BBC bosses have reportedly removed Cyclone, real name Lystus Ebosele, from the lineup of the revamped "Gladiators" ahead of its fourth series. Ebosele, who joined the show in January 2025 for its second season, is reportedly unhappy with the decision.
Her exit follows that of fellow Gladiators Bionic (Matty Campbell) and Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains), who were also dropped for the upcoming fourth series. Filming for the new series commenced last weekend. Sources suggest Ebosele has severed ties with the show, including removing references to "Gladiators" from her social media, such as unfollowing the production company and removing her Gladiator account tag from her Instagram bio.
"Cyclone won't be back and she's not happy about it," an insider told The Sun. "She's now cut all ties with the show – it's a pity as fans absolutely loved her."
Bionic and Athena were reportedly excluded from the previous series due to injuries. The show has also announced four new additions to the cast: Olympic gold medalist skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, fitness influencer and weightlifting champion Florence Wong (who will adopt the alter-ego Huntress), and World's Strongest Man champion Tom Stoltman. Rugby star Joe Marler is also rumored to be joining as a Celebrity Gladiator, with sources citing his athleticism and personality as ideal for the role.
This is not the first controversy surrounding Gladiator departures. In April, Jamie Bigg, known as Giant, claimed he was dismissed because the BBC did not approve of his relationship with OnlyFans model Taylor Ryan. Some cast members reportedly advocated for his reinstatement, believing his removal was an overreaction by executives and did not bring the show into disrepute, drawing parallels to relationships held by Gladiators in the original series.
Giant and Ryan reportedly separated in June, weeks after his removal from the show's lineup.