When the BBC revived Gladiators in 2024, a new roster of super-athletes stepped into the arena. Among them, one figure stood out for her combination of power, height, and athletic pedigree: Diamond, played by Livi Sheldon. Known as the tallest female Gladiator on the show, Sheldon has quickly become a fan favourite. This profile covers who she is, her recent injury, her personal background, and what lies ahead for the series.
The BBC One reboot introduced a generation of viewers to modern Gladiators, each with a distinct persona. Diamond, with her background as a professional bodybuilder and footballer, brought a unique skillset to the arena. However, the curtain of the character often leaves viewers asking questions about the person underneath the armour.
This article answers the most common questions about Livi Sheldon, from her early life in Worcestershire to her status on the show following a significant injury. All information is drawn from verified public sources, including interviews and official programme materials.
Who Is Diamond (Livi Sheldon) on Gladiators?
Livi Sheldon, known as Diamond on the BBC One reboot of Gladiators, is an English television personality, personal trainer, and former professional bodybuilder. Born on 18 May 1994 in Worcestershire, she is described by the official show site as a “striking and indestructible” athlete. She was announced as part of the new cast in May 2023 alongside sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on BBC Breakfast.
Quick Facts About Diamond
Livi Sheldon (Diamond)
6 ft (183 cm)
ACL tear (recovering)
Fiancé Grant Gibbs
Key Insights on Diamond
- She played for boys’ football teams in her youth before captaining Worcester City Ladies.
- She competed in bodybuilding at age 24, finishing in the Top 5 of the British Finals in the ‘Toned Figure Tall’ category.
- She runs her own online fitness training app called LivFitness.
- She was bullied at school for her height and tomboyish nature, which she now uses to inspire others.
- She has appeared on The One Show, Blue Peter, and Soccer Aid 2025 for the World Team.
Snapshot Facts: Livi Sheldon
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Livi Sheldon |
| Date of Birth | 18 May 1994 |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Squat Max | 120 kg |
| Show Debut | BBC Gladiators Series 1 (2024) |
| Hometown | Worcester, England |
| Profession | Personal trainer, bodybuilder, TV personality |
| Education | Sports Science degree from Worcester University |
| Football Career | Captained Worcester City Ladies |
Is Diamond Injured? Latest Injury Update
Yes, during the filming of Season 3 (series three) of Gladiators, Livi Sheldon suffered a major ACL tear (ruptured cruciate ligament) of her knee. This injury forced her to undergo surgery and miss most of the season. She is currently in rehabilitation, working to recover her fitness and return to the arena.
The injury occurred during the filming of Series 3. Sheldon underwent surgery and was sidelined for the majority of that season. Her rehabilitation is ongoing, and no firm return date has been set.
While injuries are common in a high-impact show like Gladiators, a ruptured ACL is a serious setback. The recovery process for athletes in her position typically requires several months of physiotherapy and strength rebuilding.
Diamond’s Personal Life: Boyfriend, Parents, Age
Who Is Diamond’s Boyfriend?
Livi Sheldon lives with her fiancé, Grant Gibbs, who is also an online personal trainer. The couple resides in Worcester. Beyond this, the star keeps her relationship largely private, focusing public attention on her fitness career and television work.
Who Are Diamond’s Parents?
The specific names of her parents have not been made public in available sources. She is from Worcestershire and attended Christopher Whitehead Language College before studying at Worcester University. She has spoken openly about being bullied for her height and tomboyish nature as a child.
How Old Is Livi Sheldon?
She was born on 18 May 1994, making her 31 years old as of 2025.
Diamond Gladiators Season 3 and 4: What We Know
The rebooted show premiered on BBC One in January 2024. Season 1 introduced Diamond to the public, and she returned for Season 2 in April 2024. Season 3 is confirmed and began filming, though Sheldon was injured during production. A local news report from the Evesham Journal in January 2026 confirmed she would be taking part in the series despite the injury.
As for Season 4, the BBC has not officially announced a renewal. While fans speculate about a fourth series, no official confirmation exists at this time. Sheldon remains a central figure on the show, and if a fourth season is ordered, her participation would likely depend on her recovery.
Diamond’s Height and Physical Stats
Standing at 6 feet (183 cm), Diamond is the tallest female Gladiator on the BBC reboot. Her physical stats are a major talking point among fans. According to the BBC One programme page, Diamond can squat 120 kg — described as “like standing up with a jaguar on your back.”
Her squat max of 120 kg is a benchmark that places her among the strongest female athletes on the show. This strength is a direct result of her years as a professional bodybuilder.
