Gladiator Diamond was picked on in school earlier than becoming a member of iconic present
She was as soon as seen as a lanky ‘outcast’ in school, bullied for her peak and picked on for enjoying on the boy’s soccer workforce moderately than the lady’s squad.
Little did the self-confessed Harry Potter fan know that the qualities she was relentlessly teased about and her wrestle with ’emotional consuming’ would finally assist unleash her ‘distinctive superpower’.
Gladiator Diamond – actual title Livi Sheldon – was this weekend the stand out star because the BBC‘s iconic sports activities gameshow Gladiator returned to screens for the primary time in 16 years.
At 6ft tall, the gorgeous 29-year-old bodybuilder from Worcestershire, who can raise 160kg – the equal of a male gorilla – wowed viewers along with her ‘placing and indestructible’ energy.
Yet the rising star has stated she didn’t turn into a Gladiator to easily showcase her excessive athletic capability however to ‘encourage others to embrace their uniqueness and encourage individuals to not disguise away’.
Gladiator Diamond – whose actual title is Livi Sheldon – is without doubt one of the Gladiators making waves on the BBC’s reboot of the beloved sports activities gameshow
When rising up, the health fanatic was teased for her peak and was a ‘little bit of an outcast’. Pictured: Livi as a toddler in a Gladiator-like pose
Gladiator followers went wild when Livi stepped into the sector on Saturday, with lots of them evaluating her with Jet for the previous sequence
Livi has now been weight lifting for over ten years and lately shared the distinction between her 18-year-old self and now
The physique has spoken candidly about her earlier struggles with emotional consuming. Pictured: Livi and her fiance
A sporty schoolgirl, Livi joined the boys soccer workforce at six-years-old earlier than shifting onto the ladies workforce, the place she finally made captain.
Later down the road she progressed to play for Worcester City Ladies.
‘I really feel like turning into a Gladiator is one thing I’ve been coaching for my complete life,’ she stated.
‘From taking part in soccer once I was youthful, via to swimming, after which going into bodybuilding.
‘I really feel like all of it has led me to this end result of being a Gladiator. I don’t suppose I’d have had half the energy that I presently have if I hadn’t had all of my previous experiences.’
The Gladiator, who stated she has been coaching for a duel within the area since she was nine-years-old, additionally swam competitively for her county as baby.
Throughout her youthful days, nevertheless, the bodybuilder has candidly spoken about being teased for her peak and opened up about her struggles with emotional consuming.
She stated: ‘When I used to be rising up I used to get picked on for being taller than everybody else. Now I get to indicate everybody that being distinctive is your superpower.’
At 6ft tall, the gorgeous 29-year-old from Worcestershire, can raise 160kg – the equal of a male gorilla – and squat 120kg
On Saturday the star wowed viewers along with her ‘placing and indestructible’ energy. Pictured: The Gladiator on vacation in Venice, Italy
Alongside her powerful fitness center routine, Livi can also be seen on her Instagram climbing and browsing. Pictured: The Gladiator star browsing in Devon
On her days off out of the fitness center, the Gladiator star spends time strolling her canines, travelling and browsing
Livi works as a web-based coach for ladies. Her ethos is to assist ‘girls glow up and turn into robust AF’
The on-line coach, whose ethos is ‘serving to girls glow up and turn into robust AF’, additionally spoke of how she used to make use of meals to take care of emotions, moderately than to fulfill starvation.
Livi defined: ‘When I first began coaching it was initially ‘to drop some weight’ however later as I received extra according to coaching I realised how a lot it was altering my physique form and I beloved it.
‘The coaching was by no means the issue for me, I may practice all day lengthy, push myself, and by no means miss a session.
‘It was the weight loss program, I struggled so a few years with emotional consuming – which I did not realise on the time however I do now – I’d bounce to a chocolate bar, or a pizza for consolation.’
The struggles she went via in her youthful days helped lead the Gladiator to the sector.
‘I used to be all the time the lady who performed soccer with the boys and was seen as a little bit of an outcast,’ she advised the Radio Times.
‘I wished to indicate youthful ladies which you could be a badass, however stay female and girly on the identical time.
‘So, in essence, I wished to turn into a Gladiator to encourage, actually… and to kick ass, clearly.’
Over the years, the Sports Science graduate has labored on her relationship with meals, now seeing it as ‘gasoline’.
‘I now have a lot extra respect for myself and my physique and the way I deal with it and it reveals,’ she added.
