Hanging tough

Rugby star Jodie Ounsley - aka Fury - on being the first deaf Gladiator

- MICHAEL DARLING

ENTERTAINMENT Gladiators Saturday, 5.50pm, BBC1 

When the long-awaited revival of Gladiators began last week, we were introduced to the new generation of elite athletes taking part in the ultimate game of speed, strength and stamina.

Among the super-fit, Lycra-clad bunch is Jodie Ounsley, an Exeter Chiefs rugby player from Dewsbury in West Yorkshire, who is the show's first ever deaf Gladiator - Fury.

Here, Ounsley, 23, who's also a champion in ju-jitsu, reveals more about the show and her persona...

Why did you want to become a Gladiator?