Apollo is the gladiator moniker of Alex Gray, a former professional rugby player and NFL star who became a breakout sensation on the BBC’s 2024 reboot of Gladiators. Standing at a towering 6 feet 6 inches and weighing over 115kg, Apollo is renowned for his combination of explosive speed and elite-level strength, earning him the nickname of the “Greek God” of the arena. As of April 2026, Gray remains a core member of the cast for Series 3, having transitioned from a history-making sports career—where he was the first British rugby professional to captain an NFL team (the Atlanta Falcons)—into a Saturday night superhero. His ability to dominate events like Duel, Collision, and The Wall has made him a fan favorite, blending high-performance athleticism with a charismatic, approachable personality.
Who is Alex Gray? (The Man Behind Apollo)
Before becoming a household name on Saturday night TV, Alex Gray was already a pioneer in the world of professional sports.
From Rugby Union to the NFL
Born in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Gray’s athletic journey began in rugby union, where he captained England at the U16, U18, and U20 levels. His transition to the NFL in 2017 via the International Player Pathway program was a historic milestone; he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, becoming the first international player to ever captain an NFL squad during a pre-season game.
The Move to Gladiators
In 2023, Gray was selected for the BBC reboot of Gladiators. He chose the name Apollo to reflect his stature and speed, describing the opportunity as a “dream come true” that allowed him to use his professional combat and sprinting skills in a family-oriented entertainment format.
Physical Stats and Key Attributes
Apollo is often cited by contenders as one of the most intimidating Gladiators due to his sheer scale and professional-grade agility.
Dimensions and Power
Height: 6’6″ (198 cm)
Weight: Approx. 19 stone (120 kg)
Vertical Leap: Apollo can jump 2.8 meters from a standing position—a distance longer than a standard ping-pong table.
Speed: Despite his size, he maintains the sprint mechanics of an NFL tight end, making him nearly impossible to outrun in games like The Wall.
Signature Events
Apollo excels in Collision, where his rugby background allows him to execute perfectly timed tackles. In Duel, his long reach (leverage) and lower-body stability make him a “fortress” on the podium, rarely being dislodged by even the strongest contenders.
Gladiators Series 3: 2026 Updates
The 2026 season has introduced new challenges and higher stakes for the veteran Gladiators.
The Arrival of “Destruction”
In the 2026 season, Apollo has been a standout performer in the new game Destruction. This event requires Gladiators to prevent contenders from smashing through 8-foot barriers; Apollo’s ability to “brick-wall” contenders using his massive frame has made this one of his highest-scoring events.
Celebrity Specials
In the 2026 New Year’s Celebrity Special, Apollo notably faced off against various TV personalities. His sportsmanship has been a recurring theme, often being seen helping contenders up after a particularly hard-hitting bout in Gauntlet.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans wishing to engage with Apollo and the Gladiators franchise in 2026, keep these practical details in mind.
The 2026 Live Arena Tour
Dates: The Gladiators Live Tour is running through Summer 2026.
Locations: Major UK arenas including the AO Arena (Manchester), O2 Arena (London), and Utilita Arena (Sheffield).
What to Expect: Live versions of Duel, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator, with Apollo appearing in the majority of the northern tour dates.
Tickets: Prices start from £35.00, available through official primary ticket outlets.
Apollo’s Fitness and Training
If you are looking to train like a Gladiator, Apollo often shares “Hybrid Athlete” workouts on his Instagram (@apollo_thegladiator). His 2026 regime focuses on functional hypertrophy, combining heavy compound lifts with sprint intervals to maintain the “rocket speed” required for the show.
Seasonal Context: Spring 2026
As of April 2026, Series 3 is reaching its grand finale on BBC One. Apollo has been a key figure in the semi-finals, notably securing a “clean sweep” in Duel throughout the 2026 heats. This period also marks the opening of applications for Series 4, with Apollo appearing in promotional materials to inspire the next generation of contenders.
FAQs
How tall is Apollo from Gladiators?
Apollo (Alex Gray) is 6 feet 6 inches tall, making him one of the tallest members of the current cast.
Did Apollo play in the NFL?
Yes, Alex Gray played for the Atlanta Falcons and was the first international player to captain an NFL team.
What is Apollo’s real name?
His real name is Alex Gray.
What rugby team did Apollo play for?
He played for several teams, including Newcastle Falcons, London Irish, and the England 7s team.
Why is he called Apollo?
The name was chosen to signify god-like strength, speed, and hot-as-the-sun charisma, fitting his persona as a “Greek God” of the arena.
Is Apollo in the 2026 series of Gladiators?
Yes, Apollo is a main cast member in Series 3 (2026) and the 2026 Live Tour.
Can Apollo jump 2.8 meters?
Yes, his standing long jump is recorded at 2.8 meters, which is a testament to his explosive leg power.
Where is Apollo from?
He is originally from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in North East England.
How much does Apollo weigh?
He weighs approximately 115kg to 120kg (around 18-19 stone).
Is Apollo married?
Alex Gray keeps his private life relatively low-profile, though he frequently shares content featuring his close-knit family and training partners.
What is Apollo’s favorite Gladiator game?
He has expressed a particular fondness for Duel and Collision, as they best utilize his professional rugby and NFL tackling skills.
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