, real name, Jodie Ounsley, has been praised for being an ‘inspirational role model’ as she makes history on the show.
The 22-year-old has been announced as one of the first in a new generation of superhumans, alongside .
The pair will be hitting the arena for the revival on BBC, returning after two decades.
Gladiators, originally fronted by Ulrika Jonsson, first hit our screens in 1992 and was broadcast on , lasting for eight seasons until 2000.
The programme saw athletic TV fans battle as Contenders, including Hunter, Wolf and Lightning, in events that tested their speed, skill, stamina and strength.
Now, Fury and Steel will be battling it out against hopeful contestants, and they’re already impressing audiences.
Professional Exeter Chiefs rugby player Jodie is a former England Women’s Rugby Seven’s player, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British Champion and five times World Coal Carrying champion.
Shortly after Jodie was born, she became the youngest person in the country to be fitted with a cochlear implant just before her first birthday, which she now wears under a scrum cap when playing rugby.
The Gladiators star won the title of Deaf Sports Personality of The Year in 2020 and now holds the position as Honorary President of UK Deaf Sport.
The charity, praising Jodie’s as an inspiration, told Metro.co.uk: ‘UK Deaf Sport is very proud of our Honorary President Jodie Ounsley on becoming the first deaf Gladiator Fury.
‘Jodie is an incredible deaf professional sportswoman and Deaflympian.
‘She will be a powerful and inspirational role model to young people proving that deafness is not a barrier.
‘It is wonderful to share Jodie’s news in Deaf Awareness Week, showcasing the achievements of the deaf community.’
As if her accolades weren’t enough, Jodie even has Gladiators in her blood, as her father was a contender on the show in 2008, and she has been training to outdo him ever since.
When she was younger she even dressed up as a Gladiator and practiced the games in her living room.
After being announced, Jodie said: ‘Watching Gladiators growing up I was always in awe of their strength and power and now I am one! I hope contenders are ready to feel the Fury.’
Gladiators returns to BBC later this year.
