On Friday, two new Gladiators joined the line-up ahead of its hotly anticipated return to the BBC and iPlayer later this year.
Nitro and Diamond were unveiled on BBC Breakfast, and are ready to face the challenge of champions.
The duo will duel and compete in one of the most iconic and exciting sports entertainment gameshows.
So let’s meet the new Gladiators…
Nitro is a team GB sprinter called Harry Aikines Aryeetey. Commonwealth and World gold medallist sprinter, Harry’s lightning fast speed and ‘ball of energy’ personality earned him the name Nitro.
Nitro! On Friday, two new Gladiators joined the line-up ahead of its return later this year, including Nitro, a team GB sprinter called Harry Aikines Aryeetey (pictured)
Hot stuff: Commonwealth and World gold medallist sprinter, Harry’s lightning fast speed and ‘ball of energy’ personality earned him the name Nitro
Family: The fitness fanatic shares a two-year old daughter named Aubreé-Isla with his partner
The athlete has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth. After becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, he won 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year age 17.
Harry has gone on to win gold 4 x in the men’s 100m European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games.
His long list of achievements include: 2 x Olympian, 3 x European Champion, 2x Commonwealth Champion, 1x Commonwealth Silver Medallist, 1x European Bronze Medallist, 1x World Bronze Medallist, 1x British Champion, 2x World Youth Champion, 1x World Junior Champion.
With his incredible speed and agility, the Contenders will have their work cut out, getting past social media-star Nitro, who boasts 253,000 Instagram followers.
The fitness fanatic – who shares a two-year old daughter named Aubreé-Isla with his partner – regularly posts insights into his grueling training routine.
On taking part in the show, Nitro said: ‘Becoming a Gladiator is another great achievement!
‘A childhood dream come true! You never know what is coming in life, each day is there to be enjoyed and savouring all opportunities is a must!
‘It literally gives me energy and strength! I can’t wait to be in the arena and bring Nitro to Gladiators!’
Diamond! Dazzling her way into the Gladiators stadium is Livi Sheldon, a 6ft bodybuilder. With her striking looks and indestructible natural earning her the name, Diamond
Loved up: Livi – who regularly shares fitness tips on social media – is in a relationship with men’s lifestyle coach Grant Gibbs
More to come: They will take part in the ultimate test of speed and strength in a series of brand new games alongside classics culminating with fan-favourite The Eliminator
Dazzling her way into the Gladiators stadium is Livi Sheldon. She is a 6ft bodybuilder, with her striking looks and indestructible natural earning her the name, Diamond.
After graduating with a degree in Sports Science, Livi took up bodybuilding, becoming a British Finalist ‘England Toned Figure’.
Her passion for sports began at age 6, when she played football for a boys football team. She eventually moved over to a girls’ team, where she became captain for many years, and went on to play for Worcester City Ladies team.
However, don’t be deceived by Diamond’s bright beauty, she is unbreakable and super strong.
On joining Gladiators, Livi said: – ‘When I was growing up I used to get picked on for being taller than everyone else.
‘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’
Livi – who regularly shares fitness tips on social media – is in a relationship with men’s lifestyle coach Grant Gibbs.
Giant! On Thursday, Giant, (pictured) Fire and Legend joined the line-up of super-fit TV titans ahead of the iconic show’s hotly anticipated return
Get your Crocs off! Giant made history by becoming one of the all-time tallest bodybuilders
His love: Pictured with his wife, Katie Christian, whose Instagram handle is @ hormonehealer_
On Thursday, three new Gladiators joined the line-up: Giant, Fire and Legend were unveiled on This Morning.
Giant is a former firefighter turned bodybuilder called Jamie Christian Johal.
Standing at 6ft 5inches, it’s no wonder he was given the name Giant. He made history by becoming one of the all-time tallest bodybuilders.
Now he’s bringing that power into the Gladiators arena. He may look like a big, friendly giant, but don’t be fooled, he won’t be holding back when it comes to the games.