‘I not drink to get drunk, I respect myself and my physique by stopping earlier than I really feel myself shedding management. I present restraint whereas on vacation by not needing to eat EVERYTHING on the breakfast buffet.’
The finalist of the England Toned Figure started her bodybuilding profession after graduating from college in 2012 however says she solely began taking it critically about six years in the past.
The Gladiator started her bodybuilding profession after graduating from college in 2012 however says she solely began taking it critically about six years in the past
Gladiator Diamond (pictured coaching) can also be a ‘canine mum’ to 2 Jackhuahua’s – a combined Jack Russell and chihuahua breed – known as Fudge and Roxy
Livi began bodybuilding in 2012 after graduating from college with a Spots Science Degree. It was solely 5 – 6 years later that she began to take it extra critically
At 6ft tall, Livi from Worcestershire, can raise 160kg which is the equal of a male gorilla
The on-line health coach has used social media platforms to spice up her enterprise, having greater than 17,600 followers and Instagram and 10,000 followers on TikTook
Pictured: Livi and her fiance after they purchased their first dwelling, which they deliberate to renovate
As of August final yr, she had competed in 4 bodybuilding competitions, taking silver on the National Amateur Body-Builders Association (NABBA).
Celebrating a decade within the sport, she wrote on Instagram in 2022: ‘It’s been 10 years since I first began weight coaching, and let me inform you, it hasn’t been a easy highway BUT I would not be the place I’m at present with out it.
‘Weight coaching hasn’t simply helped me form my physique but it surely’s molded me as an individual.’
The on-line health coach has used social media platforms to spice up her enterprise, having greater than 17,600 followers and Instagram and 10,000 followers on TikTook.
On the accounts, the blonde bombshell shares exercise movies, motivation suggestions in addition to tidbits from her private life, together with her romantic proposal within the Maldives three years in the past.
Gladiator Diamond can also be a ‘canine mum’ to 2 Jackhuahua’s – a combined Jack Russell and chihuahua breed – known as Fudge and Roxy.
The star, whose favorite snack is choose ‘n’ combine sweets, additionally confessed she is a large Harry Potter fan, having visited the Warner Brother studios 4 occasions.
On her days off out of the fitness center, the Gladiator star spends time strolling her canines, travelling and browsing.
BBC viewers have been warned forward of the duel on the Gladiator’s web site to not be ‘deceived by Diamond’s brilliant magnificence, she is unbreakable and tremendous robust’.
On her health accounts, Livi shares exercise movies, motivation suggestions in addition to tidbits from her private life, together with her romantic proposal within the Maldives three years in the past
The professional bodybuilder has a paid model take care of Prep Kitchen, which she shares often
Speaking about her change in weight loss program and consuming habits, Livi stated that she ‘not drinks to get drunk’
The six-foot tall health fanatic, who boasts a bicep measurement of 36 centimetres, was the primary new Gladiator to seem after stepping as much as face nurse Tasha Lawrence
Gladiators followers have been transported again the present’s mid-nineties heyday on Saturday night after new competitor Diamond (left) was in comparison with the enduring Jet (proper)
On Saturday followers have been transported again to the present’s mid-nineties heyday which was as soon as an ITV staple hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu.
The present was later axed by Sky however now 16 years later it has been rebooted, with many viewers being hit with an instantaneous dose of nostalgia.
As Gladiator Diamond stepped onto the stage at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena many immediately made comparisons to the present’s earlier icon Jet.
The health fanatic, who boasts a bicep measurement of 36 centimetres, was the primary new Gladiator to seem after stepping as much as face nurse Tasha Lawrence.
Taking to X because the present performed out, followers have been fast to attract comparisons with Jet, actual title Diane Youdale, a present common following its authentic launch on ITV1 in 1993.
‘Watching Gladiators on bbc1. What a nostalgic throwback. Fun up to now with nice presentation. Diamond is unquestionably this generations Jet!’ [sic] wrote one.
A second added: ‘#Diamond the brand new Jet?’
While a 3rd wrote: ‘Will take one thing particular to copy that expertise. Diamond is exhibiting promise!’
Elsewhere a fourth viewer, evidently impressed along with her imposing physique, wrote: ‘That diamond was CUT.’
Many praised the brand new present, hosted by comic Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, for protecting the present near its authentic format. There will ten extra episodes aired on the BBC over the approaching weeks.
Where are the unique Gladiators now? From jail sentences to a profitable performing profession as present returns 24 years after final sequence
Gladiators was watched by over 14 million viewers and was hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu in addition to that includes gruff referee John Anderson – so the place are all of them now?
