he Gladiators line-up has expanded – welcoming the addition of two weightlifting champions and a former rugby participant.

Readying themselves for the world in Sheffield are newcomers Sabre, Apollo and Dynamite, who made an look on Steph’s Packed Lunch on Thursday.

Alex Gray, often called Apollo, began his profession enjoying rugby at under-16s earlier than transferring on to the Premiership and England sevens workforce.

He was the primary British rugby participant to switch over to the NFL, signing for Atlantic Falcons and later captaining the workforce.

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Talking in regards to the present, he mentioned: “Gladiator, ready? You better believe I am! After playing rugby and in the NFL, the opportunity to inspire as Apollo is a dream come true.

“I plan on leading from the front and never giving up.”

Sabre, in any other case often called Sheli McCoy, has competed in 5 British Weightlifting Championships occasions and CrossFit championships all around the world, changing into Scottish champion in each sports activities.

She mentioned: “I truly hope Sabre will inspire and empower the younger generation of strong capable females just as the gladiators I once watched inspired me to be a confident, athletic women.

“It is Sabre’s time to shine – here come the powerful girls.”

Emily Steel, 20, is the youngest gladiator within the present line-up and will likely be often called Dynamite.

Competing at a nationwide degree in swimming till she was 15, Steel is a full-time elite CrossFit athlete juggling second-year college research with sport.

Recently, she competed internationally at one of many world’s largest health festivals, changing into the under-23s weightlifting British document holder.

She mentioned: “I’m too young to remember the original Gladiators but my parents loved it and suggested I try out.

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

Sabre, Apollo and Dynamite will be part of beforehand introduced gladiators Nitro, Diamond, Giant, Fire, Legend, Fury and Steel – a line-up of Olympians, influencers, weightlifting champions and athletes from all walks of life.

They embrace health influencer Matt Morsia, who will go by the identify Legend; England ladies’s rugby sevens participant Jodie Ounsley, often called Fury; and Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who will go by Nitro.

The 11-part collection, hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, will see contestants face new and previous video games, together with basic problem The Eliminator.

Filming is about to start in round June.

Gladiators will likely be aired on BBC One and out there to rewatch on the iPlayer.