Paralympian Stef Reid wants to be first 'bionic' Gladiators star

Paralympian Stef Reid wants to be first “bionic” ‘Gladiators’ star.

The long jump world champion has applied to take part in the BBC reboot of the 90s Saturday night classic in an attempt to compete under the alias of Blade - a reference to her prosthetic running leg - to fulfil a childhood dream.

The 38-year-old star told The Sun newspaper’s TV Biz column: “I had three ambitions growing up — winning an Olympic medal, starring in a movie and, lastly, being a Gladiator, which is the only one I’ve yet to achieve.

“I was a huge fan of the show as it was one of the rare occasions you could see both male and female athletes competing on the same stage.

“And I was also in awe of the women because they were strong and athletic with muscles. They were a real inspiration.”

Stef - who appeared in ‘The Energy Within’, a 2017 flick about a leg amputee becoming a runner - revealed she was willing to showcase her talent to achieve and inspire others on the show.

She said: “I don’t know how I will fare, that’s the curiosity. It will be hard and exposing for me, but I’m willing to give it a shot. I do have great physical gifting and I’m very fast, plus it would be brilliant for anyone suffering with self-doubt to see me out there competing.

“It would show people anything is possible.”

The former 'Dancing on Ice’ contestant deemed her moniker for the show - which will be hosted by the father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh - was a very matter-of-fact choice, calling it “straight to the point”.

Stef - who took home a silver medal at London 2012 - said: “Blade is straight to the point, isn’t it, so why not?”