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Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Scots Gladiator star reveals bizarre fan request that left her gobsmacked
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NOW the pugil sticks and the Travelator are packed away following another huge series of Gladiators, star Sabre is back to the day job as fitness instructor Sheli McCoy. The reboot, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh on BBC One, drew in millions for its second season, so a third series is looking inevitable. 5 Sheli as Sabre from BBC smash Gladiators. 5 Sheli in the day job as co-owner of the Sweat Box gym in Dundee. Credit: MICHAEL SCHOFIELD 5 Cheeky Sheli gives the peace sign while Sun man Matt struggles to keep up. Credit: MICHAEL SCHOFIELD 5 Sun man Matt is full of smiles after he rings the bell following his first ever pull-up. Credit: MICHAEL SCHOFIELD Sheli has not quit her day job, where for the past six years she has been the co-owner of gym Sweatbox Dundee in her home — but the show has a funny way of following her back there. Sheli says: 'I get sent cards and posters that kids have drawn for me, which is really nice. They're just addressed to, 'Sabre, Sweatbox, Dundee'. 'But the most common thing is wives messaging me for signed pictures for their partners, saying things like, 'My husband absolutely loves you'. 'They don't seem to mind and say things like, 'I'm fine he has a crush on you because I actually think you're really nice too'. 'But one wife wanted to create an entire wall of images of me in her husband's office. She even asked if there were life-size cardboard cut-outs of me. 'I was like, 'Woah, this is intense'.' Raised in Fife, Sheli, 36, has a master's degree in health science from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. But 'overweight' for her 5ft 7in frame, she then decided to get fit — really fit. She explains: 'Right now I am 68kilos (10st 10lbs) which is my competitive weight. 'But I was a size 16 and weighed the back end of 80kilos (12st 8lbs). Physically and mentally I feel a totally different person. I was a shadow of who I am now.' Gladiator Sabre's 'steamy' moment with Apollo in locker room Sweatbox is affiliated with CrossFit, which combines gymnastics, weightlifting and varied exercises performed at high intensity to build strength and endurance. It is why Sheli is the only female Gladiator to tackle 'contenders' across every obstacle course, including Duel and Powerball. She says: 'The amazing thing about CrossFit is that it trains every single muscle group. 'It focuses on the ten components of fitness from strength, speed, agility, balance, cardiovascular and muscular, basically to build the perfect human. 'I like to think of it as the Vitruvian man. CrossFit asks you to be good in every direction and with every force. 'So when Gladiators came up and we did our fitness tests, I scored really highly because there were 12 fitness tests, all totally varied, which is just CrossFit. 'On the show I can tell which contenders are CrossFit athletes as they withstand the games far better than the rest. Amanda Wah, who won the women's competition this year, is a CrossFit athlete.' Sabre has become a firm favourite with viewers and even cheekily gave winner Amanda a wink before pummelling her with the pugil sticks. But she says that is Sabre, not Sheli, explaining: 'We were to bring our personality, but turn it way up, and stick some bells and whistles on it. 'So the competitive element of Sabre is actually me. Obstacles like The Edge are so exhilarating. It's high. It's scary. It's rickety and when I get up there, my adrenaline is flowing. SHELI JOINS THE SCOTTISH SUN SHELI McCoy will be writing a new wellness and fitness column exclusively online for The Scottish Sun from this weekend. The gym owner promises to offer tips and suggestions for people of all ages and from all walks of life to help them: 'Live stronger, live longer.' Sheli says: 'I am so glad I have been given this opportunity to write for The Scottish Sun. 'My column is going to be helpful, with useful hints and tips on health, fitness and wellness. 'I'm really looking forward to offering my Health Science education and experience to help you.' 'When I come for you up there you better be ready to fly off The Edge because if I'm going down, you're coming with me.' She adds: 'But ultimately, I feel like my biggest gift is to encourage you to bring your best self for your own good. 