Latest news with #GladiatorFire
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gladiators star Steel reveals medical procedure contributed to newborn son death
Gladiators star Zack George, aka TV athlete Steel, has shared how he believes a medical procedure contributed to the death of his newborn son. The BBC star, 35, and wife Samantha George welcomed son Leo earlier this year, who was born 23 weeks premature. Tragically, the infant died 13 days later, as his condition took a grave turn. Described by George as 'one hell of a strong boy,' the issues began when Leo was taken off his ventilator and placed on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), a non-invasive way of keeping airways open. It was during this procedure that it is believed accidental damage was done to his windpipe. Later suffering from brain bleeds, a hole in his heart, and collapsing lungs, air pockets also began to form around little Leo's lungs. George told The Mirror: 'Around the tenth day, they started getting a bit bigger. They came to the conclusion that when they tubed him, either the first or the second time, they created a hole in his windpipe. It's no one's fault; a baby that young is really fragile—it's just a risk.' He continued: 'That was really hard, because if it hadn't happened, he would probably still be here. A 23-week-old baby has so much to do. Overnight, he got quite bad; that's when we went in, and he passed away.' With Leo already having been through so much, the parents decided against CPR. On April 8, George shared the sad news in a post to his Instagram account. Posting a picture of himself and Samantha cradling their son, he wrote: 'Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left ♥️ 'Leo…… you showed us what the true definition of strength is and we are so proud of you. 'You brought so much positivity to the world with the short time you were with us and we felt that positivity in abundance, we thank you all so much for that. 'Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love. Thank you for letting us know that YOU had had enough of this fight. We will forever be grateful that we didn't have to make that decision for you 💔 'Leo our lion, we love you more than you will ever know. 'Rest easy our little boy 🦁🦁🦁'. In the comments below, George's Gladiators co-stars paid tribute to the family's loss. 'RIP baby Leo 💔🕊️ Thoughts and prayers are with you both,' wrote Montell Douglas, who plays Gladiator Fire. 'So sorry!! Forever here for you guy!!' said Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, AKA Nitro. Matty Campbell, or Bionic, said: 'Heartbreaking. we're all here for you ❤️' 'My heart genuinely breaks for you both, sending big hugs❤️' commented Fury star Jodie Ounsley. In Leo's honour, George has launched a 13-day-long fitness challenge during which he'll do a mile of burpees every day to commemorate his son. Announcing the news on Instagram, George wrote: 'It's hard to put into words the pain of losing a child. The grief is heavy, and it's taken so much strength just to begin piecing ourselves back together. 'Our beautiful Leo taught us the true meaning of strength, courage, and bravery in his 13 precious days with us. Inspired by him, I'm taking on the '13 Days Fighting' challenge — to honour his life and carry forward his legacy.' A donation to the fund will raise money for the Leicester Royal Infirmary NICU unit, where Leo was cared for, while also raising awareness for premature baby loss and supporting other families who have suffered similar heartbreak. Fans can donate to the cause via George's GoFundMe page, which has raised over £6,000 so far. As the star prepared for the challenge, George shared a video of his fellow Gladiators practising 15 minutes of burpees. More Trending 'This is a moment that will forever be with me, my family and Leo 🦁' George wrote as he shared the footage to his Instagram account. 'Everyone who makes one of the greatest Tv shows on earth pulling together and doing burpees in memory of Leo ♥️' Describing it as 'very emotional but perfect at the same time,' he signed off: 'Thank you, our boy would of loved watching this from above'. View More » For more information about the challenge, how to get involved, or to donate, visit . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Gary Lineker officially signs up to 'unpredictable' new show following BBC exit MORE: Which Strictly pros are competing this year after Gorka Márquez news devastates fans? MORE: I love Mrs Brown's Boys – I'll always defend it against TV snobs
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I ditched a Michelin-starred cooking career to serve school dinners… now I'm The Sun school chef champion
