Gladiators star announces 'tiny, fragile and fighting' baby boy was born prematurely

BBC Gladiators Star Zack George and Wife Welcome Premature Baby Boy

Zack George, known to viewers of BBC Gladiators as Steel, has shared news of the early arrival of his son, Leo. The Gladiators star disclosed on social media that his baby boy was born prematurely at 23 weeks. George described his newborn as “tiny, fragile and fighting” as he and his wife Samantha navigate this challenging period.

Premature Arrival for Steel’s Son

The fitness personality, who appears as Steel on the revamped BBC Gladiators programme, took to Instagram on Saturday, March 5th, to announce the birth. He revealed that Samantha had experienced premature labour and delivered their son well ahead of his due date. Accompanying his message was a photograph showing Samantha holding their son, Leo, in hospital. The infant was pictured wearing a small blue knitted hat.

Heartfelt Message to Newborn Son

In his emotional social media post, George wrote of his newborn:

“Our Precious Boy Leo George.

You should still be nestled safely in mummy’s tummy, but instead, you entered the world on the 26th March 2025 at just 23 weeks, weighing 1 pound 8 ounces. Life can change unexpectedly, but we know one thing for sure – you are an incredibly strong boy and are already defying expectations. Tiny, delicate and resilient.”

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Family Expansion

Zack, 34, and Samantha are already parents to a daughter, Ivy. The athlete had previously announced they were expecting their second child in January. The couple shared their baby news earlier this year with a charming photograph of their daughter Ivy holding baby scan images. “Ivy is very excited to have a new friend arriving soon! Little George number 2 in progress!” he had written in the previous announcement.

Steel’s Gladiators Role and Fitness Background

Before joining the cast of the BBC Gladiators reboot, hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, Zack George had established himself as a dedicated CrossFit enthusiast with a successful fitness career.

Inspiration from Gladiators

Reflecting on his role in the popular programme last year, George commented: “I was motivated by the original Gladiators series as a child, but never thought I would be physically capable enough to be considered a ‘superhuman’ myself!

“I hope a new generation of viewers will look up to me as their new strong and invincible hero, Steel.”

Show Filmed Prior to Baby’s Birth

Despite Zack George’s appearance on the semi-final of Gladiators on Saturday, March 5th, it was confirmed that the show had been recorded in advance last year. This clarified that he had not been absent from his wife and child during this crucial time.

Following the broadcast of the show, reports emerged that one of the finalists had been compelled to withdraw from the competition due to an injury sustained during the Powerball event.

Support for Premature Birth

For assistance and details concerning premature birth, individuals can reach out to Tommy’s helpline at 0800 0147 800 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or via email at midwife@tommys.org.