GLADIATORS UNVEILS THREE NEW CONTENDERS AHEAD OF REBOOTED SERIES
As exclusively revealed on This Morning earlier today (Thursday 18th May), Giant, Fire and Legend are ready to duel and compete in one of the most iconic and exciting sports entertainment gameshows coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Giant
Former firefighter turned bodybuilder Jamie Christian Johal has earned the name Giant. Standing at 6ft 5inches 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.
Fire
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. 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.
Montell loves inspiring women to achieve their dreams, no matter what age, height or background they’re from.
Contenders should beware of Fire. She’s fast, unpredictable and dangerous and will ravage anyone in her path.
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!
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’, which became a Sunday Times Bestseller, upon its release.
Bringing all his power and strength to the series, the contenders will not forget Legend.
Giant (AKA Jamie Christian Johal) says: "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!"
Fire (aka Montell Douglas ) says: “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!”
Legend: (AKA Matt Morsia) says: "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"