Police are investigating after Gladiators star Apollo was reportedly harassed by a stalker on set, at his flat and during a meet-and-greet with fans.
Security has been increased around the star, real name Alex Gray, 33, one of several athletes appearing in the hit BBC One show, The Sun on Sunday reports.
A woman targeted Gray at TV studios in Sheffield, an apartment block where he was staying and during a personal appearance at a shopping centre, the newspaper said.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed it was aware of reports of a man in his 30s “being subjected to stalking and harassment”, adding: “An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.”
Gray, a former England U20s former rugby union and American football player, first appeared in the BBC reboot of the programme last year.
He filmed the second series of Gladiators – which aired on Saturday night - last summer.
Gray told the Sun: “There was an incident. That’s as much as I can say, until something comes of it and there’s action taken.
“Maybe there might not be. I’m still waiting to hear. The police are doing their thing.”
It is understood the BBC and production company Hungry Bear Media arranged for extra “support and protection” around the Utilita Arena in Sheffield and outside a rented apartment block in the city where stars stay during shoots.
The 6ft 5in Gladiator, from County Durham, recently revealed he often gets stopped by fans but finds the experience “really nice”.
“The show is universally loved by almost everybody,” he said.
Gladiators is made by Hungry Bear - the production firm co-owned by Holly Willoughby’s husband Dan Baldwin.
First broadcast on ITV in October 1992, Gladiators was revived by the corporation in 2024, with Bradley Walsh and son Barney presenting.
The BBC show proved to be a ratings hit with new stars including Steel, Apollo, Sabre, Legend and Giant quickly becoming fan favourites.
Gray is described on the show’s website as having “the cheeky good looks of a Greek god and the speed of a rocket”.