‘World’s strongest man’ who can pick up 286kg Atlas stone replaces Giant on Gladiators

| Live News Reporter Published July 20, 2026 1:18pm Updated July 20, 2026 1:18pm Stoltman has won the World’s Strongest Man three times (Picture: Shutterstock) The World’s Strongest Man champion, Tom Stoltman, has joined the cast of the hit TV show Gladiators. The 6ft 8in athlete, who weighs 400 pounds, will face the contenders in the fourth series of the BBC programme, which will air next year. Stoltman, from Invergordon, Scotland, has won the World Strongest Man competition three times and last triumphed in 2024. He will start filming later this month in Sheffield, and his Gladiator name and costume will be revealed in the coming weeks, according to the BBC. He said: ‘This is a dream opportunity and I’m incredibly proud to become a Gladiator. I’ve spent my life pushing myself to see what I can achieve, and joining this incredible show is the next challenge. ‘I’m excited to bring my strength, determination and personality to the arena, but, most importantly, I want people watching to feel inspired to believe in themselves and take on their own challenges.’ The 32-year-old will start filming in Sheffield this month (Picture: Channel 5) Filming for the new series begins in Sheffield this month, with Tom joining the formidable line-up of Gladiators, as Contenders once again prepare to face the ultimate test of speed, strength and endurance. The 32-year-old was diagnosed with autism at the age of five and faced bullying at school because of his condition. Ahead of his debut in Gladiators, he said he hopes to encourage others not to see it as a barrier to reaching their goals. Speaking after his last World’s Strongest Man victory, he said: ‘Winning the title is special because it proves that having autism, having this super power as I call it, you can do special things. Tom has been open about how autism is his super power (Picture: Channel 5) ‘I just want to let people know you can do anything you want to do. It doesn’t have to be World’s Strongest Man. ‘You can go and be a footballer, you can be a runner, you can be anything you want. That’s what I say to kids and adults who have kids with autism. ‘You should let them do their dream, and if they don’t get there, then they have tried their best, but never, ever say they can’t do it. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin ‘That’s why I am so thankful for my family, because they let me live this dream, and this autism that I have turned into a super power has been very powerful.’ Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Fire at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh rages for second day Arrow MORE: Cow-loving dog ‘moos’ instead of barking Arrow MORE: Car crashes off motorway bridge injuring two women TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.