Gladiators star Steel has opened up about what his late son Leo had to endure during his 13 days fighting in a neonatal intensive care unit in a heartbreaking new post, after his baby boy tragically died after being born prematurely at 23 weeks.

Zack George, 34, who stars in the hit BBC show, shared an emotional clip on Monday of his wife Samantha sitting beside their son’s incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit. 

In a heart-wrenching caption, Steel detailed the immense challenges Leo faced during his time in NICU, writing: ‘What Leo had to endure during his 13 days fighting in NICU (heartbreak emoji)

‘•3 Blood transfusions •Collapsed lungs •A Grade 1 and Grade 2 bleed on his brain •A Hole in his heart (PDA heart condition) •A hole in his trachea causing air pockets in his lungs.’ 

He also announced the launch of a charity challenge in Leo’s memory, called ’13 days fighting’. 

He continued: ‘Bravery, strength, courage and resilience are just a few of the many qualities Leo showed us. 

Gladiators star Steel has opened up about what his late son Leo had to endure during his 13 days fighting in a neonatal intensive care unit in a heartbreaking new post

‘This is why we are calling the charity event “13 days fighting”

‘A burpee mile everyday for 13 days straight will be around 10,000 burpees.

‘We’re ready to show the same qualities our little boy showed us ♥️ #Leothelion.’ 

Zack shared in March that his wife Samantha had gone into premature labour and that their little son was fighting everyday to survive.

On Tuesday last week, Zack announced the tragic news of his son’s death, writing on Instagram: ‘Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left. Leo… you showed us what the true definition of strength is and we are so proud of you.

‘You brought so much positivity to the world with the short time you were with us and we felt that positivity in abundance, we thank you all so much for that.’ 

Zack continued: ‘Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love. Thank you for letting us know that YOU had had enough of this fight. 

‘We will forever be grateful that we didn’t have to make that decision for you. Leo our lion, we love you more than you will ever know. Rest easy our little boy.’

The BBC star shared last Wednesday that his son had sadly pᴀssed away after Samantha went into premature labour last month

Now, Zack has shared an emotional clip of his wife Samantha sitting beside their son’s incubator, detailing the immense challenges Leo faced during his time in the NICU 

Read More Gladiators star Steel is flooded with support as he shares graтιтude for the BBC show after heartbreaking news his baby boy died after being born prematurely at 23 weeks

In a previous post updating fans, Samantha shared a sweet snap of Leo’s tiny hand resting on her finger – which Zack then reshared on his account.

She penned in the caption: ‘Thank you everyone for your kind words and premature baby stories. 

‘Please keep them coming… they are giving us so much hope for our precious Leo.’

In their announcement at the beginning of April, they said: ‘Our Precious Boy Leo George ♥️

‘You should still be tucked up inside mummy’s tummy but instead you entered the world on the 26th March 2025 at just 23 weeks weighing 1 pound 8 ounces.’

‘You never truly know how quickly your life can be turned upside down but one thing we do know is that you are one hell of a strong boy and you are already defying the odds. 

He had shared in March that his wife Samantha had gone into premature labour and that their little son was fighting everyday to survive 

Zack is best known for his alter-ego Steel on the BBC series Gladiators

He concluded the post with: ‘Tiny, fragile and fighting #Family #Leo #WeLoveYou.’ 

In January, Zack announced that he and Samantha were expecting their second child.

The bodybuilder took to Instagram with a sweet post alongside daughter Ivy, 23-months.

The little one beamed as she held up the ultrasound scan with Zack gushing that the tot was ‘very excited’ to be a big sister.

He penned: ‘Ivy is very excited to have a new friend very soon, Little George number 2 in the making’.

If you have been affected by this story contact The Lullaby Trust on 0808 802 6868 or email [email protected].