Jet: Diane Youdale
Show legend Jet, actual title Diane Youdale (left, on the present) revealed in July 2023 that she had married her companion Zoe (far proper)
Age: 53
Now: Since her time on Gladiators, Diane Youdale has remained on views’ TV screens and radio airwaves, presenting on BBC Tees and that includes on reveals like Look North and Inside Out for the broadcaster.
Diane began out with a profession in gymnastics and dance, earlier than rising to stardom as a health fanatic, however was later pressured to take up presenting and performing after an harm through the present’s stay Wembley Arena occasion in 1996.
She went on to turn into a PE instructing assistant, earlier than coaching as a psychotherapist.
Diane hit the headlines once more in July 2023, when she revealed that she had received married to her companion Zoe.
The former athlete stated on the Chillin’ with Ice podcast saying their engagement shortly beforehand: ‘Just over a yr in the past, a beautiful girl approached me in my native grocery store and over a yr later, we will get married’.
With an enormous smile on her face she stated: ‘We are what we’re. It would not matter. And I do not give a rattling.’
Diane admitted that she had beforehand been ‘postpone relationships for all times’ after shifting to the North of England for a companion just for it to finish badly.
She advised podcast host Lori Fetrick, who performed Ice in American Gladiators: ‘I’m secure and I’m beloved and there is not any risk to me anymore and that is what means the world to me.’
Diane had beforehand been in a relationship with former Gladiators co-star Hunter, James Crossley.
On the present: Diane sustained a critical neck harm after falling from the Pyramid on the present in 1996, resulting in her taking the choice to depart.
She beforehand stated: ‘I used to be starting to see extra spinal accidents. You can injury your ankle or your knee and it’ll recuperate, however breaking your neck – that’s a distinct story.
‘After my accident, I made a decision to give up whereas I may. I made a decision it wasn’t value it any extra. I wished to depart whereas I may nonetheless stroll out of the studio.’
Fun info: With 20 years in psychology behind her, Diane landed a daily slot on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side the place she would analyse housemates.
Falcon: Bernadette Hunt
Gladiators legend Falcon – actual title Bernadette Hunt – tragically died in March 2023 on the age of 59 after being identified with most cancers
In March 2023, Gladiators legend Falcon – whose actual title was Bernadette Hunt – died aged 59 after battling most cancers for ‘plenty of years’.
The star appeared on the enduring present from its second sequence in 1993 and remained an integral a part of the programme till it ended.
Bernadette’s dying was introduced by the companion of her sister Carol in an announcement on social media, and paid tribute to one in all ‘the loveliest individuals’ he knew.
The tribute learn: ‘I had the privilege to be in her firm just a few occasions and I’ve to say she was some of the loveliest individuals I’ve ever met.
‘She by no means had a nasty phrase to say about anybody, certainly she was all the time often known as the nicest Gladiator, all the time stopping to talk and signal autographs for anybody.’
The Gladiators Instagram web page additionally honoured the star with a candy tribute.
‘Many followers will keep in mind Falcon as probably the most beautiful, heat, beneficiant individual with a beaming smile!’ It learn.
‘Our Gladiator household is actually heartbroken with our lack of Bernie.’
Following her time on the present, which led to 2000, Bernadette retreated out the highlight to work as a private coach.
Speaking about life after Gladiators, Bernadette advised the Basingstoke Gazette in 2008: ‘I’m very pleased with the work I do now and am all the time busy. My time is spent as a private coach and with my youngsters Adam and Angel.’
She additionally starred on International Gladiators in 1994 and 1995.
Before turning into a bodybuilder, Bernadette attended the London Contemporary Ballet School from the age of 18.
However, her desires of turning into a dancer have been crushed by a again harm, resulting in the change to bodybuilding.
Bernadette gained the primary competitors she entered: Miss Natural Health in 1992.
She went on to win different titles together with Miss Novice Britain, Miss London and Home Counties 1992 and Miss South Britain.
Referee: John Anderson
John Anderson was the present’s iconic referee and personally skilled the gladiators on the present
Age: 92
Occupation: John was a mentor and coach to athletic stars each previous to showing on Gladiators, and after his spell on the present.
He beforehand labored as a trainer and coach for Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games athletes.
In 2015, John suffered a coronary heart assault whereas out strolling his canine, however did not even discover for nearly two weeks.
In an interview with the Herald the next yr, he stated: ‘I used to be strolling the canine final June and felt a barely odd sensation in my proper chest.
