The BBC’s Gladiators show returned for its second series on Saturday
Gladiators’ Apollo has reportedly been ‘harassed on set’.
The 33-year-old TV star, whose real name is Alex Gray, was ‘left very worried’ due to a ‘woman stalking him’ and police are probing the incident. The BBC is also said to have increased security.
Gray was targeted by a ‘female stalker’ when filming and she also allegedly targeted him and his flat and at a fan meet-and-greet.
Of the terrifying ordeal, Gray said: “There was an incident. That’s as much as I can say, until something comes of it and there’s action taken.”
He added to the Sun : “Maybe there might not be. I’m still waiting to hear. The police are doing their thing.”
Meanwhile, a source told the outlet: “The police are investigating. No one has been arrested at this stage. On one occasion a woman was particularly threatening and it was strongly felt the matter needed reporting to the police. Alex was left very worried.
“It was decided the police should be informed as it felt like a serious case of stalking.”
They also insisted that the incident was “more sinister than a case of over-zealous fans”.
It comes after Gladiators fans were left devastated when one of its stars dropped out of the new series due to injury.
The revived BBC show returned for its second series on Saturday and it was announced during the episode that one of the Gladiators sustained an injury whilst training. It was revealed that Harry Aikines-Aryeetey , 36 – better known as Nitro – won’t be competing in the new series as a result.
The “bad news” was shared by hosts Bradley Walsh , 64, and Barney Walsh , 27, at the Utilita Arena Sheffield, where the show’s filmed. It was teased that Nitro will appear in the latest series but he just won’t be taking part in any events.
Bradley told the audience: “Okay, we’ve got some bad news, don’t we? Sadly one of our Gladiators sustained an injury in training which means he won’t be able to compete in this series.” Barney however added: “But the good news is that he’s still here. He’s joining us in the arena, right now, and Sheffield, please give a warm welcome to Nitro.”
After heading out into the arena, Nitro shared after being asked what happened: “Obviously, y’know, I’m explosive. I’m powerful. Sometimes I’m too powerful and I end up hurting myself. And I’ve got a little bit of a dodgy knee.” He then told the two hosts: “But these things happen in sport, y’know? When you’re pushing yourself as hard as you do.”
Bradley asked: “I mean, we’ll still be seeing you throughout the series, right?” Nitro said: “Yeah. The pecs aren’t going anywhere. They’re right here. They’re staying here.” Hyping up the crowd, he added: “I need all of those Nitro fans out there to give me some energy, cause I need to recharge!”
The announcement prompted reaction on X, with several viewers expressing disappointment that Nitro won’t compete on the new series. One viewer wrote: “Day ruined by the news that Nitro is injured and won’t be taking part in this series of #Gladiators … devastated, he’s the best one!”
Another said: “What a shame about [Nitro], my favourite!” A third person wrote: “Gutted Nitro won’t be competing on Gladiators, he’s a family favourite!” Whilst someone else commented: “So disappointing that Nitro is out for the whole season.” One fan wrote: “All the best to Nitro… hope to see him back soon!” Sharing their thoughts, another viewer said: “Series ruined. He’s the best of the best.”
Mirror Online has reached out to the BBC and Gray’s reps for comment.
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