Who are the Gladiators? Full line-up includes two new stars
The BBC show is welcoming two new stars, Cyclone and Hammer
Hit 90s sports show Gladiators is back for a second season of the reboot on BBC One and iPlayer — and this time, two new Gladiators are joining the cast.
Just days ahead of the series two debut, Cyclone and Hammer were announced as the latest stars to enter the arena. Meanwhile, fan favourite Nitro will not be competing in games this time as he was ruled out with injury.
Originally debuting in 1992 and running right up until 2000, Gladiators made overnight stars of its champions each of whom was put to the test by a range of high-spirited contenders from the general public.
Through a series of challenges that put their strength, speed and stamina on the line, the popular game show culminated in both parties taking on the dreaded Eliminator, a multi-discipline obstacle course that separated the amateurs from the professionals.
More than 30 years later and the show that made stars of players like Wolf (Michael Van Wijk), Jet (Diane Youdale) and Cobra (Michael Willson) welcomed a new generation of super-charged Gladiators for the reboot, along with a new set of hosts to boot.
The show proved to be a quick hit with fans too, with a reported 8.7 million viewers tuning in to watch the first episode of the 2024 reboot. Big numbers are expected for the series two return as excitement builds for getting back in the arena.
Each episode of Gladiators features a host of new and challenging events, alongside a handful of classic obstacles and finishes with both professional and amateur Gladiators taking on the fearsome Eliminator.
There were 16 Gladiators in the reboot, with the UK public going up against the trained professionals in a number of head to head competitions throughout the series: Comet, Fury, Apollo, Dynamite, Legend, Diamond, Athena, Giant, Apollo, Sabre, Phantom, Viper, Nitro, Bionic, Electro, and Fire. Now, their numbers have been bolstered by Cyclone and Hammer.
Cyclone | Lystus Ebosele | Age: 23
Brand new to the series two cast is Cyclone, aka Lystus Ebosele, an Irish powerlifter who says she’s the ultimate all-round athlete.
She said: “I’ve got the look, I’ve got the energy and I’ve got the muscles.”
Look out for Cyclone’s debut in the new series which will also include some updated games — Atlaspheres and Unleash.
Hammer | Tom Wilson | Age: 32
Tom Wilson has got a new identity as Hammer on Gladiators, complete with a prop that's sure to terrify contenders.
The indoor rower from Nottingham is a World Rowing Champion and says his combination of strength, speed and height (6ft 5in) makes him unique.
Hammer said: “When you’ve got 19 stone sprinting at you, you’ve got no chance. I’m getting you.”
Bionic | Matty Campbell | Age: 29
Bionic has been given his moniker because he is so big and strong that he’s like a machine.
Matty Campbell was an avid football player until a car crash scuppered these plans and led him to instead find solace in the gym, where he found his new calling: bodybuilding.
Ahead of the reboot’s release, Bionic 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 | Age: 26
Jade Packer has been dubbed Electro on Gladiators for her strength, speed and agility that is “electrifying”, hence the nickname.
Electro, like Bionic, has a background in bodybuilding but she is also a sports model, fitness coach and hybrid athlete with experience in Crossfit.
Her speed has seen her be named one of the top 10 fastest runners in the UK at the age of 12, while as a bodybuilder she earned four Top 3 UKBFF and she’s earned a Gold at the English Grand Prix.
Packer 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.”
Phantom | Toby Olubi | Age: 37
Athlete Toby Olubi has been named Phantom for his strength and speed, he was previously a member of the Team GB bobsleigh team and he competed in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
Phantom has previously earned the title of fastest bobsledder in the UK push championships for four consecutive years, and he is also a skilled sprinter.
In a statement, he said: “This is a dream come true for me. I’m a 90s kid so the Gladiators of past were my version of real life superheroes. Now I’ve got the chance to don the big “G” and be an inspirational figure myself.
“Gladiators is all about stepping up against the odds and bringing the best version of yourself. We will be given the biggest entertainment platform to represent that ethos and I couldn’t be more proud and grateful to be a Gladiator… Let the show begin.”
Viper | Quang Long | Age: ?
Quang Long is Viper, and he has been named as such for his precision and fast reactions.
The athlete has been training as a bodybuilder for 15 years, and he also boxes daily and is also a fitness model. His athleticism has even got the attention of Hollywood, and he has appeared in multiple films.
Long said of joining the show: “I was born to be a Gladiator. I am strong, powerful and just like a Viper I can attack with speed.”
Comet | Ella-Mae Rayner | Age: 29
A sight you won’t forget in a hurry, Comet is named due to her ability to delight and dazzle with her feats of strength and speed.
Ella-Mae Rayner is a former elite-gymnast and semi-professional diver. She holds a sports science degree and never misses a chance to level up, training six times each week.
“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 | Karenjeet Kaur Bains | Age: 28
This gladiator takes her cues from the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece — and Athena has the brain, brawn and beauty to back it up, too.