‘After 10 days – nonetheless on the bike and within the fitness center, strolling the canine and mowing the garden – my spouse, Dorothy, insisted I see the physician. They stated I’d had a coronary heart assault. They caught some stents and I’m high-quality.’
On the present: Talking about his co-stars on the present, he has stated: ‘They have been excellent, they have been professionals. They did all the pieces very properly, they have been simple to work with. I used to be delighted to work with them’.
Gladiators historical past: John joined the present when it first launched in 1992 and stayed with it till it wrapped in 2000.
He reprised his position as referee again in 2008 when the present briefly returned on Sky too.
Fun reality: John skilled an Olympian at each summer time video games between 1964 and 2000. He was additionally a helpful footballer and performed for Scotland at schoolboy stage.
Hunter: James Crossley
Trainer: James spoke to MailOnline lately about how he has turned his abilities to yoga in a bid to age ‘ache free’, whereas his girlfriend can also be a yoga trainer
Age: 50
Occupation: James Crossley is a energy and conditioning coach and gong practitioner, typically sharing an perception into his wholesome life-style through social media.
In 2021, he spoke to MailOnline about how he has turned his abilities to yoga in a bid to age ‘ache free’, whereas his girlfriend Arianna can also be a yoga trainer.
James beforehand dated TV persona Dr. Zoe Williams, who typically seems on daytime reveals similar to This Morning, whereas he additionally had a romance with Ulrika Jonsson.
While he’s presently working within the sports activities trade, James dabbled in performing following his time in Gladiators, in addition to making a number of different TV appearances as a star visitor.
The TV star has his personal James Crossley teaching web site to assist individuals get fitter, in addition to his yoga and gong bathtub practices.
Comparing his health now to when he starred on Gladiators within the 90s, James admitted that it’s ‘very totally different’.
He stated: ‘When I did Gladiators I used to be a machine. I used to be coaching twice a day, as soon as with the weights, as soon as with the occasions coaching, as a result of the factor with Gladiators is all of the occasions are very distinctive. My absolute fittest would have been in my late 20s.’
On Gladiators: Discussing his time on the present, he stated: ‘The first yr I joined I could not do something – I locked myself away for a yr to get higher. You could be muscular and look good but it surely does not imply you possibly can climb these partitions.’
Fun info: James dated the present’s host Ulrika Jonsson, however the pair remained coy on their romance, till she uncovered all in her 2003 autobiography.
He additionally loved a romance with Jet (Diane) throughout their time on the present.
Host: Ulrika Jonsson
Ulrika was a TV-AM climate presenter earlier than discovering fame as co-host of Gladiators alongside John Fashanu again in 1992
Age: 56
Occupation: Ulrika was a TV-AM climate presenter earlier than discovering fame as co-host of Gladiators alongside John Fashanu again in 1992.
She went on to turn into the workforce captain of the BBC present Shooting Stars in 1995 on her solution to turning into a staple of British tv.
The Swedish-born star has appeared on a number of TV reveals together with Dancing On Ice, Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Celebs Go Dating.
Ulrika typically hits the headlines, whether or not it’s posting racy snaps on Instagram or talking her thoughts in her newspaper column.
Fun reality: Ulrika famously dated Gladiator James Crossley aka Hunter. Speaking of the romance on Vicky Patterson’s The Secret To podcast, she stated: ‘Obviously I dated Hunter for a few yr and a half and away from the present.
‘He was wonderful and the sweetest, sweetest man. He was solely 22 I believe once I received along with him. Poor boy.’
Panther: Helen O’Reilly
Helen now has her personal fitness center in Uxbridge, London, and travels all throughout the globe judging bikini ladies
Age: 62
Now: Helen, who runs Panthers Gym in Uxbridge, stated in a latest interview with a Gladiator’s fan website: ‘I believe I’ve modified quite a bit… most individuals do not recognise me… age, hair, color change and naturally I do not put on the trademark Panther Lycra anymore!’
Helen is a champion bodybuilder and have become one in all Britain’s finest, with plenty of accolades to her title together with Miss Central Britain, Miss Europe, Miss Great Britain, Miss Russia and Miss Universe.
On Gladiators: ‘It was nice, it impressed so many individuals to get into sport, to have the ability to be robust and female on the identical time. We nonetheless get messages at present, 25 years later, of individuals nonetheless being impressed to go to the fitness center.’
Fun info: She now has her personal fitness center in Uxbridge, London, the place she preps different ladies.
