Gladiators star Zack George, known to fans as Steel, and his wife Samantha have announced the heartbreaking death of their baby son Leo.
The couple shared the devastating news on Tuesday that their premature baby had passed away just 13 days after birth.
Leo, who they affectionately called “Leo the lion” due to his extraordinary bravery, had been fighting for his life since being born prematurely.
The 34-year-old athlete and his wife had been keeping followers updated on their son’s condition since his early arrival into the world.
The couple shared an emotional tribute to their son on social media.
Leo was born on March 26, 2025, at just 23 weeks, weighing a tiny 1 pound 8 ounces.
The baby boy arrived much earlier than expected, with Zack sharing at the time: “You should still be tucked up inside mummy’s tummy but instead you entered the world on the 26th March 2025.”
In a previous update, Zack had described his son as “tiny, fragile and fighting” as he praised the newborn’s incredible strength.
The couple had been experiencing a “rollercoaster of emotions” during Leo’s short life, with Zack previously telling fans that Leo had a “nation behind him” supporting his fight.
In their heartbreaking announcement, Zack and Samantha wrote: “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.”
The couple continued: “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.”
They added: “Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love.”
The emotional tribute concluded: “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.”
Fellow Gladiators stars quickly offered their support to the grieving couple.
Joey Fishburn, who will compete in the BBC show’s final this weekend, commented: “Can’t imagine your heartache, wishing you and your family nothing but love and peace throughout this time!”
Montell Douglas, known as Fire on the hit series, wrote: “RIP baby Leo. Thoughts and prayers and with both of you.”
Zack George is better known as Steel in Gladiators
BBC
Jodie Ounsley, who also competes as Fire, told the couple: “My heart genuinely breaks for you both, sending big hug.”
JLS star JB Gill also shared his condolences, writing: “Heartbreaking, what a little warrior, thoughts and prayers to you both and your family.”
The couple received an outpouring of support from fans and followers as well.
Zack and Samantha, who married in September 2024, announced they were expecting their second child in January 2025.
The couple already have a daughter, Ivy, who is 23 months old.
Zack had shared the pregnancy news on Instagram with a sweet post showing Ivy holding up the ultrasound scan.
He wrote at the time: “Ivy is very excited to have a new friend very soon, Little George number 2 in the making.”
Both Zack and Samantha are bodybuilders, with Zack having won the title of UK’s Fittest Man in 2020.
He joined the rebooted BBC Gladiators show in 2024, where he competes as Steel.
