'I love being a powerful role model for women'

Diamond takes to BBC One on Saturday for the new series of Gladiators

One of the stars of Gladiators has said she is proud to be a powerful role model for girls and women.

Livi Sheldon, better known to millions of viewers as Diamond, talked about her experience on the show ahead of the launch of the second season on Saturday.

The bodybuilder and former Worcester City Ladies footballer said the response to the first series had been "incredible".

"I've had so many messages from parents thanking us for being able to show their kids strong, powerful and empowering women, who can have muscle mass and still be feminine at the same time," she said.

"It's wonderful to show that because when I was younger... it was really hard growing up as a girl who played football and went on to start bodybuilding, and to have that femininity as well."

Diamond said there was no chance of contenders having an easy ride in the second series

Diamond, from Worcester, said more and more women were taking up activities like bodybuilding, adding that they were going to "take over the world".

She has become one of the most recognisable of the female Gladiators, taking part in a several of the regular events.

She said the key to maintaining her fitness was consistency with her diet and exercise, which included weight lifting five to six times a week. However, she said simpler activities like walking were beneficial too.

Asked about her strong and intimidating persona on the show, Ms Sheldon said: "I'm not there to hurt or scare anyone.

"The contenders are so brave for coming up against all of us Gladiators. We're just there to have fun, but we can't give the contenders an easy time."

The first episode of season two of Gladiators will air on BBC One at 17:50 GMT on Saturday and will be available on BBCiPlayer.