Backstage at Birmingham's NEC, I was quietly being 'mogged' by a BBC Gladiator - as the kids, or my 30-something friends, would say. I was there to interview Livi Sheldon, who appears on the hit series as the fierce and formidable 'Diamond', ahead of the launch of the Gladiators Experience at the exhibition centre.
The attraction - the first of its kind in the UK - gives families and everyday folk the chance to test their mettle on iconic challenges from the show, including the legendary Eliminator. When I met Sheldon, 31, a former bodybuilder from Worcester, her presence dominated the room. Dressed in full red and blue costume, she struck her trademark pose, showing off every inch of hard-earned muscle.
After a picture of the two of us made its way into the main WhatsApp group chat, my friends were quick to tell me I'd been 'brutally mogged' - internet slang for 'you look like cr** stood next to, or compared with, X or Y'. "She's moggin' you hard," said one pal who is likely far too old to be using such Gen Z slang. Another friend, chirping in, said Diamond made me "look pathetic". They weren't wrong.
Sheldon is athletic, strong, wide-shouldered, and, at 6ft, the tallest female Gladiator on the rebooted show which has enjoyed strong BBC ratings since its return in 2024. Her impressive physique demands respect - something she has earned through years of discipline, grit and determination.
Diamond's Journey from Bullying to Stardom
It hasn't been an easy journey. Growing up, the TV star was bullied for her height - the very attribute that now sets her apart. Diamond, who eats oats and "lots of chicken" to stay in shape, without ignoring carbs, told me she's keen to show everyone that "being unique is your superpower".
"There's a lot of tall girlies out there who are conscious about gaining muscle because they think they will look too big," said Diamond who graduated with a degree in sports science. "But you know what girls, build the muscle, get strong, because you will absolutely love it."
Since Gladiators returned to our screens, bringing a new generation of fans with it, Sheldon says one of the biggest changes in her life has been accountability. Asked how her life has changed outside the world of showbiz, she told me: "I think the biggest thing for me is being a role model to the kids. Just from being here, people saying how much their children are looking up to us and wanting to get into more sports. Even adults as well."
Could Birmingham's Mr Muscles Become a Gladiator?
One of those adults could even be Birmingham TikTok star 'Mr Muscles', who flexed his biceps outside Waterstones in the city centre when I recently had the pleasure of meeting him. A long-time Gladiators fan, he seemed keen on potentially joining the modern day line-up. But could he make the cut?
"Obviously he's already got the shape for it," said Diamond when I showed her a picture of Mr Muscle and his guns. "Bring him along. See how he gets on here [at the arena] first." Anyone wanting to become a TV Gladiator must be "physically fit" with a "great personality", Diamond said. "If you're looking to be on the show, make sure you let your personality out. Don't be shy."
Diamond On and Off Screen
For Sheldon, the line between her real self and her on-screen persona is a thin one. Asked if it's hard to switch off from her character, she said: "Diamond is an extension of me. I am Diamond. She is an extension of myself. I feel like I count on her when I'm at home. But I have a lot of downtime as well. Especially with my dogs: Fudge, Roxy and now Xenia. My favourite thing is to go home, chill. I'm very much in the countryside...walking the dogs and stuff."
Her Gladiator name, she says, reflects her life journey. "[It's] very much all about being unbreakable, super strong, being your unique-self, and, at the end of the day, diamonds are forged under pressure as well. I feel like that's what I've overcome, growing up. Being forged under pressure. You become a rock solid diamond."
True to her name and attitude, Diamond is currently showing tough resilience by working her way back to the show from a serious injury. "I unfortunately had an ACL rupture which I had full repair on; full reconstruction," she said. "I am currently eight months post-op and feeling absolutely amazing."
The Gladiators Experience at the NEC
The Gladiators Experience, where Sheldon says she will be training, is designed for everyone. It all culminates in the iconic Eliminator, a relentless run through demanding obstacles. Diamond said part of the fun of the day out - which costs £44.50 for adults and £39.50 for juniors - is that families of all ages can have a go.
"It's an incredible day out," she added. "Bring everyone: mum, dad, kids, grandma, grandad. You can change into outfits, you can create your own Gladiator name. If you haven't seen the show, come along, have a try at everything. I guarantee you'll love it."
When asked if there was a particular reason why the first Gladiator Experience in the UK had arrived in Birmingham, she said: "I'd like to think it's because this is where it originated. For me, that's quite nice to say: we've come home, this is where it started. I'll be here all the time. I'm gonna be here all the time training. It's an awesome place to come. Gladiator Experience is literally the Gladiator experience."