She additionally travels all throughout the globe judging bikini ladies, health ladies and males’s physique and bodybuilding.
Cobra: Michael Willson
A couple of years in the past, Michael Wilson admitted throughout a chunk within the The Guardian that he was typically drunk on Gladiators
Age: 60
Now: Now dwelling within the West Midlands, Michael spends his time making watercolour work. He additionally travels to colleges and youth golf equipment up and down the UK, preaching how protecting match could be enjoyable.
In 2019, Michael admitted throughout a chunk within the The Guardian that he was typically drunk on the present.
He stated: ‘I keep in mind The Wall and considering, “I’ve got to chase this guy up it and I’m bleeding drunk.”
‘We by no means needed to drive anyplace, we had hospitality twice a day so there can be wine and booze and stuff flowing. Ironically, I by no means used to drink a drop earlier than I joined Gladiators.’
Gladiator historical past: Thanks to his quick-thinking and agility he turned a grasp of the Hang Tough ring and was additionally one of the best Duel podium contender having by no means been knocked off.
He turned a fan-favourite Gladiator alongside the likes of Shadow, Wolf, Jet, Lightning and Hunter.
Fun reality: Proving that good issues can are available in small packages, Cobra – whose actual title is Michael Wilson – did not let his peak – a comparatively small six-foot in comparison with his Gladiator colleagues – get in the best way of victory.
Shadow: Jefferson King
A courtroom heard how Jefferson King was concerned in a blackmail plot after a day of smoking medicine ‘degenerated quickly’
Age: 62
Now: In 2009, Jefferson – aka Shadow – went into rehab and stayed clear, revealing in 2011 that he had crushed his habit and labored at a rehab clinic to assist individuals affected by drug issues.
However, he was finally again on unlawful medicine – and was charged with heroin possession.
In 2021, a courtroom heard how he was concerned in a blackmail plot after a day of smoking medicine ‘degenerated quickly’, in line with The Sun.
The police launched his mugshot, exhibiting him with hole cheeks and bleary eyes after he admitted collaborating in a drug-fuelled blackmail plot.
King had demanded £1,000 in 2022 from a mom for the secure return of her son who was allegedly being held hostage by a gang.
He was sentenced to 6 years and three months after admitting collaborating within the drug-fuelled plan over a debt.
Gladiators historical past: Jefferson’s Gladiators profession fell aside when he was ousted off the programme for taking steroids.
Soon after the drug scandal, a mistress bought a story of his infidelity to a newspaper and his marriage broke down too.
He stated on the time: ‘There isn’t any excuse for dishonest. I used to be mixing with medicine earlier than Gladiators and once I was examined through the present there have been no traces of cocaine however they discovered steroids.’
Fun reality: Jefferson turn into a wrestler following his TV profession and had a cameo position within the Spice Girls’ film Spiceworld in 1997.
Warrior: Mike Ahearne
In 2018 the shamed former Gladiator Mike Ahearne hit the headlines as a courtroom heard that he was caught by police with buying luggage stuffed with steroids and CS spray canisters
Age: 63
Now: After seven years incomes as much as £100,000-a-year, Mike Ahearne’s world of movie star and luxurious got here crashing down, when he was linked to a corruption scandal.
He was arrested on the afternoon of Thursday, March 13, 1997 and accused of involvement in a plot to foil the prosecution of Philip Glennon Jnr.
Glennon Jnr had been accused of firing a handgun at a bouncer after which a police officer exterior a Liverpool nightclub in 1996 and was charged with tried homicide.
Glennon Jnr is the brother-in-law of Liverpool medicine baron Curtis Warren, who tried to foil the investigation by paying corrupt officer Detective Chief Inspector Elmore ‘Elly’ Davies £10,000 to cross on particulars of what the police knew concerning the incident, when a doorman was additionally shot.
Ahearne had handed cash from Warren to his buddy Davies – then head of Merseyside’s medicine squad – for details about the case.
Following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court in 1998, at which Ahearne determined to not give proof, the TV star was convicted of an act with tendency to pervert the course of justice and jailed for 15 months.
Davies, additionally from Oxton, was jailed for 5 years, whereas a 3rd man was jailed for 3 years.
Glennon Jnr was beforehand jailed for six years for tried homicide.
In 2018, Ahearne hit the headlines once more as a courtroom heard that he was caught by police with buying luggage stuffed with steroids and CS spray canisters.
Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard police raided the previous bodybuilder’s dwelling in leafy Rose Mount, Oxton, Wirral on January 23, 2018.
They retrieved a big stash of assorted anabolic steroids, contained in a plastic Tesco provider bag, one other buying bag and two packing containers.
Ahearne was arrested on suspicion of possessing the Class C medicine with intent to provide, however no fees have been introduced over the haul.
But he was charged over the CS spray and admitted three counts of possessing a weapon ‘designed or tailored for the discharge of a noxious liquid’.
He was sentenced to 6 months in jail, suspended for 12 months, at Liverpool Crown Court in October 2018 for these offences.
Gladiators History: Ahearne performed rugby union for England at youth stage earlier than representing Great Britain at Mr Universe.
Standing at 6ft 4in, the ex-doorman was among the finest recognized faces in Gladiators.
Phoenix: Sandy Young
Sandy now works as a florist and is a mom to 2 youngsters within the West Midlands in line with Gladiator fan websites (pictured proper in 2019)
Age: 58
Now: According to Gladiator fan websites, Sandy now works as a florist and is a mom to 2 youngsters within the West Midlands.
Gladiators historical past: ‘Phoenix’ was pressured to depart the present in late 1992, reportedly for being unable to fulfill health requirements.
Years later she was sentenced to 150 hours of neighborhood service in 1996 for attacking her ex-husband, Steven Young, resulting from a custody disagreement over their son.
The kick-boxer and former Bodybuilding Miss UK broke her ex’s ankle in what was described in courtroom as an act of ‘wanton violence and revenge’.
At the time, Steven’s girlfriend Elsa Jones, who was there for the assault, stated: ‘She’s a kickboxer and she or he knew what she was doing. She was actually making all the proper noises.’
Fun reality: Sandy was unbeaten in two new occasions throughout ‘Gladiators Live!’ in 1993 at Wembley Arena.
Wolf: Michael Van Wijk
Michael Van Wik now runs his personal fitness center in Auckland, the place he presently resides, which is known as Wolf’s Gym, after his Gladiators persona
Age: 71
Now : Michael owns a fitness center known as ‘Wolf’s Gym’ in Auckland, New Zealand the place he now lives. He had owned gyms beforehand earlier than discovering fame on Gladiators.
Following his time on the present, he turned a daily on the Kiwi Cage Fighting scene and likewise used to compete at nationwide stage in Jiu Jitsu championships, in line with a 2008 Loaded article.
Michael appeared on Lorraine in 2019 and advised the host he would like to revive Gladiators, and stated: ‘I’d like to do it, I want the producers would deliver it again. You would get all of the baby-boomers from the previous watching it and you’d get a brand new technology arising as properly.’
However, his supply was reportedly snubbed.
He advised GBNews earlier than the brand new sequence: ‘I wished to participate in some form or type within the new sequence, and even be a co-host, however once I contacted them, I received no reply.
‘I believe they principally wished to get away from all the pieces to do with the unique present and simply do it their very own means, which is comprehensible.’
Gladiators historical past: He starred on the present for seven years and eight sequence all through your complete time Gladiators aired on ITV.
Fun info: Wolf was deemed the most well-liked gladiator on the sequence, albeit controversial because of his imply persona.
Ace: Warren Furman
Having turned his again on showbusiness, Warren discovered God and now runs a Gospel choir in York, the place he lives along with his spouse and two children
Age: 51
Occupation: Having turned his again on showbusiness, Warren discovered God and now runs a Gospel choir in York, the place he lives along with his spouse and two children.
Speaking on This Morning beforehand, he stated: ‘I used to worship myself, I assumed I used to be implausible. I’ve now turned to God’s grace. I’m a Gladiator of the gospel.
‘You’ll by no means know God till you alter your path and so I realised this. It was nice, we had a great deal of cash and ladies, however I realised I needed to change’.
The former development supervisor revealed initially of 2024 that he will probably be ordained as a Church of England cleric in London’s St Paul’s Cathedral alongside his spouse Dionne, who used to work as a Virgin Airways hostess.
Warren, who dated a younger Katie Price within the 90s, admitted in 2019 through the look that he generally struggled to earn £20 an hour because the present completed.
The couple have been engaged within the late nineties, with Warren later admitting that he now ‘prays’ for his ex-fiancée amid her hectic life-style.
Gladiator historical past: Four years after the present started in 1996, the blond hunk beat 60 different hopefuls for a spot on Gladiators, the place he stayed on the sequence till its finish in 2000. He returned for the revival in 2008.
