The next season of BBC Gladiators has started filming, but it's already shaping up to look quite different upon its return. Over the past few months, fan-favourite star Giant bowed out, claiming he was 'axed' after he wanted to go public with his then-girlfriend, an OnlyFans creator. Reports then emerged that fellow stars Bionic and Athena also won't be filming new episodes after both suffering injuries during the last season – although their return for the tour hasn't been ruled out. There are also whispers that the BBC may even be lining up rugby and Traitors legend Joe Marler, notably six-foot, to join the cast in a guest star capacity. Meanwhile, the new celebrity cast for the special later this year has also been announced, with AJ Odudu, Chris Ramsey, George Clarke, and Sara Pascoe stepping up.
New Gladiator: Tom Stoltman
World’s Strongest Man victor Tom Stoltman has been announced as the newest addition, stepping into Giant’s shoes. Although he doesn’t have an alter-ego yet, many fans hope it will be Atlas. Coming in at 6ft 8in and weighing 400 pounds, he’s set to provide fierce competition. In a statement, he called this a 'dream opportunity' and said he was ready to bring his 'strength, determination and personality to the arena'.
Full Gladiators Cast
Legend – Matt Morsia: A Huel athlete with over one million Instagram followers. 'I watched every single episode of the original Gladiators as a kid back in the ’90s... so this is an absolute life goal for me,' he said.
Fire – Montell Douglas: A former Olympian who held the British women's record for the 100m sprint and later did bobsleigh at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Nitro – Harry Aikines-Aryeetey: After a turn on Strictly, he is back in the arena. He said: 'Gladiators taught me invaluable lessons about pushing myself to the limit.'
Diamond – Livi Sheldon: At 6ft, she is a former footballer and bodybuilder. 'This truly is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me,' she said.
Fury – Jodie Ounsley: The show's first deaf Gladiator, former rugby player for England, and her late father Phil competed on the show in 2008.
Steel – Zack George: Elite CrossFit athlete who won the UK’s CrossFit Open Championship in 2020. His aim is to 'motivate and inspire as many people as I can'.
Comet – Ella-Mae Rayner: A former elite gymnast turned semi-professional diver. 'I specifically remember Jet... I can’t believe I will be following in her footsteps,' she said.
Electro – Jade Packer: Gold medal-winning bodybuilder after winning the English Grand Prix. 'I hope Electro can spark an unstoppable pursuit for a new generation.'
Phantom – Toby Olubi: Competed in Team GB Bobsleigh in 2018. 'Now I’ve got the chance to don the big “G” and be an inspirational figure myself.'
Viper – Quang Luong: TV personality and fitness model, appeared in James Bond's Die Another Day. 'I was born to be a Gladiator.'
Cyclone – Lystus Ebosele: First Irish Gladiator, champion powerlifter. 'It’s OK to want to win.'
Hammer – Tom Wilson: Former rower with a gold medal at the 2024 British Rowing Indoor Championships. 'I’m a hard hitter who’s not only a massive unit but quick and explosive.'
Apollo – Alex Gray: Former rugby player who became the first British rugby player transferred to the NFL. 'The opportunity to inspire as Apollo is a dream come true.'
Dynamite – Emily Steel: At 20, the youngest Gladiator, a full-time CrossFit athlete. 'Dynamite really does represent who I am.'
Sabre – Sheli McCoy: International CrossFit athlete and Bafta Scotland audience award winner. 'It’s very important to me to represent strong women.'
The new season of Gladiators will arrive on BBC later this year.
