BBC Gladiators is facing its biggest cast upheaval yet, with Cyclone reportedly becoming the third star removed from the lineup ahead of series four.
Lystus Ebosele, who first appeared as Cyclone when she joined the show’s second run in January 2025, is said to be deeply unhappy about the decision.
According to reports, she has severed all connections with the programme.
She has scrubbed her Instagram of any images from the show, unfollowed production company Hungry Bear, and stripped the handle for her Gladiators account @cyclonethegladiator from her bio.
“Cyclone won’t be back and she’s not happy about it,” an insider told The Sun. The source added: “She’s now cut all ties with the show, it’s a pity as fans absolutely loved her.”
Her departure comes just days after four new additions to the roster were unveiled, with filming for the fourth series having commenced last weekend.
Ms Ebosele’s axing follows the earlier confirmation that both Bionic and Athena would be absent from the new series.
Matty Campbell, known on screen as Bionic, sustained an arm injury during the Hang Tough challenge back in March, requiring on-set medical treatment.
Gladiators stars Nitro and Cyclone
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Athena, whose real name is Karenjeet Kaur Bains, suffered a serious knee injury that necessitated surgery to repair a torn ACL. She is still in recovery from the procedure.
Neither performer featured in the previous series owing to their respective injuries, and both have now been formally dropped from the fourth run.
There remains a possibility, however, that the pair could make appearances on the Gladiators live tour later this year.
GB News has contacted the BBC for comment.
The BBC star is said to be ‘furious’ over her alleged axing
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INSTAGRAM/BBC
The show’s cast turbulence actually began earlier this year when Giant, real name Jamie Bigg, was removed from the programme.
In April, he claimed the BBC had dismissed him because bosses “didn’t approve” of his relationship with OnlyFans star Taylor Ryan.
The couple subsequently split in June, just weeks after his departure from the lineup.
To fill the gaps left by these departures, four new performers have been drafted in.
Beyond the permanent roster changes, rugby star Joe Marler is being lined up for a guest appearance as a Celebrity Gladiator.
“Everyone is so excited about Joe’s surprise stint,” a source told The Sun, describing the sportsman as an ideal fit thanks to his physicality and larger-than-life character.
The fourth series will comprise 11 hour-long episodes, accompanied by a standalone celebrity special running to the same length. Bradley and Barney Walsh are confirmed to return as presenters for both.
Previous celebrity editions, broadcast in January and December 2025, featured names such as Ellie Taylor, Joel Dommett, Rob Beckett, Louise Minchin, Vogue Williams, Joe Wicks, Nicola Adams and Sam Thompson.
The star is one of three to be ‘axed’ after new stars were brought in
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Three-time World’s Strongest Man winner Tom Stoltman is the most high-profile addition, having been confirmed as Giant’s replacement.
“This is a dream opportunity and I’m incredibly proud to become a Gladiator,” Mr Stoltman said in a statement.
“I’m excited to bring my strength, determination and personality to the arena but, most importantly, I want people watching to feel inspired to believe in themselves and take on their own challenges.”
Fitness influencer and weightlifting champion Florence Wong will take on the persona of Huntress, while Olympic gold medal-winning skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker is also among the new recruits.
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