'If you beat me, I am so happy for you, because that's not an easy thing to do — it doesn't happen very often.' Back at home, her gym is a far cry from the Gladiators arena. On the day Sheli invited The Scottish Sun along, a young mum was working out beside a pram with her sleeping baby, while a middle-aged bloke in old beach wear was weightlifting. She says: 'You may notice that there are no mirrors in here, which is unusual for a gym. 'That's because we're not here to be looking at ourselves or posing like that old gym culture where everyone thinks their sports kit has to match and they have to look a certain way. 'This is a training space where you should just be able to sweat terribly, probably not looking your best and feel comfortable doing that.' SHELI GIVES MATT A GLADIATOR WORKOUT SHELI may be a fearsome sight for contestants as Sabre, but in her gym she's a totally different person. For starters Sheli says we're not here to compete with each other, because 'You would only lose' - of that I have no doubt. Instead she wants me to leave Sweatbox having achieved something I have never done before. She chooses pull-ups for me, which builds upper body strength in the back, shoulders and arms using nothing but your own bodyweight and a bar. Sheli says: 'The perfect shape for a man is a Dorito - wide shoulders, narrow waist.' I'm more of a Hula Hoop around the middle thanks to hitting my fattening fifties. After an extensive warm-up with rubber bands then some stretches, Sheli shows me how it's done. She powders her hands then uses an overhand grip to lift her lean frame effortlessly until her chin is well above the bar, repeating the process several times. Sheli says: 'My record is 21 in a row.' which is no surprise looking at her bulging forearms and biceps. I attempt to mimic her, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot raise my chin above that bloody bar. 'Just give it more beans,' Sheli says with gentle encouragement. With one last mighty pull, my chin finally clears the bar, with Sheli shouting, 'You've done it - now go ring the bell.' I do as told and everyone in the gym claps. Sure, I won't be competing on Gladiators any time soon, but just as Sheli promised, I did leave having achieved something new. Earlier this year, Sheli proved she had brains as well as brawn, winning a Gladiators special of BBC quiz The Weakest Link, hosted by Romesh Ranganathan. And she is in hot demand for other shows, recently filming an episode of Robson Green's Weekend Escapes, where she went paddleboarding on the River Tay with the Soldier Soldier star. She says: 'I've also had the opportunity to go on The Wheel with Michael McIntyre. 'I'm also doing House Of Games with Richard Osman and Bridge Of Lies with Ross Kemp which comes out soon.' And Sheli is determined to use her new platform for the greater good and to help people get fitter. She says: 'I'm now the patron of Women's Aid in Dundee and I do a lot of work with schools and colleges. 'So while it's great I get to do some really cool TV stuff it has allowed me to be a big sister to help people. 'Our ethos at Sweatbox is 'Live stronger, live longer' and maybe get fitter and lose a little weight in the process, just like I did. 'It was the graft that the overweight Sheli put in which has given me all these amazing opportunities today. 'If I can do it, anyone can.' *For more information on Sheli's gym go to
The Courier
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Dundee Gladiators star Sheli McCoy hints at return for show's third series
Dundee's Gladiators star Sheli McCoy has hinted at a return as Sabre in the third series of the BBC reboot. The Sweatbox Dundee owner participated in the show's second series final, taking on eventual champion Amanda Wah in the 'Duel'. Sheli, 36, told her Instagram followers on Wednesday that she is looking forward to returning to the show. She said: 'Thank you all for the incredible love and support through Season 2 of Gladiators. 'It's been an unforgettable ride bringing Sabre to life – fierce, fun, and here to demand the contenders bring their best efforts and earn their wins against us. 'I just cant wait to re-join my G family, keep building this movement and inspiring more people to fall in love with fitness and health in the most epic way.' Sheli has become one of the most popular stars in the reboot, with some comparing her to show legend Jet. She has additionally appeared in Michael McIntyre's The Wheel and other events as her character. The Gladiators team are also set to go on their first live tour across the UK. Sheli was recently seen filming in Broughty Ferry with Robson Green for the Soldier Soldier star's Weekend Escape series.
