive and well in the industry #Gladiators."
Another complained:, having seen the pair promotingGladiators on the BBC’s The One Show, writing: "Barney only got the job cause his dad #Gladiators #theoneshow." While another uninspired viewer complained: "Bradley and Barney are on TV far too much #theoneshow." But others were happy to see the pair united again to host another TV show - having already won over fans with their road trip series Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad. The fan commented online: “I'm really happy that Bradley & Barney Walsh will be presenting Gladiators. Especially Barney, because he is a real talent & is being held back by his father in his meritorious TV career. #TheOneShow."