Gladiators newcomer Cyclone dubbed 'terrifying' and 'sassy' by fans

Contenders don't stand much of a chance against this one.

Gladiators Season 2,Generics,Cyclone,Hungry Bear Media Ltd,Nick Eagle
Gladiators season 2 newcomer Cyclone (Hungry Bear Media Ltd/Nick Eagle)

Gladiators fans have offered their thoughts on newcomer Cyclone after she stepped into the game zone for the first time this weekend.

Real name Lystus Ebosele, Cyclone was up against contenders Nikki and Keeva on Saturday, 25 January's episode and immediately demonstrated her physical authority via the Duel platform.

Her "sass" and imposing persona were mentioned on social media as viewers got to grips with another face on the Gladiators team.

The power-lifter talked a good game on the microphone (BBC screenshot)
The power-lifter talked a good game on the microphone (BBC screenshot)

Having brushed Nikki aside at Duel, Cyclone opted to stay atop the platform and demand the next contender be brought out for a good beating much to the surprise of co-presenter Bradley Walsh, who traditionally interviews the Gladiators after each challenge.

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"I am a new Gladiator, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna take it easy. I'm not here to warm up, I'm here to dominate!" she later announced to the crowd, before urging Keeva to "follow the rules" after she was disqualified by referee Mark Clattenburg for illegally propping herself up on Cyclone's Duel platform.

In the locker room footage, which was deemed "cringe" earlier this month, the newbie also shouted "I'm here to stay!" amidst her fellow Gladiators.

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Responding to these scenes on social media site X, fans of the BBC One gameshow were out in force to share their mixed opinions.

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"Ooh Cyclone got some sass," wrote one of them, as a second person added: "Don't mess with Cyclone! I love her already!"

"You don't want to p*** off Cyclone. She looks terrifying. Look out, everybody," read another post.

At least she's made an impression...

Fans of the gameshow had mixed feelings about the Gladiator (BBC screenshot)
Fans of the gameshow had mixed feelings about the Gladiator (BBC screenshot)

Hailing from Ireland, Cyclone is a 23-year-old powerlifter who claimed she's "got the look, the energy and the muscles" to make a serious mark on Gladiators.

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Her first Instagram upload, which was published before her TV debut, read: "There's a Cyclone coming… Cyclone is a whirlwind of destruction that will blow away the competition. Strong, determined and with awesome power, nothing will get in her way."

She was the powerlifting Junior World Champion two years ago.

Gladiators airs Saturdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.