GLADIATORS has been rocked by an injury crisis with FOUR fan favourites forced out with injury.
The Sun can reveal Legend, Bionic, Diamond and Athena were all taken out while taking on games for the new series.
Legend, real name Matt Morsia, tore a bicep, and Bionic – aka Matty Campbell – dislocated his shoulder.
But it wasn’t just male Glads who suffered, with Diamond – Livi Sheldon – rupturing the ACL and MCL in her knee.
And Athena – Karenjeet Kaur Bains – busted her knee too.
Despite the injuries, the Gladiators will all feature in series three when it airs on the BBC next year in some way – and will be on the live tour this autumn.
A source said: “Gladiators is the ultimate test of speed, strength and endurance – and four of its champions have paid the price.
“It just goes to show that these games are tough and even our professionals can suffer injuries.”
All the Gladiators’ injuries occurred during filming for the BBC show at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
In 2023 Comet, real name Ella-Mae Rayner, broke her ankle and foot and had to undergo an operation to rebuild her foot.
And Sabre, aka Sheli McCoy, tore her hamstring.
Ella fell 30ft from The Wall in a horrifying accident that almost took away her ability to walk.
Whilst they both focus on recovery, the Glads have praised the care of medics on set.
As the show is one of toughest and most physically demanding programmes on TV, the production team had a very robust health and safety policy in place as well as appropriate insurances.
Risk assessments were carried out for all of the games and the Gladiators and contenders underwent extensive training with experts.
A doctor, paramedics, technicians, physios and a trained Health and Safety advisor were all present on set every day.
A spokesman for the BBC said: “The health and well-being of all Gladiators, contenders and crew is of paramount importance. Gladiators is one of the toughest and most physically demanding programmes on TV and due to the high-impact nature of the show it is not unusual for those competing to suffer injuries.
“In each instance, as soon as it became apparent that a potential injury had occurred, the correct protocol was immediately followed.
“The injured Gladiators are currently following medical advice and working on their recoveries.”