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MONTELL DOUGLAS has become a fitness icon for a generation of kids as Gladiator Fire – after the rebooted show became a huge Saturday night hit. But when she paid a surprise visit to Henry Cavendish Primary School in Balham, South London, last week, it was to celebrate another hero making a difference to children's health. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Gladiator Montell Douglas visited Henry Cavendish Primary School to meet chef Nathan Scarlett Credit: Darren Fletcher 3 Nathan has been named The Sun's School Chef Champion Credit: Darren Fletcher Nathan Scarlett, 32, aka Chef Nathan at the school, has become a favourite of the 800 pupils thanks to the super-delicious food he creates and his inspiring personality. Former Olympic sprinter Montell, who wowed on the last series of Strictly Come Dancing with pro partner Johannes Radebe, dropped in during assembly to tell Nathan he had been named The Sun's School Chef Champion — as part of Jamie Oliver's Good School Food Awards. He was nominated by countless pupils after we asked readers to tell us about the best school cooks. Montell said: 'I jumped at the chance to surprise Chef Nathan with his trophy. read more on school meals CHILD'S PLAY Free school meals for half a million for kids confirmed in spending review "What an inspirational guy, and he is fuelling the future of our kids. 'Since becoming a TV Gladiator, I love that it has allowed me to become a role model for kids. "But Chef Nathan proves not all heroes wear Lycra.' As well as overseeing meals at two sites at Henry Cavendish, professional chef Nathan also runs after-school cooking clubs and holiday clubs encouraging children to eat well. He said: 'Winning was such a shock and it is amazing. 'But award or no award, working with the children, getting to know them and seeing all of their happy faces every day . . . that is my reward.' Nathan has achieved an astonishing amount at Henry Cavendish in the year he has been working there. Top school chef reveals his simple way to get kids eating healthily as The Sun present him with Jamie Oliver food award The dedicated chef gave up a career in Michelin-starred London restaurants and top private catering to become a school cook. He reveals his passion for cooking came out of his own reliance on school meals. Nathan said: 'I grew up in foster care. 'I was in about eight different foster homes around South London during my childhood. 'My mother placed me in foster care as she wanted me to have a better life. 'I fell in love with cooking during home economics lessons at school because I loved eating. 'I started volunteering when I was only 15 years old. "It was in the kitchen of Chez Bruce, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Wandsworth, South West London, and also with chef Richard Corrigan. 'I went on to study catering at college and eventually they took me on at Chez Bruce. 'I later worked in private catering, including for a top law firm. 'I enjoyed it but knew in my heart I wanted something else. 'ROLE MODEL' 'One of my final foster mothers also ran a childminding business, so there were always young children around and I just really enjoyed that setting. 'So the idea of becoming a school chef suited me and I have not looked back. 'I got married last year — and my wife Talitha is a primary school teacher, so we share that passion.' But Nathan insists that his young customers are as discerning as his previous clientele at those high-end establishments, and that passion and attention to detail are just as important. He said: 'As soon as I started at the school I knew that I wanted to involve the kids. 'I created a School Food Ambassador for every class and meet them every week to ask for their input. 'They also help serve the meals. 'When you are catering for children you have to think differently. 'For instance, the younger children often like to have everything separately on their plate, they do not like things mixed together or pre-mixed in a sauce. 'So we serve everything separately and the children build a nutritious plate, assembling a balanced meal as they wish.' Nathan was hired at Henry Cavendish when the school decided to stop outsourcing cooking to an outside catering firm, and take control of dinners back in house under the control of a school chef. 3 Nathan involves the kids in his meal-making and takes their input Credit: Darren Fletcher The school's headteacher, Matthew Apsley, is thrilled Nathan's dedication has been recognised. He said: 'Chef Nathan's passion for food is contagious. "He inspires the children with everything he does. He isn't just a school chef, he is role model.' When I sat down to sample lunch for myself — a delicious Caribbean-style chicken drumstick with salad, rice and pineapple on the side — a group of Year Six pupils explained why Chef Nathan is so loved in the school. Lillia Hau, 11, said: 'I used to have packed lunches, then I heard there was a new chef so thought I would give school dinners a try. "They are so good. 'He is such a nice guy, he always comes around and asks if we like our meals, and offers us seconds. He's not just feeding children, he's fuelling their confidence, curiosity and sense of belonging Jamie Oliver "After we finished our SAT exams recently, he baked us a special cake.' Jamie Oliver launched The Good School Food Awards, backed by The Sun, three years ago because he wanted to champion excellence in school meals. Jamie said: 'Nathan is a truly worthy winner of The Sun's Chef Champion Award. "Since joining the school last year, he's totally transformed the food. 'He's not just feeding children, he's fuelling their confidence, curiosity and sense of belonging. 'He's teaching kids how to cook, he is running after-school clubs and holiday clubs. He's an absolute superstar.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Irish Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I ditched a Michelin-starred cooking career to serve school dinners… now I'm The Sun school chef champion
