Lystus Ebosele, the athlete known as Cyclone on BBC's Gladiators, has responded to rumours that she was dropped before series four. Taking to Instagram Stories on Thursday 31 July, she told followers that her exit was entirely her own choice, saying she decided to "step away from the show for a few reasons".
The star also offered her apologies to fans upset by the news. She wrote: "There are videos and so many different narratives circulating about me being 'axed' from the show I had previously been a part of. I have not been axed, I have left of my own accord.
"I'm so sorry to all the families that have come to filming expecting me to be there, and have found out about my absence on arrival to the arena with no explanation, I truly am, because it's not fair to the fans of the show how things have transpired."
Reasons kept private
Ebosele did not confirm when or if she would ever discuss the reasons behind her departure, but she insisted that it was the "correct decision". In a separate Instagram post, she reflected on her time on the show.
"In saying that... I would never ever regret my time on the show, I've made sisters and brothers 4 LIFE and I've gotten to inspire a generation of young girls to grow up knowing they can be STRONG, BEAUTIFUL and that they can UNAPOLOGETICALLY DOMINATE whatever world they choose. But there's no world in which I can stay and be a part of the show any longer. Thank you to everyone who has tuned in and supported me up until now it means the world. Love C."
Live Tour and other changes
The 25-year-old Irish powerlifting champion reassured supporters that she will still appear as part of the Gladiators Live Tour in 2026, which begins in Aberdeen on 10 October. She said she is "very excited" to take part.
Her departure comes alongside news that fellow Gladiators Bionic and Athena will miss the fourth series because of injuries. Giant has also been confirmed as absent from the upcoming season.
Before the new series airs, viewers can expect a celebrity special later this year, featuring Taskmaster stars Sara Pascoe and Chris Ramsey, Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu, and George Clarke of George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.
Gladiators is available on BBC iPlayer.
