Gladiators 'totally eclipsed' my sporting career

A former Premiership rugby player turned Gladiators star says his sports fame has been "totally eclipsed" by his appearance on the TV series.

Apollo, whose real name is Alex Gray, was previously known as the first English professional rugby union player to join the National Football League (NFL).

The 33-year-old from County Durham spent three years with Atlanta Falcons before returning to rugby with Bath in 2020.

He first appeared in the BBC reboot of the programme last year and says he often gets stopped by fans but finds the experience "really nice".

"The show is universally loved by almost everybody," he said.

The 6ft 5in (1.96m) star first discovered the series when it aired in the 90s on ITV and "absolutely loved it".

"I always wondered if that's what sparked my competitiveness and took me into sport," he said.

"It's a crazy thing to have actually ended up on the show."

Apollo said he was initially approached about taking part in a TV show by his agent.

He spent about 18 months completing auditions and screen tests as well as working in an office for a year before making his Gladiators' debut.

Filming for the second series took place in Sheffield last August.

"There's such a buzz... it's the most exciting thing we do," Apollo said.

"I can't wait to see all the twists and turns I have forgotten about.

"It was such good fun filming it and doing it, so to see it actually come to life and come through the screen is super exciting."

Apollo plans on watching the show with his family when it returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday at 17:50 GMT.

"There's been a bit of a wait, but I have no doubt it's worth it," he said.

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