MONTELL DOUGLAS has become a fitness icon for a generation of kids as Gladiator Fire – after the rebooted show became a huge Saturday night hit. But when she paid a surprise visit to Henry Cavendish Primary School in Balham, South London, last week, it was to celebrate another hero making a difference to children's health. 3 Gladiator Montell Douglas visited Henry Cavendish Primary School to meet chef Nathan Scarlett Credit: Darren Fletcher 3 Nathan has been named The Sun's School Chef Champion Credit: Darren Fletcher Nathan Scarlett, 32, aka Chef Nathan at the school, has become a favourite of the 800 pupils thanks to the super-delicious food he creates and his inspiring personality. Former Olympic sprinter He was nominated by countless pupils after we asked readers to tell us about the best school cooks. Montell said: 'I jumped at the chance to surprise Chef Nathan with his trophy. "What an inspirational guy, and he is fuelling the future of our kids. 'Since becoming a TV Gladiator, I love that it has allowed me to become a role model for kids. "But Chef Nathan proves not all heroes wear Lycra.' As well as overseeing meals at two sites at Henry Cavendish, professional chef Nathan also runs after-school cooking clubs and holiday clubs encouraging children to eat well. He said: 'Winning was such a shock and it is amazing. Most read in The Sun 'But award or no award, working with the children, getting to know them and seeing all of their happy faces every day . . . that is my reward.' Nathan has achieved an astonishing amount at Henry Cavendish in the year he has been working there. Top school chef reveals his simple way to get kids eating healthily as The Sun present him with Jamie Oliver food award The dedicated chef gave up a career in Michelin-starred London restaurants and top private catering to become a school cook. He reveals his passion for cooking came out of his own reliance on school meals. Nathan said: 'I grew up in foster care. 'I was in about eight different foster homes around South London during my childhood. 'My mother placed me in foster care as she wanted me to have a better life. 'I fell in love with cooking during home economics lessons at school because I loved eating. 'I started volunteering when I was only 15 years old. "It was in the kitchen of 'I went on to study catering at college and eventually they took me on at Chez Bruce. 'I later worked in private catering, including for a top law firm. 'I enjoyed it but knew in my heart I wanted something else. 'ROLE MODEL' 'One of my final foster mothers also ran a childminding business, so there were always young children around and I just really enjoyed that setting. 'So the idea of becoming a 'I got married last year — and my wife Talitha is a primary school teacher, so we share that passion.' But Nathan insists that his young customers are as discerning as his previous clientele at those high-end establishments, and that passion and attention to detail are just as important. He said: 'As soon as I started at the school I knew that I wanted to involve the kids. 'I created a School Food Ambassador for every class and meet them every week to ask for their input. 'They also help serve the meals. 'When you are catering for children you have to think differently. 'For instance, the younger children often like to have everything separately on their plate, they do not like things mixed together or pre-mixed in a sauce. 'So we serve everything separately and the children build a nutritious plate, assembling a balanced meal as they wish.' Nathan was hired at Henry Cavendish when the school decided to stop outsourcing cooking to an outside catering firm, and take control of dinners back in house under the control of a school chef. 3 Nathan involves the kids in his meal-making and takes their input Credit: Darren Fletcher The school's headteacher, Matthew Apsley, is thrilled Nathan's dedication has been recognised. He said: 'Chef Nathan's passion for food is contagious. "He inspires the children with everything he does. He isn't just a When I sat down to sample lunch for myself — a delicious Caribbean-style chicken drumstick with salad, rice and pineapple on the side — a group of Year Six pupils explained why Chef Nathan is so loved in the school. Lillia Hau, 11, said: 'I used to have packed lunches, then I heard there was a new chef so thought I would give school dinners a try. "They are so good. 'He is such a nice guy, he always comes around and asks if we like our meals, and offers us seconds. He's not just feeding children, he's fuelling their confidence, curiosity and sense of belonging Jamie Oliver "After we finished our SAT exams recently, he baked us a special cake.' Jamie Oliver launched Jamie said: 'Nathan is a truly worthy winner of "Since joining the school last year, he's totally transformed the food. 'He's not just feeding children, he's fuelling their confidence, curiosity and sense of belonging. Read more on the Irish Sun 'He's teaching kids how to cook, he is running after-school clubs and holiday clubs. He's an absolute superstar.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
