Gladiator fans were left stunned on Saturday night after learning that one of the show’s latest contenders has a famous boxing legend for a father. 

The hit BBC series returned with father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh at the helm, introducing a fresh batch of challengers ready to take on the mighty Gladiators in five gruelling events. 

But it was red team contender Rachel who caught viewers’ attention with an unexpected celebrity connection.

As she stepped into the arena, host Bradley made the big reveal: ‘Now, I know you’re interested in your boxing, Rachel, because your dad is one of Britain’s greatest ever boxers, Frank Bruno!’ 

Rachel replied: ‘Yes he is! He’s amazing so it runs in my blood so I’m pretty strong.’

In her introduction video, Rachel told the viewers: ‘I’ve been into fitness my whole life. Boxing runs in my blood. My dad is one of my big driving forces in my fitness journey. 

Gladiator fans were left stunned on Saturday night after learning that one of the show’s latest contenders has a famous boxing legend for a father

As red team contender Rachel was introduced she revealed that her dad was infact Frank Bruno, a British former professional boxer who competed from 1982 to 1996

‘My dad is Frank Bruno one of the best heavy weight boxers there was out there. His drive and growing up with him and watching him be so successful had kind of rubbed off on me. 

‘You have to put 110% in it and that is what I get from my dad.’

Rachel added that being explosive, powerful and quick like a boxer would help her in the compeтιтion before warning the Gladiators: ‘I’m the fittest I’ve ever been. 

‘I’m gonna come for them and I’m gonna be the fastest, baddest girl yet.’

Fans were quick to share their surprise on social media, with many excited to see if Rachel inherited her legendary father’s fighting spirit.

Taking to X they wrote: ‘We have Frank Bruno’s daughter taking on Gladiators. Holy WOW’

‘Frank Bruno’s daughter on #Gladiators tonight. D’ya know what I mean Arry?’

‘Anyone else hoping that Frank Bruno’s daughter has the same laugh? #Gladiators’

As she stepped into the arena, host Bradley Walsh made the big reveal saying: ‘Now, I know you’re interested in your boxing, Rachel, because your dad is one of Britain’s greatest ever boxers, Frank Bruno!’

Rachel revealed that growing up watching him her famous dad be so successful and driven had rubbed off on her, warning the Gladiators ‘I’m gonna be the fastest, baddest girl yet’

She added that being explosive, powerful and quick like a boxer would help her in the compeтιтion (pictured with her husband and dad Frank)

Rachel, a PT, was representing the red team during Saturday night’s show and was competing against Aneila in the blue team who was a 6x British Taikwandu champion

Fans were quick to share their surprise on social media, with many excited to see if Rachel inherited her legendary father’s fighting spirit

The first challenge of the popular show saw Rachel take on superhuman Comet for a one-on-one Duel, which saw the PT bag five points.

After the second event, Rachel bagged another two points, but then went up against Athena on the rings, where she failed to make her way through.

Read More Gladiators viewers blast ‘dumb and really unfair’ rule that turns contestants into ‘open targets’

Her fourth challenge was on the track against Fury, but after tumbling at the brick wall the Gladiator caught her.

She then took on Diamond, Dynamite and Cylone in another challenge and her last round on The Eliminator turned out to be her most tense one yet.

After coming second to 6x British Taikwandu champion Aneila, Bradley Walsh then told her there was a space in the quarter final if she was the fastest runner up.

In a nail biting moment, Bradley told the audience Rachel needed to beat the time of 1.67 – which she did at 1.38.

The Sheffield arena erupted in ato cheers and claps as Rachel was told the happy news.

Fans will be happy to know that a star of the show has hinted that there will be a third series.

Gladiators returned to our screens in 2024, which is a second revival of the programme which originally hit our screens in 1992.

Giant AKA Jamie Christian-Johal dropped a huge clue during an exclusive chat with Mail Online at the TV Choice Awards.

He told us: ‘I think series three isn’t quite confirmed but I’m sure we will be back. It’s been really nice having a positive influence on children and fitness.

‘When we were younger we would sit down with our families on a Saturday night but that has been lost because of streaming and technology so this has brought that back and I think its a great message and thing to do.’

Gladiators airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.