An Irish power-lifter has been revealed as the BBC's newest Gladiator.
Lystus Ebosele, from Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, made her debut on the reboot of the programme on Saturday night.
The new star, nicknamed Cyclone says her onscreen persona is about embracing her power and overturning gender stereotypes.
Cyclone is a 23-year-old classic powerlifter, representing Ireland. She hit 235 kilograms in knee sleeves at the 2023 IPF World Junior Power-lifting Championships in Romania.
She won the first round of the show, 'Dual', against Keeva Neely who was disqualified after using her battle stick for balance.
Responding to this, Cyclone said: "I am a new Gladiator but that doesn't mean I am going to take it easy.
"I'm not here to warm up. I'm here to dominate. She cheated and you must follow the rules."
Fans have already warmed up to Cyclone, hailing her as the potential 'villain' of the season. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, user @Agent_2583 said: "Looks like Cyclone is our female bad guy this season, she got some sass."
@Adam_Pearson mentioned: "Cyclone is such a good smack talker", while @richiew4ever wrote: "Wow, loving Cyclone. An out and out female heel (bad girl) Gladiator #gladiators."
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