A fitness YouTuber from Kent will be one of the new Gladiators when the hit TV show returns to our screens.

Matt Morsia, from Hythe, will be known as Legend, joining Fire, Giant, Fury and Steel as the new generation of Gladiators in the BBC One show.

The father-of-two grew up in Folkestone and quickly became a social media phenomenon after quitting his job as a PE teacher to start his ‘MattDoesFitness’ channel.

He now has more than 2.21 million subscribers, and has posted 1,300 videos on YouTube.

During the revived 11-part series, Matt will compete against brave contestants in the ultimate test of strength while taking part in new games alongside classic challenges like The Eliminator.

Announcing the news on Instagram, he said: “The nine-year-old me would absolutely lose his mind and I can’t believe I’m writing this but Saturday nights on BBC One are about to get wild because I’M GONNA BE A GLADIATOR!

“I watched every single episode of the original Gladiators as a kid back in the 90s (had a life-size poster of Wolf on my wall for like five years) so this is an absolute life goal for me.

“It’s been in the pipeline for over a year now (has killed me not being able to say anything) but I can finally announce that LEGEND is about to become the sickest Gladiator the world has ever seen.”

In 2011, Matt was ranked among the top three triple jumpers in the country - representing England internationally - and had his sights set on competing at the London Olympics.

The former Harvey Grammar School pupil then became a powerlifter, winning a silver medal in the European Championships in 2016.

After retiring from international competitions, he continued performing to a huge audience, becoming a highly successful fitness influencer.

It was his wife Sarah, who he married in 2012, who suggested he start creating videos.

In 2020, he released his first book, ‘The 24/7 Body’, which became a Sunday Times Bestseller.

Matt now trains up to six times a week in bodybuilding and powerlifting.

Ultra-competitive Matt says he hopes to bring his power and strength to Gladiators.

He added: "I've been training like a beast for the show but realistically I didn’t need to.

“I could’ve spent the last two months eating doughnuts and playing Dungeons and Dragons and I’d still be better than everyone else. I’m called Legend for a reason.

“I can only apologise for the irreparable damage I’m about to do to the contenders. Actually, that’s a lie, I’m not sorry at all. I’m actively looking forward to it."

The revived TV show, which will be hosted by father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, will air later this year.