Former Bath Rugby player Alex Gray’s fascinating career has taken another unexpected turn as he has become the latest former sportsman to be confirmed as a Gladiator in the BBC reboot of the hit 90s show.
Gray’s sporting journey is well traveled, playing rugby sevens for England before switching to American Football where he spent three years in the Atlanta Falcon's practice squad as a tight-end. The practice squad train with the first team but do not dress for games. It is the situation former England winger Christian Wade found himself in after switching to the NFL from Wasps. Wade is now back in union playing for Racing 92.
Gray - who will soon be known by the British public as ‘Apollo’ on Gladiators - signed with Gallagher Premiership side Bath in November 2020 on a short-term deal but after making just six appearances he left the club in the summer of 2021. In rugby union Gray was an option both in the centre and on the wing and at 6ft 6in and weighing in at 113kg he added some extra muscle to the backline.
He took to Instagram to share the news of his new role, saying: ‘I’m a Gladiator!!!. Meet Apollo.
‘Words really can’t describe this feeling. From being inspired by this show as a kid and dreaming of being a Gladiator one day, being totally amazed by the games, the arena and the original Gladiators, to now being chosen as one of them, it’s unbelievable.
‘I’ve done some cool stuff in my life but this is absolutely the greatest. Never ever give up on yourself! Dig deep, keep the stars in your eyes, the fire in your heart and keep on believing.
Named after the Greek God of Sun. I can’t wait to get out there and dish out the greatest ass-whooping Saturday night TV has ever seen… and to also win this years’ sexiest man in spandex award.’
Gray will join former Exeter Chiefs rugby player Jodie Ounsley, who will be known as ‘Fury’, as rugby players turned gladiators on the show going head to head with members of the public in the 11–episode series hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney.
The show will be broadcast on BBC and iPlayer later this year.
Confirmed Gladiators:
- Sheli McCoy - Sabre - Weightlifter and CrossFitter
- Alex Gray - Apollo - NFL and professional rugby player
- Emily Steel - Dynamite - Swimmer and CrossFitter
- Harry Aikines - Nitro - Team GB sprinter
- Levi Sheldon - Diamond - Bodybuilder and footballer
- Jamie Christian Johal - Giant - Bodybuilder
- Montell Douglass - Fire - Team GB sprinter and bobsledder
- Matt Morsia - Legend - Bodybuilder
- Fury - Jodie Ounsley - Exeter Chiefs professional rugby player and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British Champion
