The new Gladiators cast marks an exciting chapter in the revival of the iconic athletic‑game show franchise, bringing together elite athletes from a wide range of backgrounds, fresh personalities, and high‑stakes competition in spectacular arena events. With its latest iteration launching in 2024 and continuing into 2025, this revamped version blends nostalgia with modern athleticism, production values, and viewer engagement strategies to create one of the standout family entertainment shows of recent years.
What Does “New Gladiators” Mean?
Defining “Gladiator” in the context of the show
In the context of the show, a Gladiator is a highly trained athlete (male or female) with a stage name, costume, and individual branding, whose role is to compete against “contenders” in a series of physically demanding events. These events test strength, speed, agility, balance, endurance and mental grit. The Gladiator is not just a competitor but a character: part athlete, part entertainer, part role‑model.
The “new” era
The “new” era refers to the latest revival of the franchise: for example the UK version, Gladiators (2024 British TV series), which began airing in January 2024. This restart introduced a roster of new Gladiator characters and athletes, new events, updated production, and a modern audience approach.
Why the cast matters
The cast is central because they are the stars: they embody the physical spectacle, they draw viewers, they create narrative arcs, and they reflect modern values of inclusivity, diversity, athletic excellence and entertainment. A compelling cast helps the show resonate not only with nostalgic fans of the original series but also with younger viewers who expect high‑energy competition and strong personalities.
Overview of the 2024‑25 Cast Roster
Here is a breakdown of the key Gladiators from the current roster as of 2025. This gives fans a clear view of who’s starring and what backgrounds they bring.
Male Gladiators
Apollo (Alex Gray) – Former rugby union & NFL player.
Bionic (Matty Campbell) – Bodybuilder, former sprinter and footballer.
Giant (Jamie Christian‐Johal) – 6 ft 5 former firefighter/bodybuilder.
Legend (Matt Morsia) – Fitness YouTuber and former athlete.
Phantom (Toby Olubi) – Olympian bobsledder/sprinter.
Steel (Zack George) – UK’s “Fittest Man”, CrossFit champion.
Viper (Quang Luong) – Bodybuilder, fitness model, actor.
Additionally, two new male Gladiators were introduced ahead of Series 2: Hammer (Tom Wilson) — a World Rowing Champion and stands 6 ft 5.
Female Gladiators
Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains) – Commonwealth powerlifting medallist, ex‑chartered accountant.
Comet (Ella‑Mae Rayner) – Former elite gymnast and fitness coach.
Diamond (Livi Sheldon) – Bodybuilder, former footballer.
Dynamite (Emily Steel) – Elite CrossFit athlete and national swimming champion.
Electro (Jade Packer) – Sports model, fitness coach, hybrid athlete.
Fire (Montell Douglas) – Former Team GB sprinter and Olympic bobsledder.
Fury (Jodie Ounsley) – Rugby union player, BJJ champion, also notable for being deaf.
Sabre (Sheli McCoy) – British weightlifting & CrossFit champion and gym owner.
Additionally, a new female Gladiator Cyclone (Lystus Ebosele) was introduced ahead of Series 2 — a 23‑year‑old Irish powerlifter and the first Irish Gladiator in the franchise.
How the New Gladiators Were Cast – Step‑by‑Step
Sourcing Athletic Talent
Producers behind the reboot sought athletes with exceptional physical abilities, varied sporting backgrounds (e.g., rugby, rowing, CrossFit, powerlifting), strong personalities and stage presence. The objective: to find individuals who could perform high-intensity physical challenges, entertain, and resonate with viewers.
Trial and Screening
Candidates underwent rigorous testing of fitness, agility, stamina and basic screen-presence. Additionally, the UK reboot implemented anti-doping screening for the Gladiators.
Branding & Character Creation
Once selected, each athlete was given a Gladiator stage‑name (e.g., “Viper”, “Cyclone”), costume design, signature entrance music and a branding profile that would appear on the show and promotional materials. This step ensures each Gladiator becomes a distinct persona.
Training & Event Preparation
Before the show filming, Gladiators attended training camps to learn and adapt to the set-of-events (some classic, some new) and to ensure safety standards. They also had rehearsals for entrances, staging, and sometimes public appearances.
Filming the Episodes
Filming took place at arenas. The Gladiators faced many contenders over a series of heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals and a grand final.
Ongoing Engagement & Live Tours
Beyond the TV episodes, the franchise extended the cast into live tours allowing fans to meet the Gladiators in person and seeing them in live action.
Practical Tips for Fans (and Aspiring Contenders)
For Fans Wanting to Follow the Cast
Study their backstories: Knowing each Gladiator’s athletic history gives more depth when watching the show.
Watch for new entries: The cast grows so keep updated to see new talent.
Engage on social media: Many Gladiators have social-media profiles where they share behind-the-scenes content.
Attend live events: Seeing the Gladiators live adds a dimension of energy you don’t get on screen.
For Aspiring Contenders or Athletes
Focus on all-round fitness: The events test strength, speed, endurance, agility.
Mental resilience matters: You’ll be performing under pressure, in front of a live audience and cameras.
Brand yourself: Gladiators are athletes but also entertainment personalities. Develop confidence, speaking ability and a memorable character.
Stay clean and safe: Excellence must be earned legitimately.
Learn the events: Familiarise yourself with game format and typical events to understand demands.
