Apollo has been part of Gladiators since 2024 (Picture: BBC)
Gladiators star Apollo was reportedly harassed on set of the BBC show, and the police are now investigating.
The star, real name Alex Gray, 33, has been part of the series, which is filmed at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, since the relaunch in 2024.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that they are aware of reports of a man in his 30s ‘being subjected to stalking and harassment’.
‘An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing,’ the authorities added to BBC.
‘There was an incident. That’s as much as I can say, until something comes of it and there’s action taken,’ Gray told The Sun.
‘Maybe there might not be. I’m still waiting to hear. The police are doing their thing.’
Gray said he is still waiting to hear if action will be taken (Picture: BBC)
The publication reported that the stalker also targeted Gray at home, and while he was meeting fans. They added that the BBC has increased security around Utilita Arena and the rented apartment block that the stars live in during filming.
A source said Alex was naturally left feeling ‘very worried’.
‘The police are investigating. No one has been arrested at this stage. On one occasion a woman was particularly threatening and it was strongly felt the matter needed reporting to the police. Alex was left very worried,’ they claimed.
‘It was decided the police should be informed as it felt like a serious case of stalking.’
Gray is a former NFL and rugby star (Picture: BBC)
Gray is a former England U20s rugby union player. After being scouted, Gray became the first British rugby player to transfer over to the NFL and was then signed for the Atlanta Falcons, also making history as the first international player to Captain an NFL team.
He said that after playing in the NFL, ‘the opportunity to inspire as Apollo is a dream come true’. When joining the series, Gray described himself as having ‘cheeky good looks and speed of a rocket’.
The Gladiators was rebooted by the BBC (Picture: BBC / Nick Eagle / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)
The sports star has previously spoken about the attention. ‘It is what it is, it comes with the show. Obviously it’s all a bit new for me. I’ve been in some sort of spotlight before with the international rugby and the NFL, but that was minimal compared to what Gladiators brings,’ he shared.
‘It’s a little strange, a little intense sometimes. I can’t share what kind of messages I get, and I’m not saying I’m the heart-throb of the show — but I am the heart-throb of the show. My DMs have never been so full.’
Gladiators first aired in 1992 and was broadcast on ITV, lasting for eight seasons until 2000. It was revived by Sky for two series from 2008, and the family show returned once more in 2024 with father-son duo Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh at the helm. During the debut series it drew in a whopping average of eight million viewers and gained a whole new fanbase.
Metro has contacted BBC and Hungry Bear Media for comment.
Gladiators airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturdays at 5.50pm.
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