Gladiators has triumphantly returned to our screens, and this time around, two fresh athletes have joined the fray, eager to snatch the 2025 trophy.

After more than 20 years since the legendary BBC reality show concluded, Gladiators made a thrilling comeback last year with Bradley Walsh and his son Barney at the helm.

It was Finlay Anderson and Marie-Louise Nicholson who emerged victorious in the first series of the revival, after enduring 11 weeks of adrenaline-pumping challenges.

The second season of Gladiators premiered last Saturday, January 18, featuring the same Herculean contenders ready to face the gruelling trials once again.

Among them are two newcomers, including the formidable Hammer - but who is this latest addition to the Gladiators lineup?

Who Gladiators newcomer Hammer?

Behind the Hammer moniker is Tom Wilson, a personal trainer by day and a World Rowing Champion by accolade.

With gold medals from the British Championships and silver from European and World indoor rowing competitions under his belt, it's clear that Hammer brings a fierce competitive edge to the arena.

Hailing from Nottingham, he towers at an impressive 6ft 5in, and the BBC has noted that his unique combination of "strength and speed, at the height and size that he is, is rare and sets him apart from everyone else".

Hammer confidently quipped: "When you've got 19st sprinting at you, you've got no chance. I'm getting you."

But there's more to Tom than just rowing triumphs and Gladiator battles as he often shares snapshots of family life on Instagram and takes great pride in being a "super proud uncle".

He also shares pictures of his dogs, which he co-parents with his fiancee Chelsea Atkin.

The BBC star athlete proposed to Chelsea in May 2023 during a sun-soaked Spanish getaway.

Celebrating their partnership, he expressed on social media: "Having somebody who you work together with to create the best possible version of you and them is love.

"The support this woman gives me is unreal, sticks by me no matter what. There's nothing else I could wish for."

In announcing his participation in Gladiators, the BBC issued a statement: "Feel the unstoppable force of Hammer, on a mission to crush anything and anyone in his path.

"Hammer is a combination of height, strength and speed, ready to shake the arena to its foundations... Contenders, beware!"

Gladiators continues every Saturday at 5.50pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.