Giant said: ‘I feel like everything in life has lead me here. I’m honoured to be part of this iconic show that I watched as a child. I’ll be bringing my GIANT stature and personality so contenders better come prepared!’
Blazing into the Gladiators stadium like a Flash is Montell Douglas. She’s fierce and will burn through the arena destroying anyone who gets in her way, earning her the name Fire.
Former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder, she held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint at 11.05 seconds, smashing the previous record which had stood unbeaten for 27 years.
In January 2022, Montell made sporting history to become the first female UK athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
In 2010, Montell won Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay race in Delhi – and holds a European Under-23 Silver Medal in 100m.
Montell moved into bobsledding in 2016, and the following year finished within the Top 10 at her World Cup debut.
Flash! Blazing into the Gladiators stadium like a Flash is Montell Douglas. She’s fierce and will burn through the arena destroying anyone who gets in her way, earning her the name Fire
Impressive accolade: Former Team GB Sprinter and Olympic Bobsledder, she held the British woman’s record for fastest 100m sprint at 11.05 seconds, smashing the previous record which had stood unbeaten for 27 years
Champ! When competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, Montell returned to the city where she had competed 14 years previously at the 2008 Summer Olympics
When competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, Montell returned to the city where she had competed 14 years previously at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
She loves inspiring women to achieve their dreams, no matter what age, height or background they’re from.
The show claims that contenders should beware of Fire. She’s fast, unpredictable and dangerous and will ravage anyone in her path.
Fire said: ‘I’m so pleased I’ve been asked to be Fire! Being a gladiator has been a secret lifelong dream of mine.
‘As a strong and powerful woman, I’m living proof that you can achieve your dreams, no matter what age or background, if you believe and keep pushing. I’m ready to light up the competition!’
And finally, meet Legend. Training up to six times a week in bodybuilding and powerlifting, former international athlete, Matt Morsia describes himself as a Legend – hence the name!
Legend! Training up to six times a week in bodybuilding and powerlifting, former international athlete, Matt Morsia describes himself as a Legend – hence the name!
Family: Matt pictured with his wife Sarah on holiday – they have two children together
Busy man: In 2020, he released his first book, ‘The 24/7 Body’. Bringing all his power and strength to the series, the contenders will not forget Legend
New faces: The trio were revealed for the first time on This Morning on Thursday
Gladiators READY… Giant, Fire and Legend join the previously announced Fury and Steel as part of the new generation of mighty Gladiators ready to challenge a brave set of contenders in the 11-part series made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK
Getting some practise in: Giant showed off his duelling skills on the show
The former Championship bronze medal winning long and triple jumper, and silver medal winning powerlifter, loved the ‘showmanship’ of competing.
After retiring from international competitions, he continued performing to a huge audience becoming highly successful fitness influencer and professional YouTuber – amassing over 355 million views.
In 2020, he released his first book, ‘The 24/7 Body’. Bringing all his power and strength to the series, the contenders will not forget Legend.
He said: ‘I’ve been training like a beast for the show but realistically I didn’t need to. I could’ve spent the last two months eating doughnuts and playing Dungeons & Dragons and I’d still be better than everyone else.
‘I’m called Legend for a reason! I can only apologise for the irreparable damage I’m about to do to the contenders. Actually, that’s a lie, I’m not sorry at all. I’m actively looking forward to it’
Giant, Fire and Legend join the previously announced Fury and Steel as part of the new generation of mighty Gladiators ready to challenge a brave set of contenders in the 11-part series made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK.
They will take part in the ultimate test of speed and strength in a series of brand new games alongside classics culminating with fan-favourite The Eliminator.
OGs: The iconic show, which originally aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000, is making an epic return to screens after 23 years, with the new series being shown on BBC (The original Gladiators in 1994)
She’s ready! Professional Exeter Chiefs Rugby Player, Jodie Ounsley, has joined the line-up as her alter-ego ‘Fury’, named thanks to her power and passion for competition
Feel the power: Meanwhile, joining Jodie’s Fury is UK CrossFit star Zack George, who’s set to intimidate the contestants as his alter-ego Steel
