Movies

Heartbreak for Gladiators Star Steel as He Shares Tragic News About His Baby Boy

BBG News

Actor Joe Steely, known for his role in Gladiator, received an outpouring of affection from fans when he expressed appreciation for a recent performance on Instagram on Saturday night.

After the conclusion of another season on the BBC show, Zack George (known as Steel) expressed gratitude towards his team via his official Gladiator Instagram account, praising the ‘exceptional’ series.

The article emerges following the distressing announcement that his newborn son, unfortunately, passed away after being delivered prematurely at 23 weeks.

He wrote: “I’m deeply appreciative for being a part of another amazing season of Gladiators. Massive respect goes out to every competitor who gave it their best!

‘You really brought everything to the arena, and it’s been amazing to watch.

He expressed gratitude by saying, “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my fellow Gladiators and all those contributing to make this show great. This has been an outstanding season, and it’s been a pleasure to help foster the next wave of Gladiators.

His update follows Steel’s announcement on Wednesday that tragically, his son had lost his life due to preterm labor experienced by Samantha a month ago.

As I navigated through the challenges, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from my fans. They took to the comments section, expressing their admiration with heartwarming messages like, “You embody strength in so many aspects, just like a true Gladiator.

I want to express my gratitude for being simply outstanding and providing us with top-notch entertainment. Since I am a Leo, I will direct all the applause I offer tonight towards your wonderful self, fellow Leo. Wishing you an abundance of power, affection, and appreciation.

Your charming grin will be greatly missed on Saturdays. I send you and your family all my strength during these incredibly challenging times, it’s heart-wrenching.

With an angelic heart to another, here’s a wave of love and fortitude from me, extending to both you and your extraordinary partner.

‘We’re sending you our warmest affection, friend. You truly are an inspiration.’

‘It has been wonderful to watch you on TV, and I want to express my love and support to you and your family during these challenging times xxxxxxxx.’

Dear friend, I want to express my gratitude for the enjoyable moments we’ve shared watching Gladiators over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, I’ve learned about your recent personal loss, and I am deeply sorry for your sorrow. Please take care of yourself during this difficult time. Sending you strength and love. XX.

In the year 2025, fitness entrepreneur Amanda Wah and gymnastics instructor Joe Fishburn emerged victorious in the popular competition, Gladiators. They outshone their fellow female and male competitors in the grand finale to claim the title.

In my latest reflection, I must share that the footage of the weekend’s event was actually captured before the deeply moving revelation Steel shared about his son Leo earlier this week. In a poignant message, he expressed a profound wish that he could have done more for his late child. This heartrending confession has undeniably touched us all.

Additionally, they released a heartwarming video featuring themselves, along with their little girl Ivy, on the seashore, leaving footprints as a family while enjoying a special moment together on the sand.

Steel poignantly described one of his most cherished experiences with his son Leo. This occurred when, as a family, they noticed an improvement in Leo’s heart rate and vital signs upon holding him. He expressed that this was the moment he truly felt their son sensed their presence.

Sharing a touching video, I can’t help but feel like there are not just three sets of footprints on the beach, but one reaching up to the heavens too. It’s my family, my heart, my inspiration.

One particularly cherished memory I share with Leo is a moment that brings both joy and sorrow. Whenever we communicated with him and gently touched him, his vital signs would immediately show improvement, and his heart rate would calm down.

‘We would watch the monitor and see it improving by the second. 

Despite his tender age, I could sense his awareness of our presence and his recognition of his beloved mummy and daddy. Regrettably, there was little I could do to extend his time with us, my precious baby boy.

On Wednesday, Steel shared a deeply touching video where he cradled Leo by his side, accompanied by a moving message emphasizing resilience.

He explained that his perception of strength has changed. Earlier, when asked about his own strength, he would respond by mentioning the weight he could lift in exercises like the squat or bench press, or cite his past personal records.

Currently, I would respond quite differently. Strength for me is holding my dear little son, even though it tears my heart apart, yet healing him at the same time.

In March, he announced that his wife, Samantha, had given birth prematurely, and their baby boy was bravely battling each day to stay alive.

On Tuesday, Zack shared the heartbreaking news about his son’s passing through an Instagram post. His words were: “Your mom brought you into this world, and your dad was there as you left. Leo… You demonstrated the essence of true strength, and we couldn’t be more proud of you.

‘During your brief stay among us, you radiated an incredible amount of positivity which touched us deeply. We are immensely grateful for the joy and light you brought to our lives.’

Zack added: ‘Though your stay was brief, you filled our hearts with an endless amount of affection. We appreciate you showing us that it was time for you to step away from the struggle.’

“We are eternally thankful that you didn’t require us to face that difficult choice, Leo, our beloved lion. You are cherished beyond words, and now, find peaceful rest, sweetheart.

Previously, Samantha posted an update around midday on Sunday, where she sweetly posted a picture of Leo’s little hand gently touching her finger. Later on, Zack reposted this heartwarming image on his own account.

She penned in the caption: ‘Thank you everyone for your kind words and premature baby stories. 

‘Please keep them coming… they are giving us so much hope for our precious Leo.’

In their announcement on Saturday they said: ‘Our Precious Boy Leo George ♥️

Contrary to what should have been, you were supposed to remain within your mother’s womb until a later date. However, on March 26, 2025, you decided to come into the world prematurely at only 23 weeks old and weighed just 1 pound 8 ounces.

‘Life can unexpectedly change at an astonishing pace, and yet, there’s one fact we can be certain about – you possess remarkable strength. You’re already overcoming obstacles that many would find insurmountable.’

He concluded the post with: ‘Tiny, fragile and fighting #Family #Leo #WeLoveYou.’ 

In January, Zack announced that he and Samantha were expecting their second child.

The bodybuilder took to Instagram with a sweet post alongside daughter Ivy, 23-months.

With a bright smile, the youngest family member proudly displayed the ultrasound image, and it was clear that Zack couldn’t contain his excitement as he announced that the little one was eagerly looking forward to becoming a big sister.

He wrote: ‘Ivy is extremely thrilled to be getting a new friend shortly, as they are preparing Little George version 2.’

Should this tale resonate with your experiences, reach out to The Lullaby Trust at 0808 802 6868 or via email at support@lullabytrust.org.uk for assistance.

Read More

2025-04-12 22:08

Previous post Why Doctor Who’s Belinda Chandra is already one of the show’s best companions
Next post Bruno Tonioli in Tears as Drag Queen’s Voice Stuns on Britain’s Got Talent!