Zack George, the athlete known as Steel on the BBC's hit revival of Gladiators, has shared the devastating news that his newborn son has died. The baby boy, named Leo, was born prematurely at just 23 weeks and passed away days later in April 2025.
An emotional tribute to a 'little lion'
Zack and his wife, Samantha, welcomed their son, Leo, on 26th March 2025. The baby weighed a fragile 1 pound 8 ounces. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Zack described their son as "Leo the lion," a tribute to his valiant fight for survival.
"Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left," Zack wrote. "Leo...... you showed us what the true definition of strength is and we are so proud of you." He reflected on the profound impact of Leo's short life, stating, "Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love."
Fellow Gladiators rally with support
The heartbreaking announcement prompted an immediate outpouring of support from Zack's colleagues on the show. Montell Douglas (Fire) from Strictly Come Dancing offered her "thoughts and prayers," while Ella-Mae Rayner (Comet) expressed she couldn't imagine their pain, sending "all the love and strength in the world."
Jodie Ounsley (Fury) posted that her heart "genuinely breaks" for the couple, and Matty Campbell (Bionic) simply said, "Heartbreaking. we're all here for you." Other co-stars including Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro), Alex Gray (Apollo), and Jade Packer (Electro) also shared their condolences and support for the grieving parents, who married in September 2024.
A community in mourning
The wave of sympathy extended beyond the Gladiators arena. Celebrities like JLS star JB Gill called Leo a "little warrior," and Love Island's Adam Collard sent his love to the family. The couple's public sharing of their loss has highlighted the profound grief associated with premature birth and neonatal death, drawing attention to a deeply personal tragedy.
Zack, 34, had previously shared the joyful news that Samantha had gone into labour, updating followers on the early arrival of their "precious boy." The couple's journey from hope to heartbreak has touched thousands, uniting fans and friends in shared sorrow for baby Leo's passing.
