BBC Announces 5 Of The ‘Gladiators’ For Revival Series – L to R (Top): Diamond, Nitro. (Bottom): Giant, Fire and Legend
The BBC has announced five of the new “superhuman” ‘Gladiators‘, who will challenge members of the public in the revival series which is due to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer in the latter half of 2023.
The 11-part series made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK will see a new generation of Gladiators compete against a brave set of contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength. They will take part in a series of brand-new games alongside classic challenges including fan-favourites DUEL, HANG TOUGH and THE ELIMINATOR.
The new Gladiators include:
Diamond
6ft Bodybuilder, Livi Sheldon is striking and indestructible earning her the name, Diamond. Don’t be deceived by Diamond’s bright beauty, she is unbreakable and super strong.
After graduating with a degree in Sports Science, she took up bodybuilding, becoming a British Finalist ‘England Toned Figure’. Her passion for sports began at age 6, when she played football for a boys football team. She eventually moved over to a girls’ team, where she became captain for many years, and went on to play for Worcester City Ladies team.
“When I was growing up I used to get picked on for being taller than everyone else,” said Diamond (AKA Livi Sheldon). “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.”
Nitro
Team GB sprinter, Harry Aikines Aryeetey is lightning fast and a ball of energy earning him the name Nitro. With his incredible speed and agility, the Contenders will have their work cut out, getting past Nitro.
Commonwealth and World gold medallist sprinter, Harry has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth. After becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, he won 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year age 17.
Harry has gone on to win gold 4 x in the men’s 100m European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. His long list of achievements include: 2 x Olympian, 3 x European Champion, 2x Commonwealth Champion, 1x Commonwealth Silver Medallist, 1x European Bronze Medallist, 1x World Bronze Medallist, 1x British Champion, 2x World Youth Champion, 1x World Junior Champion.
“Becoming a Gladiator is another great achievement,” said Nitro (AKA Harry Aikines Aryeetey). “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!”
Giant
Former firefighter turned bodybuilder Jamie Christian Johal has earned the name Giant. Standing at 6ft 5inches he made history by becoming one of the all-time tallest bodybuilders. Now he’s bringing that power into the Gladiators arena. He may look like a big, friendly giant, but don’t be fooled, he won’t be holding back when it comes to the games.
“I feel like everything in life has led me here,” said Giant (AKA Jamie Christian Johal). “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
Blazing into the Gladiators stadium like a Flash is Montell Douglas. She’s fierce and will burn through the arena destroying anyone who gets in her way, earning her the name Fire. Contenders should beware of Fire. She’s fast, unpredictable and dangerous and will ravage anyone in her path.
Former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder, she held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint at 11.05 seconds, smashing the previous record which had stood unbeaten for 27 years. In January 2022, Montell made sporting history to become the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. In 2010, she won Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race in Delhi – and holds a European Under-23 Silver Medal in 100m. Montell moved into bobsledding in 2016, and the following year finished within the Top 10 at her World Cup debut. When competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, Montell returned to the city where she had competed 14 years previously at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Montell loves inspiring women to achieve their dreams, no matter what age, height or background they’re from.
“I’m so pleased I’ve been asked to be Fire! Being a gladiator has been a secret lifelong dream of mine,” said Fire (AKA Montell Douglas). “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
Training up to six times a week in bodybuilding and powerlifting, former international athlete, Matt Morsia describes himself as a Legend – hence the name! Bringing all his power and strength to the series, the contenders will not forget Legend.
The former Championship bronze medal winning long and triple jumper, and silver medal winning powerlifter, loved the ‘showmanship’ of competing. After retiring from international competitions, he continued performing to a huge audience becoming highly successful fitness influencer and professional YouTuber – amassing over 355 million views. In 2020, he released his first book, ‘The 24/7 Body’, which became a Sunday Times Bestseller, upon its release.
“I’ve been training like a beast for the show but realistically I didn’t need to,” said Legend: (AKA Matt Morsia). “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.”
The new series will be hosted by the father and son duo of Bradley and Barney Walsh, who have an interesting family connection to the show. Donna Walsh, Barney’s mum and Bradley’s wife, was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders on the original series. Bradley, and a very young Barney, were regular visitors on set, with Barney taking some of his first steps on the iconic arena floor. Not to be outdone, Bradley followed in his small son’s footsteps when he took part in a Celebrities vs Jockeys special in 1997!
‘Gladiators’ is a Hungry Bear and MGM Alternative UK for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kate Phillips Director of Unscripted. The Executive Producers are Dan Baldwin and Lou Brown for Hungry Bear, Dom Bird for MGM Alternative and Johnny C. Ferraro. The Head of Entertainment Commissioning is Kalpna Patel Knight and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Clodagh O’Donoghue.
If you fancy getting into the audience for the new ‘Gladiators’, which films at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, you can apply for free tickets here (Terms and Conditions apply).
‘Gladiators‘ will air on BBC One and iPlayer later in 2023. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when they get a UK premiere date.
