A look into the early struggles of glamorous Gladiator 'Diamond' Livi Sheldon – including her battle with 'emotional eating' and being 'picked up' as a personal trainer will wow fans in the Gladiator reboot
One of the most iconic sports entertainment game shows ever, Gladiators returns to fencing in his brand new home on the BBC.
And one of the new contenders is 'Diamond', also known as Livi Sheldon from Worcestershire.
The 29-year-old is described on the Gladiators website as 'striking and indestructible'.
However, the bodybuilder, who stands at 6ft tall, has candidly discussed how she was singled out for her height as a schoolgirl and struggled with 'emotional eating'.
Here's everything you need to know about 'Diamond's' early struggles, before her Gladiators debut.
A look into the early struggles of glamorous Gladiator 'Diamond' Livi Sheldon, including her 'emotional eating' and 'being bullied'
Bullying
Livi is 6 feet tall and opens up about the struggles she has faced when it comes to her height.
At the age of six, she started playing for a boys' soccer team before eventually landing a spot on a girls' team.
She was captain for many years and then moved to play for Worcester City Ladies.
But Livi has explained that it wasn't always a happy time: 'Growing up I was bullied because I was bigger than everyone else. Now I can show everyone that being unique is your superpower.'
About working as a Gladiator, Diamond said, “I feel like becoming a Gladiator is something I've been training for my whole life.
'From playing football when I was younger, to swimming and then bodybuilding.
“I feel like all of this has led me to this outcome: being a Gladiator. I don't think I would have had half the strength I have today if it wasn't for all my past experiences.”
Livi explained: Growing up, I was bullied because I was bigger than everyone else. Now I can show everyone that being unique is your superpower.'
Emotional eating
Opening up with her followers, the online coach opened up about her struggles with 'emotional eating' in the past.
Emotional eating is when people use food as a way to cope with feelings rather than to satisfy hunger.
She started by saying, “When I first started exercising it was initially 'to lose weight', but later as I became more consistent with exercising I realized how much it changed my body shape and I loved it.
'The training was never the problem for me, I could train all day, push myself and never miss a session.
'It was the diet, I struggled with emotional eating for so many years – which I didn't realize at the time, but do now – I would turn to a chocolate bar or a pizza for comfort.
Livi continued, “It took many years for me to see food as fuel and not 'food', but once it clicked, I understood.”
'I now have so much more respect for myself and my body and the way I treat it, and it shows.
'I no longer drink to get drunk, I respect myself and my body by stopping before I feel I'm losing control. On holiday I show restraint by not having to eat EVERYTHING at the breakfast buffet.'
She started by saying, “When I first started exercising it was initially to lose weight, but later as I became more consistent with exercising I realized how much it changed my body shape and I loved it.”
When did Livi start bodybuilding?
After graduating with a degree in sports science, Livi took up bodybuilding.
In a September 2022 Instagram post, she wrote, “It's been ten years since I first started strength training, and let me tell you, it hasn't been an easy road, BUT I wouldn't be where I am today without it.
'Strength training has not only helped me shape my physique, but it has also shaped me as a person.'
After all her hard work, Livi became a British 'England Toned Figure' finalist.
And her latest challenge is taking on the Gladiator Arena, which she says she has been training for since she was nine.
Announcing the news on social media, Livi said: 'A dream come true! Become a gladiator! @diamondthegladiator @bbcgladiators.
'If there was any opportunity I could ask for, this would be it! This is truly the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and I can't wait to get into the arena! I've been training for duels since I was 9!
“Where are all my diamonds?”
Gladiators launches on January 13 at 5.50pm on BBC One and will also be available on BBC iPlayer
When will Diamond appear on Gladiators
The series launches on January 13 at 5.50pm on BBC One and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
Chase host Bradley Walsh and his son Barney will host the 11-episode series.
The show will pit members of the public against a cast of superhuman athletes known as gladiators.
In addition to bodybuilders, the Gladiators lineup also includes Olympians and weightlifting champions.