A multi-award-winning powerlifting champion, Karenjeet Kaur Bains not only has a stacked awards shelf but she’s also the proud owner of a Guinness World Record for most bodyweight squats in a minute.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Bains’ is a chartered accountant as well. “I represent all those from diverse and minority backgrounds, especially women, that have ever been denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams in sport,” she says. “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.”
Sabre | Sheli McCoy | Age: 36
Sheli McCoy joins the Gladiators roster as Sabre, a warrior famous for her power and agility.
McCoy has competed in numerous British weightlifting championships and isn't afraid of a challenge, training for 16-19 hours each week.
“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 women,” said McCoy. “It is Sabre’s time to shine — here come the powerful girls.”
Apollo | Alex Gray | Age: 33
Boasting the speed of a rocket, Apollo brings his strength and cunning to Gladiator’s new series.
Real name Alex Gray, Apollo has a background in both rugby and the NHL and is famous for his competitive nature, something that’ll no doubt come in handy during his time on the show.
“Gladiator ready? You better believe I am,” smiled Gray. “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.”
Dynamite | Emily Steel | Age: 21
Swimmer and CrossFit athlete Emily Steel earned her Gladiators moniker Dynamite thanks to her small, explosive and dangerous nature.
At just 21 years old, she’s the series’ youngest Gladiator but don’t let her youth fool you, she’s bound to cause chaos when she lands in the show.
“I’m too young to remember the original Gladiators, but my parents loved it and suggested I try out,” said Steel. “Dynamite really does represent who I am and I’m excited to showcase what I can do in the games.”
Nitro | Harry Aikines-Aryeetey | Age: 36
Team GB sprinter and world gold medallist, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, is Nitro, a Gladiator that boasts incredible speed and agility.
“Becoming a Gladiator is another great achievement! A childhood dream come true!” said Aryeetey upon joining he series. “I can’t wait to be in the arena and bring Nitro to Gladiators!"
Sadly, Nitro picked up an injury between series one and two, and so will only be taking part in the second series from the sidelines after competing in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2024.
The former Olympic sprinter posted on Instagram: “Speed is my thing, but sometimes life throws a curveball! During training for series 2 earlier this year, I picked up an unexpected knee injury, which means I’ll be shifting gears this series and sitting out the events.
“But don’t worry, I’m recharging and more energised than ever! You’ll still catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators, and keeping the energy sky-high. Bring on series 2 of Gladiators!”
Diamond | Livi Sheldon | Age: 30
Champion bodybuilder Livi Sheldon will also be giving amateur Gladiators a run for their money as Diamond. Standing 6ft tall, Diamond promises to live up to her name with skills that are unbreakable and super strong.
“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,” she revealed. “I can’t wait to get into the arena and take on the contenders as Diamond.”
Fury | Jodie Ounsley | Age: 23
Fury, whose real name is Jodie Ounsley, is a professional Exeter Chiefs rugby player, and she is said to have a passion for competition as is shown by her titles as a former England women’s rugby sevens player, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British champion and five times world coal carrying champion, and she also won the title of deaf sports personality of the year in 2020.
Ounsley has also got a history with the original series as her father appeared on the programme in 2008, and in a statement Fury 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.”
Steel | Zack George | Age: 34
Steel is a UK CrossFit star named Zack George who has previously won the title of the UK’s Fittest Man in 2020, and also ranked 26 out of 126,461 on the global CrossFit leader board.
In a statement, George said of joining the show: “I was inspired by the Gladiators as a child, but never imagined I’d be physically fit enough to be considered a ‘superhuman’. I hope a new generation of fans will look up to me as their new strong, unbreakable hero, Steel.”
Giant | Jamie Christian Johal | Age: 39
Giant is a former firefighter and a competitor who is also one of the world’s tallest bodybuilders, standing 6ft 5 inches tall. His real name is Jamie Christian Johal and he certainly won’t be holding back when he enters the arena.
“I feel like everything in life has lead me here,” he said of joining the show. “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 | Montell Douglas | Age: 38
The fierce Fire, AKA Montell Douglas, will return to Gladiators in 2025 after taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024 where she finished in sixth place with dance partner Johannes Radebe. Her battling background lies in the worlds of sprinting and Olympic bobsledding and she was the first female athlete to compete in both the summer and winter Olympics back in 2022. Other Gladiators should be wary of her speed and ferocity.
“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,” said Douglas. “I’m ready to light up the competition!”
Legend | Matt Morsia | Age: 38
Also on the show is former international athlete and bodybuilder Matt Morsia, better known here as Legend. In addition to being an award-winning triple jumper and powerlifter, Morsia is also a social media influencer and the author of a Sunday Times bestselling book all about training.
From the sounds of it, he already feels like he’s the reigning champion: “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.”
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Gladiators airs every Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer at 5:50pm.
