BBC axes third Gladiator in huge switch-up as furious Cyclone 'cuts all ties' with show

BBC has made a major shakeup in its popular show Gladiators, axing three key figures including star contestant Cyclone, whose real name is Lystus Ebosele. The decision comes just weeks before the start of the next series, which was set to take place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. Lystus, 25, has been a regular on the revived version of the 1990s classic since January 2025, appearing in two series. However, she has now been removed from the cast, and according to insiders, she has severed all ties with the show. A source close to the situation told The Sun that Cyclone is “not happy” about her departure and has taken further steps by unfollowing the show’s official Instagram page and removing photos of herself from the program. This latest change follows the removal of two other contestants, Matty Campbell, who plays Bionic, and Karenjeet Kaur Bains, known to fans as Athena. Both had been sidelined due to injuries sustained during filming, leaving them unable to participate in the upcoming season. While they may not appear in the current series, there is speculation that they could return for future live events, contingent upon their recovery. Earlier this year, another prominent figure, Giant, whose real name is Jamie Bigg, left the show under controversial circumstances. He publicly shared details about his relationship with then-girlfriend Taylor Ryan, who was revealed to work as a model on OnlyFans. This disclosure led to backlash from executives, and although Giant expressed disappointment, he was replaced by bodybuilder and fitness instructor Ahmad Rabus, who is expected to join the new lineup. The new series promises to bring in a mix of familiar and fresh faces. Team GB medallist Tabby Stoecker, fitness influencer Florence Wong, and World’s Strongest Man champion Tom Stoltman are among the potential participants. Additionally, former England rugby star Joe Marler is rumored to make an appearance. The show will feature a newly introduced event alongside returning favorites such as Duel, Hang Tough, and the Eliminator. Challenges like Everest, Destruction, and Suspension Bridge, which received positive feedback from viewers, are also set to return. Produced by Hungry Bear Media in collaboration with MGM Alternative UK, part of Amazon MGM Studios, Gladiators continues to be a cornerstone of the BBC’s entertainment offerings. The most recent season, which concluded in March, drew an average of 4.6 million viewers across BBC One and BBC iPlayer over a 28-day period. The show has maintained strong engagement, especially among younger demographics. Kalpna Patel-Knight, BBC’s Head of Entertainment, commented on the renewed interest in the series, stating, “Since Gladiators returned to screens in 2024, it’s been amazing to see families across the UK rally behind the contenders and champion our phenomenal Gladiators as the true stars of Saturday nights. With a brand-new series confirmed and another celebrity special on the way, audiences can look forward to even more colossal clashes, even more edge of your seat excitement and plenty of opportunities to raise those foam fingers high once again.” The Mirror has reached out to representatives for further comments.