'I drew abs on my stomach - now I'm a Gladiator'

Giant, Steel, and Nitro are preparing to compete in the BBC’s revival of the iconic show “Gladiators.”

Giant, Steel and Nitro are getting ready to compete in the BBC’s reboot of the classic show Gladiators.

A former firefighter, a professional sprinter, and the UK’s fittest man have joined forces to challenge contenders in the upcoming BBC reboot of Gladiators. These formidable individuals, with backgrounds ranging from firefighting to elite athleticism, are poised to face off against those brave enough to take on the intense and muscle-straining competitions. The BBC aims to recapture the success of the original Gladiators, which aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000. In the new series premiering on Saturday, these three competitors, among a total of 16 Gladiators, have shared their unique journeys to the arena, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the show’s return after a hiatus of twenty-four years.

Representing the East Midlands, Gladiators Zack George, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and Jamie Christian Johal bring an impressive sporting background to the forefront. Their primary goal is to inspire the younger generation.

Zack, known as Steel, emphasizes that Gladiators have positively transformed his life, especially considering his childhood struggle with weight issues. Residing in Loughborough, a town associated with Loughborough University, renowned for training and hosting legendary athletes like Paula Radcliffe, Lord Seb Coe, and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Zack and his fellow Gladiators aim to motivate and make a difference.

“When I was a child, my circumstances were essentially the opposite of what they are now,” he shared with the BBC.

“I was quite self-conscious about my appearance. I would go to great lengths to avoid taking my top off during swimming lessons at school.

“My diet consisted of McDonald’s and KFC about four times a week, along with daily indulgences in sweets. I had a strong aversion to exercise.

“Interestingly, I used to admire the physiques of the Gladiators. I looked up to these individuals and would fantasize about emulating their fitness levels one day.

“I even went so far as to draw abs on my stomach, as if sketching definition onto a less-than-toned belly.”

Zack, nicknamed Steel for his formidable strength, clinched the title of the UK’s Fittest Man in 2020 and achieved an impressive 26th position out of 126,461 participants on the global CrossFit leaderboard. Having traded burgers for a health-conscious diet and rigorous exercise, the 33-year-old is on a mission as one of the Gladiators to “inspire and motivate the next generation watching the show.”

However, this goal is just one facet of the collective objectives of the resilient trio. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, a spirited competitor and sprinter hailing from Leicestershire, approaches challenges with a smile. The 35-year-old has been outpacing competitors since a young age, making history as the first athlete to secure gold medals in both the 100m and 200m events at the World Youth Championships. At the age of 17 in 2005, he claimed the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award and proudly asserted himself as the fastest 14-year-old in Europe at the time.

Harry clinched four gold medals in the European Championships and Commonwealth Games in the men’s 100m, showcasing his exceptional speed and determination. This unparalleled swiftness and passion led to him being dubbed “Nitro” in the Gladiators arena.

Reflecting on his innate talent, he remarked, “I was blessed with abilities from a young age.” Presently donning the vibrant electric blue attire alongside fellow Gladiators, he expressed, “It serves as a commemoration of our achievements and who we’ve become.”

Maintaining the nostalgic ambiance of the original series, the latest installment will introduce innovative games enriched with cutting-edge effects and technology.

Jamie Christian Johal, a former firefighter turned bodybuilder standing at an impressive 6ft 5in (1.95m) and better known as Giant, expressed, “With the rise of social media, you’ll get to know the Gladiators on a much deeper level.”

Reflecting on the show’s iconic status, he added, “It truly showcases the cream of the crop in terms of athletic ability. As a kid watching the show, I felt a sense of awe, looking up to these seemingly immortal characters. Back then, experiencing individuals of that size was unprecedented, and witnessing what they could do left me in complete amazement.”

Jamie, a 38-year-old individual who dedicated seven years to the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, expressed that Gladiators served as an inspiration for the youth of the past. He hopes to follow suit by motivating future Gladiators and children to embrace fitness, tackle life head-on, and strive to be the best versions of themselves.

The series was recorded in June at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, with an audience of 3,000 people. Soon, a much larger audience will witness the revival of a competition that has left a lasting impact on millions for decades.