Who is Gladiators star Diamond?

The BBC show favourite is back for a second series - find out more about her life outside of Gladiators.

Livi Sheldon as Diamond on Gladiators 2025
Diamond was a hit with Gladiators fans. (Hungry Bear Media Ltd/David MacCormack/BBC)

Gladiators made instant stars of its new generation cast when the reboot launched last year, including Diamond who was one of the most popular with viewers of the BBC show.

Now, the super-fit competitors are returning for series two and Diamond - who was even tipped by many to be the new Jet, the biggest star from the original 90s series - is back to tackle more contenders in front of her adoring fans.

Outside of her confident TV persona, the woman behind Diamond has overcome challenges both mental and physical to become a Gladiator. Here's all you need to know.

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Livi Sheldon, known as Diamond in the tv show Gladiator, before Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Sunday June 9, 2024. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Diamond's real-life name is Livi Sheldon. (PA Images)

Diamond's real name is Livi Sheldon and while the Gladiator might seem more than a little daunting, her real-life alter ego is all about inspiring and encouraging other women, and overcoming adversity.

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Sheldon, like many of her Gladiators co-stars, has a strong background in sport with a degree in sports science that means she's fully clued up on the best ways to train.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Livi Sheldon attends The Pride of Britain Awards 2024 at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Livi Sheldon has become a TV star, thanks to Gladiators. (WireImage)

Chatting with Fubar Radio about the advice she'd give her younger self, she said: "I really struggled with (nutrition) because I started on a diet plan when I was younger rather than actually understanding macronutrients and calories and stuff like that. I had to go away and learn all that stuff myself and it's only then I started to understand the importance of protein and calories and fuelling myself properly. That's when I started to see some major progress in my physique."

The TV star has loved football since childhood and is a former Worcester City player, but these days she's more into bodybuilding and often shares photos and videos from competitions with her training partner.

Diamond (Livi Sheldon) during a training session at Champneys Tring ahead of the Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 match on Sunday. Picture date: Friday June 7, 2024. (Photo by Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)
The Gladiator showed off her skills for Soccer Aid. (PA Images)

Soccer Aid viewers might have spotted Sheldon last summer when she attended the charity event for Unicef, showing off her footballing skills.

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She also runs her own training business, aiming at empowering other women in fitness, and has a training app called Liv Fit. Her Instagram followers can watch her regular workout ideas on social media.

In her spare time, Sheldon has been renovating her dream home and has shared some enviable views of the completed work, as well as her pet dogs enjoying making themselves at home.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Livi Sheldon aka Gladiator Diamond attends a preview screening of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire at Cineworld Leicester Square on March 27, 2024 in London, England.  (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.)
Livi Sheldon says she hopes to inspire other girls into fitness. (Getty Images for Warner Bros.)

Diamond might strike terror into the hearts of contenders, but her main aim in being a Gladiator was to show others that their dream is possible, too.

Talking about her tough early experiences, she said: "I’ve always wanted to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness, and encourage people to not hide away, and go for what you want. I was always the girl who played football with the boys and was seen as a bit of an outcast. I wanted to show younger girls that you can be a bada**, but remain feminine and girly at the same time. So, in essence, I wanted to become a Gladiator to inspire, really... and to kick a**, obviously!"

She added: "I feel like becoming a Gladiator is something I've been training for my whole life. From playing football when I was younger, through to swimming, and then going into bodybuilding. I feel like all of it has led me to this outcome of being a Gladiator. I do not think I would have had half the strength that I currently have if I hadn’t had all of my past experiences."

Gladiators at The Trafford Centre, Manchester.  PIC shows L-R: Dynamite (Emily Steel) and Diamond (Livi Sheldon).
Dynamite and Diamond greet fans in Manchester. (PA Images)

Diamond is a firm fan favourite in the Gladiators arena and if you've ever wondered what it's like to star in the show, she can confirm that it's a dream experience.

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She said: "It was amazing to see and experience the support from the audience; the posters and the banners in the crowds was lovely to see, especially when you realise that it's little kids holding up homemade banners – to see all that love and support was really just incredible. We fed off the crowd when we performed. It didn’t matter whether the crowd was booing or cheering, the audience created the atmosphere that really brought out the best side of our Gladiators.

"There was also a lot of love for Diamond, which was great to experience, but there was also the occasional boo. You’ll have to watch the show to find out why..."

Gladiators continues on BBC One at 5:50pm on Saturdays.