Gladiators’ long-awaited comeback is getting closer, with the addition of two more cast members for the revival.
The first iteration of the sports entertainment show aired for eight seasons between 1992 and 2000, and was last shown on our televisions in 2009.
The BBC confirmed its comeback last year, and this month revealed father-son team Bradley and Barney Walsh as the new hosts.
A new generation of superhuman Gladiators will battle against a daring group of competitors in the ultimate test of speed and strength, with Gladiators Fury, Steel, Giant, Thunder, Legend, Nitro, Diamond, Sabre, Apollo, and Dynamite all unveiled in recent weeks.
The BBC has revealed two new Gladiators, Athena and Comet, who will ‘have strength in their spirit’ as they enter the line-up.
The two will be assisting the competitors at the arena in Sheffield, as revealed on Morning Live on Tuesday.
A ‘combination of brain, brawn and beauty’, Karenjeet Kaur Bains, is just like the Ancient Greek Goddess of War and Wisdom, Athena.
She has three gold and two silver Commonwealth Powerlifting titles to her name, is a five-time All England Powerlifting Champion, and a five-time British Powerlifting Champion while representing Team GB.
She has represented Great Britain in the World and European Championships and holds the Guinness World Record for the “Most Bodyweight Squats in a Minute.”
On top of that, she works as a chartered accountant throughout the day.
She aspires to encourage individuals of all backgrounds to reach their best potential as the first Sikh Gladiator.
‘I represent all those from diverse and minority backgrounds, especially women, that have ever been denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams in sport,’ Athena said.
‘I hope I can be a role model and show the levels a female can achieve, if she is given the opportunity to follow her passion and given the wings to fly.’
Meanwhile, Comet, also known as Ella-Mae Rayner, is a former top gymnast who transitioned to semi-professional diving before beginning her degree in Sport Science.
She successfully coached and competed in University Cheerleading Championships while in university.
But it wasn’t until she suffered a career-altering ankle injury that she discovered her passion for the gym, where she now exercises six times a week while still working as a fitness model and instructor.
‘I loved watching Gladiators growing up,’ she said.
‘I specifically remember Jet, she was an icon for me as a child and one of the reasons I become a gymnast.
‘I can’t believe I will be following in her footsteps. It really is a dream come true.’
At its height in the 1990s, the original ITV series drew over 14 million viewers.
Throughout its initial run, Ulrika Jonsson hosted alongside John Fashanu and Jeremy Guscott.
Gladiators was resurrected in 2008, although it only lasted two seasons before being discontinued.
Gladiators returns to BBC soon.
Source My Celebrity Life.
