Gladiators star Zack George has undergone a fitness transformation after admitting to leading an “unhealthy lifestyle” in his youth.
Zack – who will be called Steel in the series – has been announced as one of the new Gladiators for BBC One’s reboot of the much-loved 1990s show.
The budding TV star looks unrecognizable in photos from his school days as he said he exercised little and often indulged in fast food.
He told The sun: ‘I led a very unhealthy lifestyle. I almost inhaled chocolate and ate McDonald’s and KFC five times a week – a family bucket. The more fast food I ate, the more I craved it. It was a vicious circle.
‘Being overweight makes you feel rotten. You can’t walk or run far, so you don’t feel like exercising and eventually you find comfort in fast food.’
Wow: Gladiators star Zack George has undergone a fitness transformation after admitting he led an ‘unhealthy lifestyle’ in his youth
Change: The budding TV star looks unrecognizable in pictures from his school days as he said he exercised little and often gorged on fast food
Zack eventually caught the exercise bug and quickly became a follower of CrossFit, a fitness regimen focused on performing functional movements performed at a high intensity.
He was named champion in UK CrossFit in 2020 and will further demonstrate his athleticism on Gladiators.
Of participating in the show, he said, “I was inspired by the gladiators as a kid, but never thought I’d be physically fit enough to be considered a “superman.”
“I hope a new generation of fans look up to me as their new strong, unbreakable hero, Steel.”
Zack was announced alongside Exeter Chiefs professional rugby player Jodie Ounsley, who will be known as Fury on the show.
Jodie certainly has the credentials to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Gladiators as she is a former England Women’s Rugby Seven’s player, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British champion and a five-time coal-carrying world champion.
While Jodie, who is profoundly deaf and wears a cochlear implant, won the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year title in 2020.
Meanwhile, the sportswoman has Gladiators in her blood, as her father was a contender on the show in 2008, and she’s been training to surpass him ever since.
He said, “I led a very unhealthy lifestyle. I almost inhaled chocolate and ate McDonald’s and KFC five times a week – a family bucket. The more fast food I ate, the more I craved it. It was a vicious circle’
Success: Zack was named champion in UK CrossFit in 2020 and will further demonstrate his athleticism on Gladiators
Jodie is a long time fan of Gladiators, she even dressed up as a Gladiator and practiced the games in her living room!
Fury shared her excitement about joining the show, saying, “Watching Gladiators grow up I was always in awe of their strength and might and now I’m one!”
“I hope contenders are ready to feel the Fury!”
The two new Gladiators to be revealed come after the reboot show’s hosts have been revealed.
Bradley and Barney Walsh present the BBC show, their latest television project together after The Larkins and the travel show Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad.
They are taking over the series after it was originally presented by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu on ITV from 1992-2000.
She’s done! Exeter Chiefs professional rugby player Jodie Ounsley has joined the line-up as her alter ego ‘Fury’, named after her strength and passion for competition
The new series includes some of the classic challenges, including Duel, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator, as well as some surprising new tasks.
Gladiators was always an important show for the Walshes, as Donna, Bradley’s wife and Barney’s mother, choreographed the cheerleading squad.
Chase host Bradley even appeared on a celebs vs jockeys Gladiators special in 1997.
The father and son regularly visited the original set – and a young Barney took some of his first steps on the arena floor.
Bradley said, “Wow! I can’t believe I’ve been asked to be a part of this iconic show. I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to co-host a new version of Gladiators!!!
“Saturday night family entertainment at its best…Are you ready?!”
New series: The hosts of a Gladiators reboot have been announced (Photo: The Gladiators in the original series with original hosts Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu)
Barney said: ‘Gladiators have been a big part of our family and it is an honor to be asked to co-host this iconic show.
“I’m so excited for everyone to see the spectacle, the elite athletes and the fantastic family entertainment that is Gladiators.”
The show’s new logo for the 11-part series retains the same elements as the original, with a metal G in the shape of a triangle behind the title.
But with a more eye-catching color, the new image has a red and blue outline and metallic shimmer colors.
The BBC has revealed filming will take place in and around the spring school holidays at the Utilita Arena, Sheffield, but has not yet announced a date.
Latest project: Bradley and Barney Walsh present the show which has moved from ITV to BBC, their last television appearance together (pictured together in 2022)
Dan Baldwin, the general manager of production company Hungry Bear explains: ‘Seeing Gladiators LIVE in the arena is the perfect day out for all the family.
“Getting close to the action is going to be an incredible experience like no other.
“Plus, we’re making the tickets free, so it won’t cost you a dime to get in!”
The original Gladiators aired on ITV from 1992-2000 and was an adaptation of American Gladiators releasedsyndicated between 1989 and 1996.
American Gladiators was created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr and developed by Johnny C. Ferraro.