Livi "Liv" Sheldon (born 28 November 1994) is an English bodybuilder, personal trainer and television personality. She has the role "Diamond" on the 2024 BBC One television endurance sports game show Gladiators.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | "Diamond" |
| Nationality |  English |
| Born | 28 November 1994 Worcester, Worcestershire, England |
| Education | Christopher Whitehead Language College |
| Alma mater | Worcester University |
| Occupations |
|
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lb) |
Early life
editFrom Worcestershire,[1] Livi Sheldon attended Christopher Whitehead Language College.[2] She graduated with a degree in Sports Science from Worcester University.[3][4]
Career
editSheldon was a keen footballer from a young age, she initially played on boy's teams before playing for, and captaining, Worcester City Ladies.[3][4] She started weight-training at 18 years-old and bodybuilding at the age of 24.[5] She was a finalist in the 'England Toned Figure' competition.[6]
She made an appearance alongside British Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, on BBC Breakfast on 19 May 2023, on which they were announced as new Gladiators on the re-booted show, with Sheldon taking the moniker 'Diamond'.[7] Sheldon, who, at 6 ft is the tallest female Gladiator on the show,[8] has spoken about her desire to use her appearances to inspire people to embrace their uniqueness, because she herself was bullied for her height at school.[9] The show debuted on BBC One in January 2024.[10] It was an immediate ratings success, becoming the channel's biggest entertainment launch since 2017.[11] The success of the series has been credited in part to the popularity of new Gladiators like Sabre (Sheli McCoy), Fury (Jodie Ounsley), and Sheldon's Diamond.[12] In April 2024, she confirmed she would be returning as Diamond for series two.[13]
In March 2024, she was also confirmed as one of the celebrities to play in the televised charity football match Soccer Aid.[14] Her other television appearances have included being a guest on The One Show.[15]
Personal life
editSheldon lives in Worcester with her fiancé Grant Gibbs. They both work as online personal trainers,[5] with Sheldon running her own training app titled LivFitness.[16]
References
edit- ^ Brinkworth, Alison (27 May 2023). "Gladiators' Diamond Livi Sheldon on struggles as Midland schoolgirl and 'emotional eating". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
- ^ Edwards, Tom (22 March 2024). "Diamond's shining success inspires her old school". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ a b "BBC Gladiators: Who is Diamond from Worcestershire? Meet Livi". Worcester News. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ a b Brinkworth, Alison (15 January 2024). "Gladiators' Diamond Livi Sheldon images thrill fans saying she's like iconic '90s star". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ a b Evans, Alex (24 February 2024). "BBC Gladiators Diamond star Livi Sheldon on her bikini body transformation since 18, battle with food and bodybuilder fiancee". Examiner Live. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ Calcutt, Robert (30 June 2023). "I played for Worcester City Ladies then became bodybuilder – now I'm Diamond in new Gladiators". TalkSport. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ Hancock-Bruce, Matt (21 May 2023). "Worcester's Livi Sheldon confirmed as Gladiator for revival". Worcester News. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "BBC One - Gladiators - Diamond". BBC.
- ^ Dixon, Natalie (12 January 2024). "Gladiators Instagram: The athletes you should be following on social media ahead of the new series launch". National World. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
- ^ Mensah, Katelyn (13 January 2024). "Who is Diamond? Gladiators 2024 star and bodybuilder". Radio Times. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ Craig, David (30 January 2024). "Gladiators reboot is BBC's biggest entertainment launch in 7 years as ratings revealed". Radio Times. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "BBC Gladiators in hot water as fans spot 'fake' change at end of show". Examiner Live. 24 March 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ Evans, Alex (7 April 2024). "BBC Gladiators Diamond star makes decision on her future on show in emotional statement as fans issue plea". Leeds Live. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ "SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF 2024 LINEUP: LIONESSES LEGENDS PART OF FIRST CONFIRMED NAMES". One Football. 19 March 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
- ^ Hallam, Katy (10 February 2024). "BBC Gladiators' Diamond breaks silence on 'going easy' on contestants after claims original was harder". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
- ^ "HOME". livfitness.co.uk. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
External links
edit- Livi Sheldon at IMDb