As reported exclusively on BBC Breakfast this morning, two new superhuman Gladiators, Nitro and Diamond, are gearing up to compete in the thrilling sports entertainment gameshow set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Nitro, the moniker for Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines Aryeetey, is renowned for his lightning-fast speed and boundless energy. Having excelled in athletics since his early years, Harry achieved a remarkable feat by securing gold medals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events at the World Youth Championships when he was just 17 years old.
This achievement earned him the title of 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. Harry’s illustrious career includes winning gold four times at the men’s 100m European Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
His extensive list of accomplishments also includes being a two-time Olympian, three-time European Champion, two-time Commonwealth Champion, Commonwealth Silver Medallist, European Bronze Medallist, World Bronze Medallist, British Champion, two-time World Youth Champion, and World Junior Champion. With his remarkable speed and agility, Nitro will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge for the Contenders.
Diamond, portrayed by the 6ft bodybuilder Livi Sheldon, is an awe-inspiring force to be reckoned with. After completing her Sports Science degree, Livi embarked on a career in bodybuilding, reaching the British Finals as an “England Toned Figure” contestant. Livi’s passion for sports began at the age of 6 when she played football for a boys’ team. She later transitioned to a girls’ team, where she became captain for several years before playing for Worcester City Ladies team. Despite her striking appearance, Diamond’s strength and resilience make her virtually indestructible.
Expressing his excitement, Nitro (Harry Aikines Aryeetey) remarked, “Becoming a Gladiator is another tremendous achievement! It’s a childhood dream come true! Life is full of surprises, and seizing every opportunity is crucial. It fills me with energy and strength! I can’t wait to enter the arena and bring Nitro to Gladiators!”
Diamond (Livi Sheldon) shared her personal journey, stating, “When I was growing up, I faced ridicule for being taller than my peers. Now, I have the chance to demonstrate that being unique is a superpower. I’m eagerly anticipating the arena battles as Diamond, taking on the contenders.”
Nitro and Diamond will join the previously announced Gladiators, Giant, Fire, Legend, Fury, and Steel, in the forthcoming 11-part series produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK. This new generation of mighty Gladiators is poised to challenge a courageous group of contenders in a series of thrilling new games alongside beloved classics, culminating in the fan-favourite, The Eliminator.
The filming of Gladiators will take place in Sheffield. Further details about the show, including its broadcast schedule, will be announced in due course.
Gladiators, a collaboration between Hungry Bear and MGM Alternative UK for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, was commissioned by Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted. The Executive Producers for the show are Dan Baldwin and Lou Brown from Hungry Bear, along with Dom Bird from MGM Alternative UK. Kalpna Patel-Knight serves as the Head of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC, and Clodagh O’Donoghue is the Commissioning Editor.
The original American Gladiators series was created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr, with Johnny C. Ferraro leading its development.
Audiences have the opportunity to be among the first to witness the power of the new Gladiators by applying for free tickets on the show’s website (Terms and conditions apply).