Her weight is not publicly disclosed, though she maintains a lean, athletic physique. Her background in competitive bodybuilding means she is accustomed to strict training regimens and high-level physical conditioning.
Is Diamond from the 1990s Gladiators?
No. The original Gladiators which aired on ITV in the 1990s and early 2000s had a Gladiator named Diamond, but that character was played by a different athlete. Livi Sheldon is part of the 2024 BBC reboot and has no connection to the original 1990s series.
The confusion is common, as the new show shares the same format and similar character names. However, the current Diamond is an entirely separate person and incarnation of the character, designed for the modern audience.
Comparison: Original vs. New Diamond
| Aspect | 1990s Diamond (Original) | 2024 Diamond (Livi Sheldon) |
|---|---|---|
| Network | ITV | BBC One |
| Decade Active | 1990s – 2000s | 2024 – present |
| Identity | Different athlete | Livi Sheldon |
| Background | Varied (multi-sport) | Bodybuilding, football, personal training |
Timeline: Diamond’s Journey
- 18 May 1994 — Born in Worcester, UK.
- 2012 — Started weight training at age 18.
- 2018 — Began competitive bodybuilding at age 24.
- 2023 — Cast as Diamond for the BBC Gladiators reboot; announced on BBC Breakfast.
- 13 Jan 2024 — Series 1 premieres on BBC One.
- 2024 — Series 2 airs.
- 2025 — Plays for the World Team in Soccer Aid 2025.
- 2025/2026 — Series 3 filming; suffers ACL tear and undergoes surgery.
- Ongoing — Rehabilitation; Season 4 unconfirmed.
Context: What Diamond Represents Today
Livi Sheldon embodies the modern female Gladiator. She merges high-level athletic strength with a media personality, advocating for anti-bullying, mental health, and body positivity. The BBC’s reboot has sparked renewed interest in all Gladiator characters, pushing fans to learn more about their lives outside the arena. In a sport where injuries are common, Sheldon’s ACL tear highlights the physical risks these athletes take. Her recovery will be closely watched by supporters eager to see her return to competition.
Sources and Quotes
“6ft Bodybuilder, Livi Sheldon is striking and indestructible earning her the name, Diamond.”
— gladiatorstv.com (official show site)
“Diamond can squat 120 kg. That’s like standing up with a jaguar on your back!”
— BBC One programme page
“A WORCESTER personal trainer will appear in a hit BBC television show when it returns to screens this weekend.”
— Evesham Journal (16 Jan 2026)
Summary: Everything You Need to Know About Diamond
Livi Sheldon, known to audiences as Diamond, is a former bodybuilder, personal trainer, and footballer who became the tallest female Gladiator on the BBC One reboot. She suffered an ACL tear during the filming of Series 3 and is currently in rehabilitation. Her personal life includes her fiancé Grant Gibbs, also a personal trainer. Season 4 of the show has not been confirmed, but Diamond remains a beloved figure in the arena. For more on other athletes from the UK sporting scene, you can read the profile on Jessica Ennis – Biography, Family, and Career Highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Gladiators
How tall is Diamond on Gladiators?
Diamond is 6 feet tall (183 cm), making her the tallest female Gladiator on the BBC reboot.
What is Livi Sheldon’s background?
She earned a degree in Sports Science from Worcester University, was a professional bodybuilder finishing in the Top 5 of British Finals, and captained Worcester City Ladies football team.
Is Diamond related to the original 90s Gladiator?
No. The original 1990s UK Gladiators had a different athlete playing Diamond; Livi Sheldon is the current Diamond in the BBC reboot.
Has Diamond been injured?
Yes, she suffered a major ACL tear (ruptured cruciate ligament) during the filming of Series 3 and underwent surgery.
Who is Diamond’s boyfriend?
Livi Sheldon lives with her fiancé, Grant Gibbs, who is also an online personal trainer. The couple resides in Worcester.
When is Gladiators season 4 coming out?
Season 4 has not been announced by the BBC. Season 3 is confirmed and began filming in 2025/2026.
How much can Diamond squat?
According to the BBC One programme page, Diamond can squat 120 kg.
What TV shows has Livi Sheldon appeared on?
Besides Gladiators, she has been a guest on The One Show, Saturday Mash-Up, Blue Peter, The 1% Club, and Deal or No Deal.
Does Livi Sheldon have a fitness app?
Yes, she runs her own online training app called LivFitness.
What is Diamond’s real name?
Diamond is the character name; the athlete behind the persona is Livi Sheldon.
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Sarah Mills is Managing Editor at Civic Affairs, overseeing daily newsroom workflow, commissioning and headline review.