Fun info: When engaged to Katie, the couple loved a very lavish life-style. He beforehand stated: ‘We travelled the world first-class, went for costly dinners, had huge homes and fancy vehicles’, but issues later broke off acrimoniously.
He stated: ‘We have been each deriving our identities from being related within the media. We have been each promoting tales.’
Amazon: Sharron Davies MBE
Prior to heading on to the present, Sharron was a swimmer for Great Britain within the Olympics and European championship
Age: 61
Now: Following her Olympic swimming profession and Gladiators stint, Sharron Davies now works as a BBC pundit.
Sharron represented Great Britain within the Olympics and European Championships, in addition to for England on the Commonwealth Games.
She has produced varied health movies and served as a patron of charities for disabled youngsters.
The media persona additionally organised a help group for folks of younger athletes and does after-dinner and motivational talking.
Sharron has been outspoken on the rights of organic girls and has campaigned to cease transgender athletes competing in girls’s sports activities.
In 2023, she backed World Athletics’ choice to exclude transgender athletes from girls’s class occasions – and thanked the organisation for ‘standing up for feminine athletes’.
Under new guidelines introduced by Sebastian Coe, the governing physique’s president, transgender girls will probably be banned from competing within the feminine class at worldwide athletics occasions so as to ‘prioritise equity and the integrity of the feminine competitors earlier than inclusion’.
Writing on Twitter, Ms Davies, who had beforehand spoke out in opposition to the inclusion of trans girls in feminine classes, stated: ‘Thank you Seb Coe and World Athletics for standing up for feminine athletes the world over who’re worthy of truthful sport.’
She thanked her supporters, including: ‘Hopefully we now have our sport again. Sport is for all however solely the place you qualify within the truthful class in your organic actuality. We’ll maintain combating until all ladies’ sport is protected.’
Gladiator historical past: Sharron joined the present in 1995 however a knee harm pressured her to withdraw from the present a yr later. She famously complained of the well being and security elements of the present.
Fun reality: The blonde magnificence loved a stint on Dancing On Ice in 2011.
The Rhino: Mark Smith
Since showing on Gladiators, Mark Smith has gone on to bag a number of performing roles, together with appearances on EastEnders, The Bill and Robin Hood
Age: 54
Now: Mark Smith, who now lives in Acton, west London, went on to bag a number of performing roles after his time as a Gladiator, together with starring in EastEnders, The Bill and Robin Hood.
He then set his sights on Hollywood and has featured on high-profile movies together with Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Argo – directed by Ben Affleck – and Frozen Ground, starring Nicholas Cage.
The TV persona typically shares his tips about how one can keep wholesome in your 50s, sharing an perception into his wholesome life-style through Instagram.
Gladiator historical past: Mark featured on the present from 1995 till its finale in 2000.
Fun info: Rhino was deemed the joker of the Gladiator pack and would have the stay viewers in matches of giggles along with his robotic dancing and physique popping strikes. Mark was one other who loved a fling with Gladiators’ host Ulrika.
Lightning: Kim Betts
Lightning was often known as the ‘Queen of Hang Tough’ and remained undefeated within the UK Arena – crushed as soon as in Australia
Age: 52
Now: Kim Betts, who’s a gymnast, bodybuilder and TV presenter, can also be an Equestrian Yard & Fishery Owner.
The TV star is an Instagram common and sometimes shares photos of her gruelling exercises within the fitness center. In 2022 Kim was topped winner of 2020 IBFA Miss Universe.
Gladiators historical past: She starred on Gladiators from its 1992 launch via to its finish, earlier than returning for its revamp eight years later. She was the longest-serving feminine star of the present.
Fun info: Lightning was often known as the ‘Queen of Hang Tough’ and remained undefeated within the UK Arena – crushed simply as soon as in Australia.
She competed in 1999 simply three weeks after giving beginning to her son, Lexus.
Blaze: Eunice Huthart
Eunice is the the stunt choreographer for Justice League and DC’s upcoming Flash movie
Age: 57
Now: Eunice Huthart is the the stunt choreographer for Justice League and DC’s Flash movie.
After Gladiators, The Liverpudlian star went on to turn into a stunt double for A-listers similar to Angelina Jolie, Milla Jovovich, Famke Janssen and Uma Thurman. She has starred in movies together with Golden Eye, Avengers and Titanic.
Gladiators historical past: Former McDonald’s supervisor Eunice made her debut on the present in 1994 the place she was initially a contender going in opposition to one of many Gladiators however turned the primary ever UK contestant to then turn into a Gladiator.
