Meet BBC Gladiators star Dynamite – who is Emily Steel from Manchester?

Whether you’re a loyal Gladiators fan from back in the day or you’re new to the show, the second series will air from this weekend.

But for those wanting to meet the contestants before the first episode of 2025, you’re in luck as one of the “superhumans” hoping to show off their speed and strength is from Manchester.

Dynamite (Emily Steel) is a 5ft 5in bodybuilder who became an under 23’s weightlifting British record holder.

Who is BBC Gladiators star Dynamite from Manchester?

Dynamite is described as being “small, explosive and dangerous” on the Gladiators website.

She has a sporting background having swam competitively at a national level until the age of 15 and now she’s an elite CrossFit athlete full-time.

The website adds: “Don’t underestimate Dynamite. She may look small, but she’ll blast into the competition and obliterate her opponents.”

Speaking to the BBC before last year’s series, Emily discussed why she wanted to be a Gladiator, saying: “As a young athlete I felt like it was an opportunity to inspire young girls and make them think, ‘oh, I can go to the gym, I can train and be just as strong’.

“I’ve done sport all my life, so I felt like it was giving me an opportunity to showcase my sporting talents and hopefully inspire others too.”

Recommended reading:

How to watch Gladiators series 2

Gladiators returns with series two airing on Saturday, January 18 at 5.50pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

If you missed the Gladiators Christmas special which saw celebrities try to beat the Gladiators, you can catch up with it on iPlayer and find out who won.

Series one episodes are also on iPlayer.