Recent Trends (as of 2025) in the Gladiator Competition Space
Revival of Classic Formats
The UK revival of the show achieved strong viewership, marking one of the biggest entertainment launches in years. With that success, the franchise is reinvigorated globally, including an upcoming US reboot.
Emphasis on Diversity and New Athletic Backgrounds
The new cast features athletes from powerlifting, rowing, CrossFit, bobsledding, rugby, bodybuilding — showing the broadening of backgrounds compared to earlier seasons.
Enhanced Audience Engagement & Live Formats
Beyond TV, the franchise is leveraging live arena tours, social-media content, behind-the-scenes spin-offs. For example, the UK version commissioned a children’s behind-the-scenes show.
Increased Focus on Athlete Well-Being and Safety
With greater awareness of injuries and athlete health, the production includes more thorough screening, safety protocols, and also addresses injuries when they happen.
International Expansion and Streaming
With major platforms picking up Gladiator-format shows, there is a push to globalise — casting international athletes, filming in multiple countries, and streaming to global audiences.
Real‑Life Examples of Gladiators and their Journeys
Example: Cyclone (Lystus Ebosele)
23-year-old Irish powerlifter, the first Irish Gladiator, joined ahead of Series 2. Her athletic pedigree includes world-junior powerlifting success. She represents the modern cast’s diversity and high calibre of athleticism.
Example: Hammer (Tom Wilson)
Tom Wilson, a World Rowing Champion from Nottingham and standing 6 ft 5, brought rowing background into the Gladiator role. This shows how non-traditional sports can provide excellent Gladiator candidates.
Example: Fury (Jodie Ounsley)
With a strong sporting background in rugby union and Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, and as one of the first deaf Gladiators in the international franchise history, Fury underscores the show’s commitment to inclusion and representing athletes with diverse experiences.
Example: Viper (Quang Luong)
Combining bodybuilding, acting and fitness modelling, Quang Luong as Viper brings the entertainment edge. His presence highlights that Gladiators must combine athletic ability with charisma and performance.
Step‑by-Step Guide to Watching the Show and Appreciating the Cast
Start with the pilot or first episode to establish the roster of Gladiators and meet the hosts.
Familiarise yourself with each Gladiator’s profile.
Watch events with an eye on how the Gladiator strategies differ.
Track newcomers and mid-series additions.
Analyse performance trends.
Look for narrative arcs, including injuries and improvements.
Engage beyond the screen via social media, interviews, and live tours.
Compare across series to note cast evolution and new events.
Reflect on athlete stories to enrich the viewing experience.
Apply learnings if you’re an athlete by studying the cast’s training regimes, mental approach, and performance habits.
What’s Different in This Cast Compared to Past Versions?
Broader Athletic Backgrounds
Previous incarnations often drew from bodybuilding, track & field or combat sports. The new cast adds powerlifting, rowing, CrossFit, bobsledding and other lesser-featured disciplines.
More Inclusive Representation
The current cast features more gender balance, athletes with disability or adversity, and athletes from more varied national backgrounds.
Character Branding Is Stronger
Gladiators are fully branded performers with social media presence, behind-the-scenes content, tours, and interaction with fans.
Event Innovation
The new series includes fresh game formats alongside classics. The cast must adapt to evolving challenges, making athletic versatility critical.
Viewer Engagement Strategy
The cast plays into interactive formats, live tours, spin-offs, and extended content. This expands the role of the cast beyond the studio.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Gladiators
Develop a strong athletic base.
Choose a distinctive persona.
Build performance & communication skills.
Stay injury-aware and ethical.
Show adaptability.
Network and self-promote.
Understand the show format.
Train for audience and spectacle.
Be ready for the selection process.
Maintain professionalism.
Trends to Watch in Future Casts & Franchise Directions
Internationalisation and cross-border tournaments.
Specialist versus all-rounder debates.
Inclusion of mixed-ability athletes.
Technological enhancements in training and production.
Fan interaction in cast selection.
Cross-platform presence for branding and promotion.
Sustainability and health focus for athletes.
FAQ
Who are the new Gladiators in the 2024 revival?
The new cast includes male Gladiators such as Apollo, Bionic, Giant, Legend, Phantom, Steel, Viper, and Hammer. Female Gladiators include Athena, Comet, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Sabre, and Cyclone.
How were the Gladiators selected?
Selection was based on athletic performance, sporting background, media presence, personality and fitness testing. Candidates went through physical trials, anti-doping screening, training, and character development.
What types of sports background do the Gladiators come from?
They come from rugby, NFL, powerlifting, rowing, bodybuilding, CrossFit, sprinting, bobsledding, weightlifting, gymnastics, and fitness modelling.
Are new Gladiators added each season?
Yes. For example, ahead of Series 2 in the UK version, two new Gladiators (Cyclone and Hammer) joined the lineup.
How can I follow or meet the Gladiators?
Follow official social-media channels, watch TV episodes, and attend live arena-tour events where Gladiators meet fans and participate in live competitions.
Final Thoughts
The new Gladiators cast marks a bold reinvention of a classic format—fusing high‑octane physical competition with strong personalities, inclusive casting, modern production, and fan engagement. Whether you’re a long‑time fan of the franchise or discovering it for the first time, the current roster delivers a rich blend of athletic excellence and entertainment. For aspiring athletes, the path they open offers insight into how to transition sport into show-business with purpose and preparation. As the franchise continues to grow in 2025 and beyond, keep watching for fresh faces, new events, and evolving formats that will continue to raise the bar for what it means to be a Gladiator.
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