Deaf Sports Star Joins BBC’s Gladiators Reboot as ‘Fury’
Breaking barriers and ready to roar, 22-year-old deaf athlete Amaya Ounsley will step into the ring as ‘Fury’ on the new BBC Gladiators series set to air later this year.
From Rugby Pitch to Gladiator Arena
Ounsley made history as the first deaf player to represent England’s rugby sevens team back in 2019. She’s also a former British Brazilian jiu-jitsu champ. Thrilled by her new role, she said: “Watching Gladiators growing up I was always in awe of their strength and power and now I am one. I hope contenders are ready to feel the Fury.”
Gladiators: The Ultimate Throwback
Gladiators originally hit UK screens in 1992 and became an instant Saturday night hit. Contestants faced off against tough Gladiators like Wolf, Jet, and Saracen in brutal challenges such as Hang Tough and the Eliminator. The original show wrapped in 2000, but Sky revived it for two series between 2008 and 2009.
New Blood: Meet ‘Steel’ Gladiator Zack George
The BBC reboot, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh, begins filming in Sheffield this June. Joining Fury is CrossFit king Zack George, 2020 UK’s Fittest Man, who’ll take on the mantle of ‘Steel.’ George said: “I’m excited to bring my experience as an athlete to the show and inspire the next generation of contenders.”
The new Gladiators promises fierce competition and heart-stopping action. With Ounsley and George in the line-up, fans are in for a fresh, powerful twist on a much-loved classic.
