Gladiator Apollo's life off screen - sportsman who switched from rugby to NFL

20 January 2024 , 17:10

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Apollo has a sterling sporting background (Image: BBC)

Gladiators is back on telly with a new generation of superhuman men and women for its plucky contenders to take on. And this time around the BBC One show's new stars include Apollo, a rugby player with the looks of a Greek God.

Alex Gray, 32, has a sterling sporting background, playing rugby from an early age. The 6ft 6ins Gladiator started off in the under 16s, going onto captain English Rugby teams for 16s, 18s and 20s. Alex played for Newcastle Falcons, London Irish and Bath Rugby as well as spending two years with the England Sevens team.

The strong man from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, then made history by becoming the first English rugby player to transfer to the NFL - National Football League - in the United States after being scouted and signing for Atlantic Falcons. He went onto become the first international player to captain an NFL team.

Alex played in the NFL for the Atlantic Falcons

Alex's next challenge is as a Gladiator and he has always been a huge fan of the telly contest. "I was absolutely mad for Gladiators as a kid," he said. "My mum says all plans were cancelled for the Saturdays that Gladiators was on TV as there would be absolute hell to pay if me and my brothers couldn’t watch it.

"It honestly gave me goosebumps when I first saw the Arena," said the show super fan. "Everything was just so epic, from the Rings to the Travelator. Audiences are going to be blown away by how cool it all is."

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"Apollo is like Superman, but with a sense of humour," added the ultra-competitive star. "Big and fast like a rocket and hotter than the sun! 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."

Apollo talks to new show host Barney Walsh (BBC / James Stack / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)

Apollo can jump an impressive 2.8 metres from standing and says his key attributes are ambition, excellence and courage.

The new series of Gladiators began last Saturday, January 13, presented by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh. The first show of 11 attracted 6.4 million viewers and saw Apollo take on challenges including Gauntlet, where he teamed up with three Gladiators to stop a contender running through different zones.

Watch Gladiators on Saturdays at 5.50pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

Vikki White