Gladiators' Phantom Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Late Dad and Reflects on Their Complex Relationship

GLADIATORS star Phantom was visibly emotional as he revealed to fans his dad has died – and addressed their difficult relationship.

The 38-year-old bodybuilder – whose real name is Toby Olubi – has been part of ‘s Gladiators arrival since its 2023 launch.

Taking to Instagram, Gladiators star Phantom opened up about his father’s death Credit: Instagram/tobyolubi The bodybuilder – whose real name is Toby Olubi – opened up about their difficult relationship Credit: Instagram/tobyolubi

Taking to , the star shared a poignant reel with his followers on the platform reflecting on the loss and how he’s been processing it.

“So it has been a bit over a month now and my Dad died,” he began.

“My father passed away in May. Since then, it has been one of the hardest, arduous, but still glimpses of brightness. Glimpses of hope.

“Everyone has choices and you react to other people’s choices. And that’s okay. I reacted to my father’s choices.

Toby has been part of BBC’s Gladiators as Phantom since 2023 Credit: BBC Phantom with fellow Gladiators Sabre, Apollo and Viper Credit: Tom Farmer

“And my father’s choices led to a long period of him being absent from my life, when he left when I was 13.”

The BBC favourite continued he had seen his father “a grand total of about eight times” following this.

He added: “That’s not a lot. Especially over the span of 25 years.

“I would be amiss if I didn’t include the fact that he did reach out to me, over the last two and a bit years to try and rekindle something.”

Toby elaborated that while he had been “reluctant”, he held no resentment or hatred towards his father during these attempts to reconnect.

Overall, he ended the video by saying: “I’ve spent the last few weeks just being very happy about what he’s given me.”

One person commented: “Sending love Toby, I am so sorry for your loss.”

Another wrote: “Appreciate your honesty, vulnerability and sentiments here! I appreciated every word….. lots of ♥️ to you and your family x.”

While a third shared: “So sorry to hear of your painful loss.”