Completing the line-up of superhuman Gladiators is Bionic, Electro, Phantom, and the silent but deadly Viper. These extraordinary athletes are prepared to compete in the most iconic and thrilling sports entertainment gameshow, set to air on BBC One and iPlayer.
Bionic, also known as Matty Campbell, stands tall at an imposing 6ft 6in. A former sprinter and football player who aspired to go pro, Campbell’s dreams were shattered by a car crash. However, during his rehabilitation, he discovered his incredible abilities and passion for bodybuilding.
Contenders are advised to steer clear of Bionic, as he possesses unmatched strength and is ready to crush anyone who dares to challenge him. Reflecting on his journey, Bionic expressed his disbelief at being chosen as a Gladiator and his excitement to embark on this new adventure.
Jade Packer, aptly nicknamed Electro, is a force to be reckoned with. With a blend of strength, speed, and skill, she is an electrifying presence. Packer began her journey as a sprinter, ranking among the Top 10 Fastest Runners in the UK at the age of 12.
After discovering bodybuilding on Instagram, she dove headfirst into the sport, earning impressive accolades and representing the UK internationally. Now training in CrossFit, Packer aims to unleash her unique energy and inspire a new generation of athletes. Get ready for sparks to fly when Electro takes the stage.
Toby Olubi, known as Phantom, is a terrifyingly fast and unbelievably strong Gladiator. Having competed in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics as part of Team GB’s Bobsleigh team, Olubi holds impressive records and accomplishments.
Not limited to bobsleigh, he has also excelled as a sprinter at the domestic level. Phantom’s ferocious force will leave contenders trembling in fear. Olubi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to become a Gladiator, reminiscing about his childhood admiration for the original Gladiators and his eagerness to inspire others as a modern-day hero.
Quang Luong, the enigmatic Viper, has dedicated his life to fitness and honing his bodybuilding skills for the past 15 years. His precision and lightning-fast reactions earned him the name Viper.
In addition to his dedication to bodybuilding, Luong is an avid boxer and has even appeared in films, including a James Bond movie. With his power, precision, and silent demeanour, Viper is poised to devour his competitors. Though he may not speak much, his actions speak volumes.
Bionic, Electro, Phantom, and Viper join the previously announced Gladiators, forming a new generation of mighty warriors ready to take on a brave set of contenders in an 11-part series produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK. They will put their speed and strength to the ultimate test in a series of brand-new games, as well as classic challenges, leading up to the fan-favourite, The Eliminator.
Stay tuned for more information about Gladiators, including broadcast details, which will be announced in due course.
Gladiators, an 11-part series produced by Hungry Bear and MGM Alternative UK, will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The show was commissioned by Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, and features Dan Baldwin and Lou Brown as Executive Producers for Hungry Bear, along with Dom Bird for MGM Alternative UK.
Kalpna Patel-Knight serves as the Head of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC, while 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 handling its development.
