Gladiators contestant 'in best shape' after kids

A Gladiators quarter finalist said she wanted to show mothers it was possible to be at peak fitness after having children.

Rachel Bruno-Hardy, 38, will be taking part in Saturday's episode of the hit BBC One programme, where the public face off against super-fit athletes in various challenges.

The contender, who is the daughter of former world heavyweight boxer Frank Bruno, lives in Billericay, Essex.

"After having my girls - I've got a three-year-old and a six-year-old - I've been in the best shape I've ever been in," she said.

"I thought, 'If I can't do it now... when am I ever going to do it?'

"It honestly has been the most amazing time of my life and I'm super blessed and grateful that I've had this opportunity to be able to do it."

Ms Bruno-Hardy runs a personal training business from her own studio, which she says is a safe place for mums.

"Motherhood is not easy, and even keeping fit is not easy, so when you combine the two; I want a space where women can come and train and feel comfortable," she told the BBC.

She has also spoken about her dad being a big influence.

"He thinks I'm crazy to take on them Gladiators - I don't think he'd even go out there and do it," she said.

Bruno says she has been eyeing up an appearance on the show for a while.

"That travelator, I knew my little legs could do it."

She said she felt better prepared for the quarter finals after experiencing both the pain and "the fear of those Gladiators' strength" in her heat.

"I am actually scared of heights so I've got to go and face my fears in this quarter-final," she laughed.

You can watch Bruno in action with the Gladiators on BBC One at 19:00 GMT on Saturday, on your TV or via the BBC iPlayer.

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