Colleagues from Gladiators have poured in with moving tributes following the heart-rending passing of Steel’s newborn son, Leo, who was tragically lost after his premature birth at just 23 weeks.
Zack George, also known as Steel from the reimagined BBC series, shared the devastating news on Instagram that his son had died a few days post-premature birth. Zack and his wife Samantha named their child Leo the lion due to his astonishing battle for life.
In this time of sorrow, pals have been offering their condolences to the little one and bolstered Zack and Samantha with their support. 'Strictly' sensation Montell Douglas, known by her Gladiator name Fire, expressed: "RIP baby Leo. Thoughts and prayers are with you both @zackgeorge @samanthalouisegeorge_."
Ella-Mae Rayner, aka Comet, reached out saying: "I cannot even begin to imagine what you must be going through. Sending you both all the love and strength in the world. We are all here for you."
Fellow Gladiator Jodie Ounsley, Fury, said: "My heart genuinely breaks for you both, sending big hugs.", reports the Mirror.
Matty Campbell, known as Bionic, shared: "Heartbreaking. We're all here for you."
Hailing from Leicester, Zack initially revealed: "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.
"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. Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love."
The post has seen an outpouring of support, with Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro) expressing: "So sorry! ! Forever here for you guy" and Alex Gray, known as Apollo, sending heart emojis, while Jade Packer (Electro), offered her heartfelt condolences to the couple who tied the knot in September the previous year.
JLS star JB Gill reached out saying: "Heartbreaking, what a little warrior, thoughts and prayers to you both and your family" and Love Island's Adam Collard shared his sympathies by posting: "Heartbreaking to hear, sending you both love."
Zack, 34, had been keeping fans in the loop since his wife Samantha went into labour last week, and delivered their son prematurely. Their little one arrived weighing a mere two pounds.
In his initial announcement, Zack lovingly wrote: "Our Precious Boy Leo George [heart emoji]. You should still be tucked up inside mummy's tummy but instead you entered the world on the 26th March 2025 at just 23 weeks weighing 1 pound 8 ounces. You never truly know how quickly your life can be turned upside down but one thing we do know is that you are one hell of a strong boy and you are already defying the odds."
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