A former star of the hit TV show Gladiators is swapping the arena for the silver screen in a new British film that tackles a subject often left in the shadows. Actor Wayne Gordon has officially joined the cast of the upcoming comedy Hot Flash, which centres on the realities of menopause, single motherhood, and self-doubt.
From Gladiator to Gym Instructor
Gordon, who served in HM Forces and represented Great Britain in bobsledding before finding fame as a Gladiator, will take on the role of a gym instructor in the film. His character appears in a scene designed to highlight how menopause symptoms can severely impact women's confidence when exercising. The film follows the story of Geri, an accidental entrepreneur battling imposter syndrome, brutal menopause symptoms, and the challenges of being a single mum over forty.
Speaking about his new role, Wayne Gordon expressed his enthusiasm for the project's focus. "I love seeing stories come to life which celebrate people succeeding against all odds," he said. "For me, fitness is vital for my physical and mental health, and I hate the thought of women missing out on its benefits because of a lack of confidence or discomfort. I’m proud to help tell Geri’s story."
A Career Built on Strength
Gordon's path to acting was unconventional. After his time on Gladiators and working as a stuntman, he discovered his passion for performance while working on the BBC series Spooks. His career has since flourished, with notable roles in major films including Skyfall, Angel Has Fallen, and Vengeance. More recently, he has appeared in Miss Willoughby with Kelsey Grammer and Us or Them alongside Malin Akerman.
Shining a Light on Menopause
Hot Flash is the brainchild of writer and producer Jan Birley. She emphasised the film's mission to address a common but rarely discussed experience. "Menopause is the very time when we should be stepping up our self-care, including our workouts," Birley noted. "Yet so many of us have turned up at a gym feeling like a total imposter and wanting to be invisible."
She added with a hint of humour, "I’m not sure whether a fitness instructor with film star looks and a gladiatorial physique would make me feel more or less nervous in that scenario. We’ll have to see how our lead character Geri fares with him!"
The production is set to begin filming in Yorkshire in early 2026. The project aims to blend comedy with a sincere message, raising awareness about the menopause journey while celebrating resilience and late-blooming success.
