The new Gladiators joining series 2 of BBC’s Gladiators: Cyclone and Hammer

The second series of Gladiators returns to BBC this weekend hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh.

Similarly to the first series, the BBC revival of the iconic sports entertainment show “Gladiators” consists of brave contenders battle a team of elite athletes, known as Gladiators.

Each week the contenders take part in gruelling events and challenges which tests their strength, agility and endurance, all while the Gladiators aim to beat or stop them.

The second series of the hit BBC show returns this weekend on Saturday 18 January on BBC One and iPlayer, but the filming took place at Sheffield Arena in August last year.

Some Gladiators are returning for series two, but there are also some newbies.

Returning Gladiators include Apollo (Alex Gray), Bionic (Matty Campbell), Giant (Jamie Christian-Johal), Legend (Matt Morsia), Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey), Phantom (Toby Olubi), Steel (Zack George), Viper (Quang Luong), Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains), Comet (Ella-Mae Rayner), Diamond (Livi Sheldon), Dynamite (Emily Steel), Electro (Jade Packer).

There are two new Gladiators, Hammer and Cyclone, and here is everything you need to know about the two newbies.

Hammer – Tom Wilson

Hammer, real name Tom Wilson, is an esteemed indoor rower who won the 2024 British Indoor Rowing Championships. He will join Cyclone, another new gladiator, bringing the total number of players up to 18.

A silver medal winner in both the European and World championships, Hammer stands at 6 foot 5 inches tall and claims that his combined height, speed and strength set him apart from other gladiators.

BBC Gladiators posted on its Instagram page: “Hammer is a combination of height, strength and speed, ready to shake the arena to its foundations. Contenders beware!”

Hammer added: “When you’ve got 19 stone sprinting at you, you’ve got no chance. I’m getting you.”

Cyclone – Lystus Ebosele

Cyclone, Lystus Ebosele, is a 23-year-old classic powerlifter, representing Ireland.

She hit 235 kilograms (518 pounds) in knee sleeves at the 2023 IPF World Junior Powerlifting Championships (WJC) in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Introducing her Gladiators alter ego, the star said: “I’ve got the look, I’ve got the energy and I’ve got the muscles.”

Cyclone currently has one post on her official show Instagram, which reads: “There’s a Cyclone coming… Cyclone is a whirlwind of destruction that will blow away the competition. Strong, determined and with awesome power, nothing will get in her way.”

BBC Gladiators returns at 5:50 pm on Saturday 18 January on BBC One and iPlayer.