Three-time World's Strongest Man champion Tom Stoltman has joined the cast of the BBC's hit show Gladiators for its fourth series, replacing the Gladiator known as Giant. The 6ft 8in, 400-pound athlete from Invergordon, Scotland, will begin filming later this month in Sheffield, with his Gladiator name and costume to be revealed in the coming weeks, according to the BBC.
Stoltman's record and role
Stoltman, 32, has won the World's Strongest Man competition three times, most recently in 2024. He is known for lifting 286kg Atlas stones and other feats of extreme strength. In Gladiators, he will face contenders in challenges testing speed, strength, and endurance. 'This is a dream opportunity and I'm incredibly proud to become a Gladiator,' Stoltman said. 'I've spent my life pushing myself to see what I can achieve, and joining this incredible show is the next challenge.' He added: '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.'
Autism advocacy and inspiration
Stoltman was diagnosed with autism at age five and faced bullying at school due to his condition. He has since become an advocate, encouraging others not to see autism as a barrier. Speaking after his last World's Strongest Man victory, he said: 'Winning the title is special because it proves that having autism, having this super power as I call it, you can do special things.' He continued: 'I just want to let people know you can do anything you want to do. It doesn't have to be World's Strongest Man. You can go and be a footballer, you can be a runner, you can be anything you want. That's what I say to kids and adults who have kids with autism. You should let them do their dream, and if they don't get there, then they have tried their best, but never, ever say they can't do it.' Stoltman credited his family for supporting his dreams, saying: 'That's why I am so thankful for my family, because they let me live this dream, and this autism that I have turned into a super power has been very powerful.'
Gladiators series four details
Filming for the new series begins this month in Sheffield. Stoltman joins a formidable line-up of Gladiators as contenders prepare for the ultimate test of speed, strength, and endurance. The fourth series is expected to air next year on the BBC.
