Gladiators star ‘sets the record straight’ as she hits back at BBC after being axed from the show

GLADIATORS star Athena has set the record straight after being axed from the BBC One show. The Sun exclusively revealed last week that the power lifter and fitness coach will not be appearing on series four after injuring herself earlier this year. Gladiators’ Athena has set the record straight following her exit She took to TikTok to share a video of herself running on the track Credit: @karenjeet_bains. Athena, whose real name is Karanjeet Kaur Bains, has now taken to TikTok to break her silence on her exit. She shared a video of herself running at lightning speed on the track as she keeps up her fitness levels. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Alongside it, Karanjeet wrote: “I’ve seen a lot of speculation recently that I’m still injured… “The truth is I’ve been fully fit for several months now and honestly, I’m the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been. “The rest I’ll comment on in due course, but I just wanted to set the record straight. “In the meantime, here’s my latest track sessions… Actions speak louder than words,” she signed off. Her followers rushed to the comments section as one said: “We love you Athena! Always queen of the arena regardless.” Another person penned: “I’m sad you’re not there. But hopefully see you soon.” Most read in TV While a third added: “Glad you’re fit again and hope whatever you’re doing is best for you.” The Sun exclusively revealed that both Athena and Bionic will be absent from the upcoming edition when it returns in 2027 on BBC One. Filming for the next series kicked off last weekend but the two major stars were missing in action. They were both injured for a lot of the last series which aired from January to March this year. Bionic is also out of the next series Credit: BBC Cyclone has also confirmed her exit Credit: BBC A source told us: “They won’t film this year for the show but could be back for the tour, depending on how they recover from their injuries.” Athena suffered a severe knee injury during the early stages of filming for season three. This included a complete ACL tear, meniscus tear, LCL and MCL tears and a bone fracture. She stepped away from the show to undergo surgery and intensive rehabilitation but appears to be doing much better as per her social media posts. As well as Bionic and Athena, Giant and Cyclone have also confirmed they have exited the show. Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that there will be four new stars joining the cast to replace them. Olympic gold medal winning skeleton race Tabby Stoecker is one of the new stars. It was also confirmed that fitness influencer and weightlifting champ Florence Wong will be taking on the alter-ego of Huntress. And World’s Strongest Man champion Tom Stoltman is also joining the show. There has also been talks that Traitors and ex-England rugby star Joe Marler may also become a Gladiator. Gladiators will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027 Comment now