Strictly Come Dancing star ‘over the moon’ to join Gladiators for season 4
Tabby Stoecker is on Strictly 2026 (BBC/Ray Burmiston/BBC Creative)
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 contestant and Team GB skeleton Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker has been confirmed to join the BBC’s Gladiators line-up for season 4.
Stoecker, who was announced for the Strictly 2026 line-up earlier this year, said she was “over the moon” to be joining the show. She added: “It’s incredible to be part of such an iconic show, and I can’t wait for audiences to see what I bring to the arena.”
She also teased the mix of skills she’s bringing into the arena: “Being an Olympic Champion and coming from a circus arts background has prepared me for this exciting new challenge, and I can’t wait to bring my positivity, athleticism, and competitive spirit to the show. Bring on the Contenders!”
What’s Tabby Stoecker’s Gladiator name and when will it be revealed?
For now, viewers will have to wait for the full character reveal. Stoecker’s Gladiator name, as well as more details about the new series, including a release date, will be announced “in due course”.
She joins fellow newbie Tom Stoltman, who is a three-time World’s Strongest Man champion.
Gladiators is built around larger-than-life Gladiator personas taking on members of the public, known as Contenders, in a series of physical events. The format originally ran from 1992 to 2000, before returning on the BBC in the 2020s.
From Strictly 2026 to Gladiators season four
Stoecker’s casting keeps her in the BBC’s Saturday-night orbit after her run on Strictly Come Dancing this year. The full Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up was confirmed in August, with Stoecker among the names announced.
She was paired with pro Mark Karmalita during the pre-recorded launch show.
Ahead of Strictly’s launch show, she said: “I am buzzing! But I will say it still genuinely feels like a dream; someone pinch me.
“I can’t comprehend that I’m actually going to be the person dancing in the sparkly dress and heels on the telly!”
Speaking about why she signed up for Strictly, Stoecker said: “I wanted a new challenge!” She added: “Strictly feels like such an opportunity to find out who I am outside of my sport and push myself.”
Gladiators is set to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027.
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