Fans at the Gladiators live tour in London were treated to an emotional surprise on Saturday when injured stars Athena and Diamond made an unexpected return to the arena.
Surprise Appearance Delights Arena Crowd
Despite being forced to withdraw from the main show due to serious injuries, the beloved Gladiators appeared at The O2 Arena to connect with their supporters. While unable to participate in the physical challenges, they posed for photographs and addressed the massive 12,500-strong crowd.
Diamond, whose real name is Livi Sheldon, reassured fans about her recovery progress. She even led the entire arena in a tutorial of her signature 'shine like a Diamond pose', creating a memorable moment for everyone present.
Road to Recovery and Future Comeback
Athena, known off-screen as Karenjeet Kaur Bains, delivered an inspirational message that resonated throughout the venue. 'Every setback is a set-up for a comeback, and this comeback story is going to be epic,' she declared to roaring applause.
The pair were among four favourites from the iconic BBC series who suffered injuries during filming for the main show, which is scheduled to return in January 2026.
In August, Diamond revealed on Instagram that she had suffered a complete ACL and MCL rupture during filming in Sheffield, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. She described the moment her journey took an unexpected turn: 'One moment I was in full action, the next I was facing surgery and a brand-new challenge: recovery.'
Celebrity Gladiators Lineup Strengthened
The Gladiators franchise continues to expand with an upgraded celebrity version featuring more competitive stars. The Sun reported that this year's lineup includes:
- Model and fitness enthusiast Vogue Williams
- Nation's favourite PE teacher Joe Wicks
- Undefeated Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams
- Gym-obsessed I'm A Celebrity winner Sam Thompson
A source revealed that producers have significantly raised the competitive stakes compared to last year's more comedy-focused edition. 'This year they've assembled four celebrities who can give the Gladiators a serious run for their money,' the insider explained.
The first series of Celebrity Gladiators saw Joel Dommett and Ellie Taylor crowned winners after a tense finale that featured competitions against Rob Beckett and Louise Minchin.
Meanwhile, both Athena and Diamond remain focused on their recovery journeys, with Diamond emphasising her philosophy: 'It's never about the setback - it's always about the comeback.' Their surprise appearance demonstrated their commitment to fans despite their physical limitations, building anticipation for their eventual return to full Gladiator duties.
