Gladiators Star Steel Pays Tribute to Son After His Death.

A star of the BBC show Gladiators has shared the heartbreaking news of the death of his son, just days after he was born prematurely.

Zack George, who plays Steel, referred to his son Leo as “our lion” in an emotional Instagram post.

The 34-year-old, from Leicester, expressed that he and his wife Samantha would “love you more than you will ever know.”

Mr. George, a CrossFit athlete who was crowned the UK’s Fittest Man in 2020, joined the first series of the rebooted BBC show in 2024. He and his wife also have a daughter, Ivy.

In his post announcing the tragic news, he wrote:

“Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left”

“Leo, you showed us what the true definition of strength is and we are so proud of you.

“You brought so much positivity to the world with the short time you were with us and we felt that positivity in abundance, we thank you all so much for that.

“Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love.

“Thank you for letting us know that you had, had enough of this fight.

“We will forever be grateful that we didn’t have to make that decision for you.”

Friends also sent their condolences to the couple.

JLS star JB Gill said: “Heartbreaking, what a little warrior, thoughts and prayers to you both and your family.”

Fellow Gladiators star Montell Douglas, who plays Fire in the show, added: “RIP baby Leo. Thoughts and prayers are with you both.”