Fun reality: Eunice continuously works alongside Angelina Jolie and the pair have turn into shut associates. She can also be godmother to Angelina and Brad Pitt’s daughter Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.
Nightshade: Judy Simpson MBE
Judy now spends her time working for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and is an Honorary President of the Women’s Sports Federation
Age: 63
Occupation: Judy now spends her time working for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and is an Honorary President of the Women’s Sports Federation. She has been awarded an MBE due to her sporting achievements.
Gladiator historical past: After retiring from skilled sport which included an Olympic heptathlon look, she joined Gladiators in 1993, underneath the alias Nightshade.
She turned famend as one of many hardest feminine Gladiators ever. Her explicit strengths have been in Duel, Pole-Axe and Suspension Bridge
Fun reality: Jamaican-born Judy Simpson was one in all Britain’s biggest all-round feminine athletes. The three-time Olympian competed within the Commonwealth Games, European Championships and World Championships.
Vulcan: John Seru
John owns a wrestling college, health store and health centre that he has been working for 18 years in Sydney along with his household
Age: 60
Now: John owns a wrestling college, health store and health centre that he has been working for 18 years in Sydney along with his household having beforehand loved success as an actor.
Gladiator historical past: In order to provide Wolf a run for his cash, Australian Gladiator Vulcan was drafted in for seasons seven and eight of the British present.
The former bodybuilder and wrestler didn’t disappoint, showcasing his abilities on the Duel platform and within the Gauntlet.
Fun reality: After he was expertise noticed by an performing scout he scooped the position of a James Bond villain. He starred within the 1999’s The World Is Not Enough, taking part in henchman Gabor.
Rebel: Jennifer Stoute
Jennifer bagged a gold medal on the Commonwealth Games in 1990 and now runs a administration company for athletes, Stellar Athletics
Age: 58
Now: After the present, Jennifer arrange Stellar Athletics Management with ex-partner John Regis and has additionally been concerned with founding the Driven Woman community.
Jennifer had been a sprinter, with a hamstring harm halting her profession for 2 years in 1993. She bagged a gold medal on the 1990 Commonwealth Games and likewise represented Team GB on the 1988 and 1992 Olympics – successful a 4×400 meter relay bronze within the latter.
Opening up about her time on Gladiator, Jennifer advised Athletics Weekly: ‘It was the spotlight of my life.
‘After being a sprinter, there was one thing in me that was unfulfilled and Gladiators gave me that buzz I wanted and was form of like a transition between elite sport and dwelling a standard life.’
Gladiators historical past: She joined the present in 1996 as Rebel, however selected to proceed with athletics whereas she was competing on the sequence. Jennifer give up the present in 1999.
Fun info: Jennifer appeared alongside Russell Crowe within the blockbuster film Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott.
Vogue: Suzanne Cox
Suzanne is now an aerobics teacher and had gone on to mannequin and current TV present titled The Fix following Gladiators
Age: 52
Occupation: Suzanne Cox is now an aerobics teacher and had gone on to mannequin and current TV present titled The Fix following Gladiators.
Gladiators historical past: She joined the present in 1995 and had stayed with the sequence till it got here to an finish after its eighth sequence in 2000.
Fun info: Suzanne is married to 1997 Gladiators quarter finalist Mark Roberts and so they share two youngsters collectively.
She was a agency favorite amongst teenage boy viewers and was recognized for back-flipping whereas coming into the sector to Vogue by Madonna.
Saracen: Michael Lewis
Micahel has swapped his spandex for hearth gear as he’s now a firefighter following years within the ring
Age: 60
Occupation: Michael Lewis has swapped his spandex for hearth gear as he’s now a firefighter following years within the ring.
However, he nonetheless seems on TV on occasion, similar to Sport Relief and This Morning. He additionally returned to our screens for ITV’s Ninja Warrior.
Speaking about his time on the present beforehand, he advised the Daily Star: ‘One factor producers did power us to do was handle one another in character, and we weren’t allowed to come back out of that character.
The former bodybuilder added: ‘There have been cameras completely all over the place in that area, however once we walked out that was it, I used to be Saracen.’
Gladiators historical past: Michael and his girlfriend Chrissie, tried out for the Gladiators present in 1992, Chrissie turning into a primary sequence contender and naturally Saracen becoming a member of the workforce. They are actually fortunately married.
Fun reality: Mike tackled the powerful Ninja Warrior course in 2015.
