If you are a loyal Gladiators fan from back in the day, you only have days to go until the long-awaited gameshow reboot airs on BBC.

But for those wanting to meet the contestants before the first episode of 2024, you’re in luck as one of the 16 “superhumans” hoping to show off their speed and strength is from Manchester.

Dynamite (Emily Steel) is a 5ft 5in bodybuilder who became an under 23's weightlifting British record holder.

Who is BBC Gladiators star Dynamite from Manchester?

Dynamite is described as being “small, explosive and dangerous” on the Gladiators website.

She has a sporting background having swam competitively at a national level until the age of 15 and now she’s an elite CrossFit athlete full-time.

The website adds: “Don't underestimate Dynamite. She may look small, but she’ll blast into the competition and obliterate her opponents.”

Speaking to the BBC, Emily discussed why she wanted to be a Gladiator, saying: “As a young athlete I felt like it was an opportunity to inspire young girls and make them think, ‘oh, I can go to the gym, I can train and be just as strong’.

“I’ve done sport all my life, so I felt like it was giving me an opportunity to showcase my sporting talents and hopefully inspire others too.”

The BBC recently announced the referees for Gladiators, including Mark Clattenburg, Sonia Mkoloma and Lee Phillips.

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When does Gladiators start on BBC?

The series which was filmed in Sheffield last year, will launch on BBC One on January 13 at 5.50pm and be available to rewatch on BBC iPlayer.

The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh and his son Barney will host the 11-episode series, which will see the Gladiators take on contenders in new and old games, culminating with classic challenge The Eliminator.

As well as bodybuilders, among the Gladiators line-up are Olympians and weightlifting champions.