Gladiators line-up in full – Olympian, NFL star, footballer and running legend
Gladiators will be making its return to BBC One later this year with new stars.
14 years after the show ended, BBC bosses announced its sensational return leaving fans of the original programme ecstatic.
While few details have been released about who will be taking over from Ulrika Jonsson as presenter, we now know who the four Gladiators are and their background.
Ahead of transmission, the Mirror has delved into their background to bring you all you need to know about the new contenders who are hoping to become heroes.
Each Gladiator will go head to head at Utlita Arena Sheffield, South Yorks, as they face the ultimate test of strength with some old-favourite challenges and new ones.
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(BBC)Here, we take a look at the new Gladiators and what they each are expected to bring to the show...
Apollo
Apollo AKA Alex Gray is no stranger to tackling challenges (Instagram)Apollo, whose real name is Alex Gray is no stranger to tackling things.
The NFL star first launched his career playing rugby for the under-16s before eventually moving to the Premiership and the England 7s team.
He later went on to captain the English Rugby teams for the 16's, 18's and 20's.
But in a shocking twist, he went on to become the first British rugby player to be scouted for the NFL, later signing with the Atlantic Falcons.
Alex became the first international player to Captain an NFL team after making his debut for the Falcons.
Speaking about appearing on the show, he said: "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."
Bionic
Matty Campbell had dreamed of being a professional footballer (@matty___campbell/Instagram)Matty Campbell attracted his nickname Bionic from his rather impressive 6ft 6in height.
The one-time aspiring footballer was left devastated when a car crash ruined his chances of becoming a professional footballer but his accident had a positive impact on his life.
He explained that rehabilitating himself after the incident saw him fall in love with working out and bodybuilding.
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Reflecting on being signed to the show, Bioinc 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!"
Electro
Jade Packer was once one of the fastest runners in the UK (PA)Other Gladiators better watch out as Electro is known for being a "quick, electrifying, unstoppable force".
The star whose real name is Jade Packer was ranked as one of the Top 10 Fastest Runners in the UK aged just 12 after competing in the 150m.
Six years later aged 18, she instantly fell in love with bodybuilding and her journey hasn't stopped, after winning Gold at the English Grand Prix.
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She 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."
Comet
Ella-Mae Rayner admits she was "thrilled" to join the show (Instagram)Former gymnast Ella-Mae Rayner is no stranger to challenges, having suffered a career-changing injury which led to her falling in love with the gym.
Speaking to the BBC, the Sports Science graduate said: "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."
Athena
Athena is hoping to be a role model to young women (Instagram)Former Team GB star at the Commonwealth Games, Karenjeet Jaur Bains will certainly be making history.
As the first Sikh gladiator, the Powerlifting champion said: "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!"
Phantom
Phantom AKA Toby Olubi is an Olympic legend (@tobyolubi/Instagram)Olympian Toby Olubi who competed in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in Bobsleigh was previously the fastest Bobsledder in the UK.
But away from his icy sport, he has also found success in spriting, having achieved the country championship in the UK men's 60m sprints.
Viper
Viper had previously appeared in a James Bond movie (@mqluong/Instagram)Silent but deadly Viper, whose real name is Quang Luong is set to turn heads as he works as a professional fitness model.
But away from his love of fitness, he's also appeared in a James Bond movie, playing a gangster.
"I was born to be a Gladiator. I am strong, powerful and just like a Viper I can attack with speed," he said.
Dynamite
Emily admits that she is too young to remember the original show (PA)Swimming star Emily Steel competed at national level until she was 15 but is now a CrossFit athlete.
She told the BBC: "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 games."
Nitro
Commonwealth Games medalist Harry Aikines Aryeetey says taking part is a "dream come true" (British Athletics via Getty Imag)Fellow Commonwealth and World gold medalist sprinter Nitro (Harry Aikines Aryeetey) is hoping to make moves after winning the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year aged just 17.
He said: "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!"
Steel
Steel was once named the fittest man in the UK (Instagram/zackgeorge)The UK's Fittest Man champion – literally, is hoping to inspire new fans of the programme to start their own fitness journey.
Zack George explained that the original show inspired him as a child, although he never believed he would be fit enough to appear on the show.
"I hope a new generation of fans will look up to me as their new strong, unbreakable hero, Steel," he explained.
Fury
Jodie Ounsley's dad competed on Gladiators back in 2008No, not another Fury sibling but Jodie Ounsley is certainly a sports star in her own right.
The former England Women's Rugby Seven's ace is no stranger to the show as her dad originally competed on the show back in 2008.
Jodie said: "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
Jamie Christian Johal has an impressive height of 6ft 6in (PA)Standing at 6ft 5in, it's clear to see why Jamie Christian Johal is named Giant.
The former firefighter turned bodybuilder won't be holding back as he revealed he's prepared to go into battle, telling the Beebs: "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!"
Fire
Olympic Bobsledder Montell said being a Gladiator has been her dream (PA)In a bid to rile Giant up, former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder Montell Douglas has broken several records in her life.
But now she's hoping to be crowned the ultimate Gladiator, explaining: "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 believe and keep pushing. I’m ready to light up the competition!"
Legend
Matt us now a social media influencer and author (PA)Matt Morisa trains up to six times every week and has previously won bronze in the long and triple jump, as well as a silver medal in powerlifting.
Despite previously competing in international competitions, he is now a fitness influencer with over 355 million views and a Sunday Times Bestseller book under his belt.
Hoping to scare off his opponents, he said: "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"
Diamond
Livi Sheldon believes her 6ft height will work to her advantage (PA)Livi Sheldon is hoping her opponents will be scared of her, having joined a boy's football team aged six before eventually moving over to women's football.
The bodybuilder who stands at 6ft 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 the arena and take on the contenders as Diamond."
Sabre
Sabre runs her own gym in Scotland (Instagram)Sheli McCo has described herself as a "grafter" and trains between 16 and 19 hours every week, as well as running her own gym in Dundee, Scotland.
The blonde businesswoman said: "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 woman. It is Sabre’s time to shine - here come the powerful girls!"
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