tragic loss
Gladiators star Steel reveals heartbreak as baby boy dies just days after being born prematurely
The BBC star was inundated with sympathy from his co-stars and fans
GLADIATORS star Zack George, aka Steel, has revealed his baby son has died just days after being born prematurely.
Leo George was born on 26th March, at just 23 weeks and passed away 13 days later.
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Zack announced the tragic news with a heartbreaking picture of he and his wife Samantha holding their little one.
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."
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Zack continued: "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."
He signed off the post with a several lion emojis.
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The pair were soon inundated with sympathy from friends and followers.
Joey Fishburn, who will compete in the BBC show's final this weekend, wrote: "Can’t imagine your heartache, wishing you and your family nothing but love and peace throughout this time!"
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Montell Douglas, who competes as Fire on the series, said: "RIP baby Leo. Thoughts and prayers and with both of you."
Ashley Cain's ex Safiyya Vorajee, who lost her own daughter Azaylia, added: "My heart feels your pain I’m so so sorry for your loss, please be gentle with yourselves and your baby Leo will always be shining bright guiding you as your guardian angel. all my love."
Zack shared the news that Leo had been born early just three days ago.
He posted on instagram: "Our Precious Boy Leo George.
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"You should still be tucked up inside mummy’s tummy but instead you entered the world on the 26th March 2025 at just 23 weeks weighing 1 pound 8 ounces.
"You never truly know how quickly your life can be turned upside down but one thing we do know is that you are one hell of a strong boy and you are already defying the odds."
He concluded his post with: "Tiny, fragile and fighting."
And yesterday he shared an update with his fans, thanking them for their support, alongside a new picture of him and his wife cradling Leo.
Where to get support for bereavement
There is lots of help and available if you are experiencing grief after the death of a loved one.
s - NHS talking therapies services are for people in England aged 18 or over. You can speak to your GP about talking therapies or get in touch with the talking therapies service directly without going to your GP.
- Find bereavement services and counselling across the UK
- Offers support if you are bereaved after losing a child. Or if you're a child or young person who is grieving after losing someone.
– a charity run by bereaved people, helping all those experiencing grief in the UK.
– if you're struggling you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 to talk about anything.
He said: "We really feel like Leo has a nation behind him, thank you so much.
"This was 2 days after he was born in the 'Honeymoon' stage where things seemed good and then the real fight started.
"I've never felt so many rollercoaster of emotions ever in my life.
"One of the hardest things is trying to see Leo as much as possible, still be there for Ivy as she needs us, be a husband, trying to work, train, eat properly."
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He ended the post: "It’s a lot but us Georges are strong."
The couple, who also have a daughter called Ivy, announced they were expecting their second child back in January.
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