Gladiator Steel's life off camera includes an unrecognisable transformation

20 January 2024 , 18:00

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New Gladiator Steel was once crowned the UK's Fittest Man

They are known for their incredible bodies with rippling abs, huge biceps and amazing muscle tone. But while some Gladiators have always been super sporty, others took longer to find their way to peak fitness.

When Zack George first watched the show back in the '90s, he was an unfit and unhappy 12-year-old who would draw pretend abs on his stomach. "I watched the original series, and at that time I was extremely overweight, very self conscious and I didn't really like how I looked," he said.

"It’s crazy looking back because I used to watch Gladiators and draw a pretend six pack on my stomach. I could never think about ever having abs, I remember looking at the Gladiators and thinking that they are absolute superheroes. To one day potentially look like them let alone actually become a Gladiator is a dream come true."

Zack was unhappy with his appearance as a youngster

He was addicted to fast food at the time

Zack, from Leicester, was addicted to fast food, enjoying McDonalds and KFC meals three or four times a week. "It was a really unhealthy lifestyle," he said. "My dad could tell I was quite unhappy. I used to try and skip swimming lessons because I was so self-conscious of how I looked and didn’t take my top off."

The future Gladiator, 33, was supported by his family as the whole household helped him to become a healthier youngster. "Without saying it they came on the journey with me," he said. "We all cleaned up our diet, we didn’t have chocolate or sweets in the house."

Bradley Walsh breaks down in tears filming 'emotional' ITV show with son Barney

Discovering a talent for fitness, Zack went onto become a CrossFit champion who won the title of the UK's Fittest Man in 2020. Now, he is Gladiator Steel, a "Mr Nice Guy" with an edge. "He’s always smiling and very friendly but when the game starts, he's an absolute machine," said the strong man. "If he loses then he’ll lose graciously and say 'well done’ to the contenders but he’s not going to lose very easily."

The revamped Gladiators has been a success so far, attracting 6.4 million viewers in its opening episode. The show is hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, with 16 new Gladiators aiming to stop the contenders winning a host of events.

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

Vikki White