BBC unveil three more gladiators for game show reboot

Giant, Fire and Legend will join the previously revealed Fury and Steel as part of the new generation of powerful gladiators.

The Gadiators are ready to challenge a group of brave competitors in the 11-episode series.

Contestants will take on the ultimate test of speed and strength across a range of brand new games alongside classics like fan favorite The Eliminator.

GLADIATORS! Ready!

New gladiators Giant, Fire and Legend are ready to face the challenge of champions. pic.twitter.com/M7a4vMNa8q

— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 18, 2023

Here’s what we know about the three new gladiators.

Who are the three new gladiators?

giant

Jamie Christian Johal is a former firefighter turned bodybuilder who earned the Giant name.

The BBC said: “At 1.80m tall he made history by becoming one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.”

“Now he brings that power to the gladiator arena. He may look like a big friendly giant but don’t be fooled, he won’t hold back when it comes to the games.”

Johal (Giant) said: “I feel like everything in life has led me here. I’m honored to be part of this legendary show that I saw as a kid.”

“I will bring my HUGE physique and personality so attendees will be better prepared!”

Fire

The next gladiator Montell Douglas burns into the stadium.

The BBC said: “She’s savage and will burn through the arena destroying anyone in her path, earning her the Fire name.”

“Montell loves to inspire women to achieve their dreams, regardless of age, size or background.

“Aspirants should beware of fire. Fast, unpredictable and dangerous, she will crush anyone who gets in her way.”

Douglas is a former Team GB sprinter and Olympic bobsledder.

On the way to Beijing 2022! 🔜

Congratulations to the eight bobsledders selected to represent Team GB in February.#TeamGB | @The_BBSA

— Team GB (@TeamGB) January 20, 2022

At 11.05 seconds, she held the Briton’s record for the fastest 100m sprint, breaking the previous record that had been unbeaten for 27 years.

In 2010 she won Commonwealth gold in the 4x100m relay in Delhi – and is the holder of a European U23 silver medal in the 100m relay.

Douglas got into bobsleigh in 2016 and finished in the top 10 in her World Cup debut the following year.

In January 2022, she made sporting history at the Beijing Winter Olympics by becoming the first British athlete to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

Douglas (Fire) said: “I’m so glad I was asked to be Fire! Be gladiator was a secret dream of mine.

“As a strong and powerful woman, I am living proof that you can achieve your dreams, regardless of age or background, if you believe in them and keep going.”

“I’m ready to make the competition shine!”

Legend

Matt Morsia is a legend.

The BBC said: “Former international athlete Matt Morsia trains in bodybuilding and powerlifting up to six times a week and calls himself a legend – hence the name!”

“As he brings all his power and strength to the series, competitors will not forget Legend.”

“The former long jump and triple jumper who won the bronze medal at the championships and the powerlifter who won the silver medal loved the ‘presentation skills’ of the competition.”

“After retiring from international competitions, he continued to perform to huge audiences and became a hugely successful fitness influencer and professional YouTuber – with over 355 million views.”

In 2020, Morsia published his first book, The 24/7 Body, which became a Sunday Times bestseller.

Morsia (Legend) said: “I trained like a beast for the show but realistically it wasn’t necessary.”

“I could have spent the last two months eating donuts and playing Dungeons & Dragons and I’d still be better than everyone else.”

“I’m not called a legend for nothing! I can only apologize for the irreparable damage I will cause to the competitors.”

“Actually, that’s a lie, I’m not sorry at all. I am actively looking forward to it.”

Fans of the show can apply for free tickets on the BBC website.

Gladiators is broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.