Entrepreneur
21-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
A Greener Code
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. For Duel founder Paul Archer, sustainability isn't a line in a pitch deck – it's the foundation of everything his company stands for. Based in London, Duel is a B Corp-certified SaaS platform specialising in brand advocacy. In a world where corporate greenwashing is often just another tab on the website, Paul Archer is adamant that sustainability should be more than surface-level spin. "Sustainability at Duel isn't just something we talk about – it's embedded in how we do business," says Archer, whose company helps brands build and scale advocacy marketing through loyal customers and brand communities. "We're a B Corp, which means we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of social and environmental performance." Founded with the belief that companies can - and should - do more than simply scale quickly and sell out, Duel has taken a stance that feels increasingly radical in the startup world: choosing partners based not just on potential revenue, but shared values. "It's not just about being a successful SaaS company, but being one that adds value to the world in a meaningful, responsible way," says Archer. "We are also very selective about the brands we work with and will happily turn down business if they don't follow the same mantra of people and planet over profit." That mantra isn't always the easiest to maintain in the turbulent world of startups, where cash flow can be tight and expectations high. But for Archer, balancing sustainability with commercial viability is a long game - and a smart one. "Running a startup is tough – there's no sugar-coating it. You're balancing growth, cash flow, and trying to make every penny count. But here's the thing: sustainability doesn't just make us feel good, it actually helps us grow." In fact, being purpose-driven has become one of Duel's most valuable differentiators. "Our customers are looking for companies that do good and do well," he says. "They want long-term growth with a positive impact, and that's exactly what we're creating." As scrutiny of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance grows, especially among younger consumers and employees, it's natural to ask whether the investor world is catching up. Archer's take is candid: "We made the decision early on to build Duel with a purpose – not just to make money, but to show that companies built to drive advocacy can change the world." That stance has helped filter out the wrong investors - and attract the right ones. "We're committed to growing the business responsibly and sustainably and that kind of mindset is exactly what our investors are looking for and are drawn to as well," he explains. "But my impression is that the majority of investors, when they talk about ESG, are just paying lip service, and really, the only thing they care about is money. But this made it much easier for us to find the kind of investors that we truly want to work with because sustainability is as important to them as it is to us." With growing pressure on the tech world to demonstrate substance over spin, Duel's mission is a timely reminder that sustainability doesn't have to come at the cost of success - and might just be its future-proofing factor.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Gladiators star ENGAGED as she shares first pics of the ring and romantic Corfu proposal
A POPULAR Gladiators star has revealed she has got ENGAGED. Ella-Rae Rayner, AKA Comet, thrilled fans when she shared the first pictures of the ring and her romantic Corfu proposal. 7 Gladiators star Ella-Rae Rayner has got engaged after her boyfriend James got down on one knee Credit: Instagram @ellamaerayner 7 The smitten bride-to-be showed off her huge sparkler Credit: Instagram @ellamaerayner 7 The star kissed her man after they got engaged in Corfu Credit: Instagram @ellamaerayner 7 Ella is best know for being Comet on the Gladiators Credit: BBC In the photos, the loved-up bride-to-be can be seen holding her hand to her mouth as her boyfriend James Exton is down on one knee on a boat. In the next sweet snap they can be seen kissing after she said "yes". The Gladiators star also shared a photo showing off her HUGE diamond engagement ring. Sharing her happy news on Instagram she wrote: "17.05.25 💍🤍 "Yes in every single lifetime.I love you forever 🤍." Ella-Rae's fans immediately rushed to congratulate the happy couple with one saying: "Aw so pleased for you guys!" Another added: "I could honestly not be a happier." This one said: "Congrats guys! So happy for you!" The happy couple even got a shout out from celebrity pal Davina McCall, who said: "Awwwwwwww this is so beautiful." BECOMING A GLADIATORS STAR Ella-Rae is best known for her alter-ego Comet on the Gladiators. Watch moment Celebrity Gladiators is thrown into chaos as 'fight' breaks out on set She launched to fame when the iconic 90s show was brought back for a reboot last year by the BBC. Ella-Rae has been involved in sports her whole life, which included being an elite gymnast. Speaking about her incredible physique, she told the BBC: 'Previously, women have been told that being muscular just makes you look like a man, but that's absolutely not the case. "I have muscles but I'm a proper girly girl. 7 Ella-Rae shared a picture of her huge rock Credit: Instagram @ellamaerayner 7 The much-loved Gladiator joined the show when it returned to our screens last year Credit: Rex 'I love shopping, I love beauty, I love fashion and getting all dressed up. "But I also love being powerful, being strong, muscular." Ella-Rae added: 'I've been told that I've got one of the strongest hits on Duel [one of the show's main events], and you might think that's a game for someone who is more bulky, who looks physically stronger — but you can't judge a book by its cover. Ella-Rae also revealed that she is starting to feel famous thanks to Gladiators. 