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Daily Record
Entertainment
Siobhan Macdonald

New Gladiators Sabre, Apollo and Dynamite announced including Scots athlete

Sabre, Apollo, and Dynamite are the latest trio of athletes announced to join the Gladiator reboot.

The new casting was announced on Thursday's instalment of Steph’s Packed Lunch as the contestants are ready to train to extreme lengths to win the game show reboot.

Gladiators originally aired between 1992 and 2000 before being axed, but fans of the show won't have to wait long as the BBC revival of the show is set to premiere later this year.

The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh and his son Barney have been announced as the new hosts for the sports entertainment show. Sabre, Apollo and Dynamite have become the latest contenders revealed as part of the new Gladiators line-up alongside Nitro, Diamond, Giant, Fire, Legend, Fury and Steel.

It's now been revealed that Scots athlete Sheli McCoy has joined the line-up of professionals as Sabre. She is a Scottish CrossFit and weightlifting champion as well as running her own gym based in Dundee.

Sheli McCoy will go under the name Sabre in the BBC's revival (BBC)

Speaking of her exciting move, Sabre says: “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!”

Next up is Apollo, otherwise known as NFL captain Alex Gray who is set to appear on the BBC reboot later this year. Alex started his career playing rugby under 16s before moving the to Premiership and then England 7s team.

He was scouted to go to the NFL for his skill set, making him the first British rugby player to transfer over to the NFL. Alex signed for Atlanta Falcons and then became the first international player to captain an NFL team.

Alex Grey as Apollo (BBC)

Apollo said: "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"

Emily Steel has been announced as the youngest Gladiator in the current line-up as she joins the cast as Dynamite. The 20-year-old has a background in swimming competing at a national level until she was 15 years old, she’s now a full-time elite CrossFit athlete.

Emily Steel, who will go under the name Dynamite in the BBC's revival (BBC)

While she may be young, she is certainly not to be underestimated on Gladiators after becoming an under 23’s weightlifting British record holder.

Dynamite said: “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 join the previously announced Nitro, Diamond, Giant, Fire, Legend, Fury and Steel as part of the new generation of mighty Gladiators ready to challenge a brave set of contenders in the 11-part series.

They will take part in the ultimate test of speed and strength in a series of brand new games alongside classics culminating with fan-favourite The Eliminator.

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