I was a top international athlete – but I gave it up to be a TV star | The Sun

I was a top international athlete – but I gave it up to be a TV star | The Sun

A TOP international athlete has told how he gave up his sporting career to become a TV star.

Alex Gray started his career playing rugby at under-16s before moving on to the Premiership and England sevens team.



He later gave up rugby to move to to the NFL in the United States, signing for the Atlanta Falcons in 2017.

But now he had been confirmed as a Gladiator in the BBC reboot of the hit 90s show – and will be known as Apollo.

Talking about the show, he said: "Gladiator, ready? You better believe I am! After playing rugby and in the NFL, the opportunity to inspire as Apollo is a dream come true.

"I plan on leading from the front and never giving up."

MORE ON GLADIATORS

Three new Gladiators revealed as ex rugby player, weightlifter andCrossfit star

Bradley Walsh stuns in lycra shorts and sports bra for Gladiators tribute

In an Instagram post he added: “Words really can’t describe this feeling. From being inspired by this show as a kid and dreaming of being a Gladiator one day, being totally amazed by the games, the arena and the original Gladiators, to now being chosen as one of them, it’s unbelievable.

“I’ve done some cool stuff in my life but this is absolutely the greatest. Never ever give up on yourself! 

“Dig deep, keep the stars in your eyes, the fire in your heart and keep on believing.”

“Named after the Greek God of Sun. I can’t wait to get out there and dish out the greatest ass-whooping Saturday night TV has ever seen… and to also win this years’ sexiest man in spandex award.”

Most read in TV

raw rant

Angel Strawbridge launches explicit rant at Escape to the Chateau producer

TAX WOE

New blow for Kate Garraway as she's hit with £716k tax bill while caring for Derek

MOVING FAST

Alison Hammond put £700k home up for sale the day Phil quit – in top job hint

MY PAIN

TV's Esther Rantzen says cancer has spread & 'no one knows' if treatment is working

Apollo will join previously announced gladiators Nitro, Diamond, Giant, Fire, Legend, Fury and Steel – a line-up of Olympians, influencers, weightlifting champions and athletes from all walks of life.

They include fitness influencer Matt Morsia, who will go by the name Legend; England women's rugby sevens player Jodie Ounsley, known as Fury; and Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who will go by Nitro.

The 11-part series, hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, will see contestants face new and old games, including classic challenge The Eliminator.

Filming is set to begin in around June.

Gladiators will be aired on BBC One and available to rewatch on the iPlayer.

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post La Chimera Review: Josh OConnor Digs Into Italys Past In Alice Rohrwachers Splendid And Mysterious New Drama Cannes Film Festival
Next post Celine Dion Scraps World Tour as She Struggles to Build Back Her Strength Amid SPS Battle
Lifestyle