Introducing more superhuman Gladiators! As exclusively revealed on BBC Breakfast earlier today, Nitro and Diamond are ready to hang tough and compete in one of the most iconic and exciting sports entertainment gameshows coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Nitro
Team GB sprinter, Harry Aikines Aryeetey is lightning fast and a ball of energy earning him the name Nitro.
Commonwealth and World gold medallist sprinter, Harry has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth. After becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, he won 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year age 17.
Harry has gone on to win gold 4 x in the men’s 100m European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. His long list of achievements include: 2 x Olympian, 3 x European Champion, 2x Commonwealth Champion, 1x Commonwealth Silver Medallist, 1x European Bronze Medallist, 1x World Bronze Medallist, 1x British Champion, 2x World Youth Champion, 1x World Junior Champion.
With his incredible speed and agility, the Contenders will have their work cut out, getting past Nitro.
Diamond
6ft Bodybuilder, Livi Sheldon is striking and indestructible earning her the name, Diamond.
After graduating with a degree in Sports Science, she took up bodybuilding, becoming a British Finalist ‘England Toned Figure’.
Her passion for sports began at age 6, when she played football for a boys football team. She eventually moved over to a girls’ team, where she became captain for many years, and went on to play for Worcester City Ladies team.
Don’t be deceived by Diamond’s bright beauty, she is unbreakable and super strong.
Nitro (AKA Harry Aikines Aryeetey) says: “Becoming a Gladiator is another great achievement! A childhood dream come true! You never know what is coming in life, each day is there to be enjoyed and savouring all opportunities is a must! It literally gives me energy and strength! I can’t wait to be in the arena and bring Nitro to Gladiators!”
Diamond (AKA Livi Sheldon) says: “When I was growing up I used to get picked on for being taller than everyone else. Now I get to show everyone that being unique is your superpower. I can’t wait to get into the arena and take on the contenders as Diamond.”
Nitro and Diamond join the previously announced Giant, Fire, Legend, Fury and Steel as part of the new generation of mighty Gladiators ready to challenge a brave set of contenders in the 11-part series made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK. They will take part in the ultimate test of speed and strength in a series of brand new games alongside classics culminating with fan-favourite The Eliminator.
Gladiators will be filming in Sheffield. Further information about Gladiators including broadcast details will be announced in due course.
Gladiators (11 x 60’) is a Hungry Bear and MGM Alternative UK for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted. The Executive Producers are Dan Baldwin and Lou Brown for Hungry Bear and Dom Bird MGM Alternative UK. The Head of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC is Kalpna Patel-Knight and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Clodagh O’Donoghue.
The original American Gladiators series was created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr and developed by Johnny C. Ferraro.
Audiences can be the first to experience the power of the new Gladiators by applying for free tickets here (Terms and conditions apply).
