Sam Stringer, wife of iconic Gladiators star Michael 'Steel' Stringer, has bravely shared their family's heartbreaking fertility journey as they attempt to conceive a second child through IVF.
The 36-year-old fitness coach revealed the couple have already endured three unsuccessful rounds of IVF treatment, with their most recent attempt coinciding with Steel's return to the rebooted BBC show.
The Emotional Toll of IVF
"It's been really tough," Sam admitted in an emotional Instagram post. "Going through IVF while Michael was filming Gladiators was particularly challenging - the hormones, the appointments, the constant hope followed by crushing disappointment."
The couple, who already have a three-year-old daughter, have documented their fertility struggles openly on social media. Their journey has resonated with thousands facing similar challenges.
A Gladiator's Support
Despite the physical demands of his television role, Steel has been Sam's rock throughout the process. "Michael has been incredible," she shared. "Balancing intense training with being there for every injection, every scan - it shows the man behind the Gladiator persona."
The Stringers' story highlights the often-hidden struggles many couples face when expanding their families. Their openness has sparked important conversations about male fertility and the pressures of secondary infertility.
Looking to the Future
While their recent cycle was unsuccessful, Sam remains cautiously optimistic: "We're taking some time to recover physically and emotionally before deciding our next steps. The support from fans has been overwhelming."
The couple's honesty has earned praise from fertility charities and fans alike, proving that even Gladiators face very human challenges behind the scenes.