7 Comet bounced back after an injury on The Wall that left her fearing she might not return to the show Credit: Instagram She joked: 'Funnily enough I'm recognised in the gym all the time, and that's probably because I'm in less clothes, so people look at me like, 'Oh, I know who she is! She's on Gladiators'. It's flattering. 'After the first series, people didn't really know me because I was out of the show injured — I went to a meet-and-greet event and someone handed me the phone to take the photo of them with another Gladiator! 'That was a bit of a hard pill to swallow at first. I didn't get to show off the skills that I have. "Now I really love speaking to the fans and giving back where I can — taking five minutes out of my day to talk to them, especially the kids, because you know it's making their day.' HORROR FALL Meanwhile, it's been a long journey of recovery for Ella-Rae. She was forced out of last year's show after falling 30ft from The Wall in a horrifying accident that almost took away her ability to walk. At one point Ella-Rae feared she would never be able to return to Gladiators given her multiple fractures and rupture ligaments.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gladiators star ENGAGED as she shares first pics of the ring and romantic Corfu proposal
A POPULAR Gladiators star has revealed she has got ENGAGED. Advertisement 7 Gladiators star Ella-Rae Rayner has got engaged after her boyfriend James got down on one knee Credit: Instagram @ellamaerayner 7 The smitten bride-to-be showed off her huge sparkler Credit: Instagram @ellamaerayner 7 The star kissed her man after they got engaged in Corfu Credit: Instagram @ellamaerayner 7 Ella is best know for being Comet on the Gladiators Credit: BBC In the photos, the loved-up bride-to-be can be seen holding her hand to her mouth as her boyfriend James Exton is down on one knee on a boat. In the next sweet snap they can be seen kissing after she said "yes". The Gladiators star also shared a photo showing off her HUGE diamond engagement ring. Sharing her happy news on Instagram she wrote: "17.05.25 💍🤍 Advertisement READ MORE ON GLADIATORS "Yes in every single lifetime.I love you forever 🤍." Ella-Rae's fans immediately rushed to congratulate the happy couple with one saying: "Aw so pleased for you guys!" Another added: "I could honestly not be a happier." This one said: "Congrats guys! So happy for you!" Advertisement Most read in News TV The happy couple even got a shout out from celebrity pal Davina McCall, who said: "Awwwwwwww this is so beautiful." BECOMING A GLADIATORS STAR Ella-Rae is best known for her alter-ego Comet on the Gladiators. Watch moment Celebrity Gladiators is thrown into chaos as 'fight' breaks out on set She launched to fame when the iconic 90s show was brought back for a reboot last year by the BBC . Ella-Rae has been involved in sports her whole life, which included being an elite gymnast. Advertisement Speaking about her incredible physique, she told the BBC: 'Previously, women have been told that being muscular just makes you look like a man, but that's absolutely not the case. "I have muscles but I'm a proper girly girl. 7 Ella-Rae shared a picture of her huge rock Credit: Instagram @ellamaerayner 7 The much-loved Gladiator joined the show when it returned to our screens last year Credit: Rex Advertisement 'I love shopping, I love beauty, I love fashion and getting all dressed up. "But I also love being powerful, being strong, muscular." Ella-Rae added: 'I've been told that I've got one of the strongest hits on Duel [one of the show's main events], and you might think that's a game for someone who is more bulky, who looks physically stronger — but you can't judge a book by its cover. Ella-Rae also revealed that Advertisement 7 Comet bounced back after an injury on The Wall that left her fearing she might not return to the show Credit: Instagram She joked: 'Funnily enough I'm recognised in the gym all the time, and that's probably because I'm in less clothes, so people look at me like, 'Oh, I know who she is! She's on Gladiators'. It's flattering. 'After the first series, people didn't really know me because I was out of the show injured — I went to a meet-and-greet event and someone handed me the phone to take the photo of them with another Gladiator! 'That was a bit of a hard pill to swallow at first. I didn't get to show off the skills that I have. Advertisement "Now I really love speaking to the fans and giving back where I can — taking five minutes out of my day to talk to them, especially the kids, because you know it's making their day.' HORROR FALL Meanwhile, it's been a She was forced out of last year's show after falling 30ft from The Wall in a horrifying accident that almost took away her ability to walk. At one point Ella-Rae Advertisement
