BBC Gladiators cast: Meet the line-up in full as two new stars join series

The legendary BBC gameshow is set to make its grand comeback this weekend with an all-new, more challenging season two!

Tune in for the first episode of the revamped series, airing tonight (January 18) at 5:50 p.m. on One. It will showcase the dynamic duo Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh resuming their roles as hosts.

The roster will expand with the addition of two mysterious new Gladiators, whose details are yet to be disclosed. Two new obstacles will also add spice to the competition: a throwback event called Atlasphere from the original run and a never-before-seen trial known as Unleash.

Before the action unfolds, let’s delve into what we know about the lineup for Gladiators season two, reports .

Meet Bionic, aka Matty Campbell, a 29-year-old ex-football enthusiast whose journey took a detour following a car accident, leading him to embrace the world of bodybuilding.

“Never in a million years did I expect to get the call to be a Gladiator, it’s a feeling that’ll never sink in,” exclaimed Bionic reflecting on his incredible turn of events.

Moving on to Electro, embodied by Jade Packer, this 26-year-old powerhouse excels in bodybuilding and shines as a sports model, fitness coach, and hybrid athlete.

Electro once ranked among the UK’s top 10 quickest runners, all before her 13th birthday!

Finally, we have Phantom, or Toby Olubi, aged 37. Part of Team GB’s bobsleigh squadron, he graced the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics with his presence.

Phantom has remarkably clinched the title of the UK’s swiftest bobsledder in the push championships over four consecutive years, in addition to being adept at sprinting.

Keep an eye out for Viper, portrayed by Quang Long, who is ready to strike in the arena.

The show’s notorious antagonist, Viper, has a 15-year stint in bodybuilding and also regularly boxes and models.

He once declared: “I was born a Gladiator. I am strong, powerful and just like a Viper, I can attack with speed.”

Comet, whose real name is Ella-Mae Rayner, is 29 and has an impressive background as an elite gymnast and semi-professional diver, training six times a week. She’s also well-educated, holding a degree in sports science.

She’s been a lifelong fan of the original 90s series, even admitting that Jet was “one of the reasons I became a gymnast.”

Athena, or Karenjeet Kaur Bains, is 28 and a powerlifting champion with a collection of accolades. She also holds the Guinness World Record for most bodyweight squats in a minute. When she’s not setting records, Athena is a chartered accountant.

Sabre, known offstage as Sheli McCoy, dedicates a staggering 16-19 hours weekly to training, which has seen her compete in numerous British weightlifting championships.

She has expressed her desire for her character to “inspire” and “empower” the youth to chase their ambitions.

Apollo, played by 33-year-old Alex Gray, brings his experience from rugby and NFL to the show and is celebrated for his competitive spirit.

He once shared his enthusiasm, saying, “After playing rugby and in the NFL, the opportunity to inspire as Apollo is a dream come true.

Dynamite, whose civilian identity is Emily Steel, rounds out the cast.

As the youngest Gladiator at just 21, swimmer and CrossFit enthusiast Dynamite is making a splash on the scene. She might not remember the original series due to her tender age, but her participation is a tribute to her parents who “loved it”.

Dynamite has said before: “Dynamite really does represent who I am, and I’m excited to showcase what I can do in the games.”

Then there’s Livi Sheldon, known as Diamond, in the arena. The 30-year-old champion bodybuilder towers at 6ft and hasn’t always found her height to be an advantage.

Recalling past experiences, she shared: “When I was growing up, I used to get picked on for being taller than everyone else,” But now she embraces her stature, declaring, “Now, I get to show everyone that being unique is your superpower. I can’t wait to get into the arena and take on the contenders as Diamond.”

Not to be outdone, 23-year-old Fury, better known as Jodie Ounsley, brings a wealth of sporting prowess to the mix.

The professional rugby player for the Exeter Chiefs also boasts titles such as former England women’s rugby sevens player, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British champion, and a five-time world coal-carrying champion.

In 2020, Ounsley, who wears a cochlear implant, was crowned deaf sports personality of the year.

Strength personified comes from Steel, aka Zack George, who was crowned the UK’s Fittest Man in 2020. He’s a force to reckon with on the global CrossFit leaderboard.

Reflecting on his new role, Steel has expressed: “I was inspired by the Gladiators as a child, but never imagined I’d be physically fit enough to be considered a ‘superhuman’.”

Finally, we meet the formidable Giant, whose real name is Jamie Christian Johal.

Giant, the 39-year-old former firefighter, towers over many as one of the world’s tallest bodybuilders at a staggering 6ft 5 inches.

“I feel like everything in life has led me here. I’m honoured to be part of this iconic show that I watched as a child,” he once expressed with pride.

Fire, entering the scene at 38, is not just any former sprinter and bobsledder; she made history by being the first woman athlete to take part in both the Summer and Winter Olympics in the year 2022.

Returning triumphantly, Fire had previously showcased her dancing prowess on last year’s edition of , securing sixth place with dance dynamo Johannes Radebe.

Legend, also known as Matt Morsia, isn’t just a 38-year-old ex-international athlete and bodybuilder, but also boasts a remarkable career as an award-winning triple jumper and powerlifter.

Not content with sports accolades, Legend has leveraged his experience to become a social media sensation and a Sunday Times best-selling author with his insights into training.

Lastly, 36-year-old Nitro, otherwise known as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, a former Team GB sprinter and celebrated world gold medallist, was poised for action but unfortunately had to step back due to injury.

“Speed is my thing, but sometimes life throws a curveball! During training for series 2 earlier this year, I picked up an unexpected knee injury, which means I’ll be shifting gears this series and sitting out the events,” he candidly revealed on .