Gladiators’ Steel star shares heartbreaking loss of baby born at 23 weeks

Gladiators star Steel and his wife Samantha have tragically announced the heartbreaking loss of their baby son Leo, who was born at 23 weeks

Steel and his wife Samantha have shared their heartbreaking loss

Gladiators star Steel and his wife Samantha have shared the heartbreaking loss of their baby Leo, who was born at 23 weeks. The couple welcomed their son into the world just a few days ago and decided to call him Leo the lion because of his incredible fight to live, despite arriving so prematurely.

Samantha and Steel – real name Zack George – had been updating fans about how Leo was doing. However, today, they shared the heartbreaking news of the tragic loss of their baby son, praising his “true definition of strength” in his short life.

In a post shared today, Zack and Samantha 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.”

They added: “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.”

Zack and Samantha had previously shared the news they were expecting their second child
Baby Leo arrived last week weighing just two pounds. In the post at the time, Zack had wrote: “Our Precious Boy Leo George [heart emoji]. 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.”

In the emotional post, he simply wrote: “Tiny, fragile and fighting,” in response to his brave son continuing to fight. Following their tragic new update, friends and fans have reached out to lend their support and love.

“Sending all the love, stay strong guys,” one wrote, whilst another added: “Can’t imagine your heartache, wishing you and your family nothing but love and peace throughout this time! Leo the legend.” A third shared: “Sending all our love your way! I’m so sorry.”

“I’m so sorry I’m sending you all so much love and healing,” another wrote, with one adding: “So sorry for your loss. Thoughts with you and your family.” Others sent their messages of condolences.

Steel is one of the new Gladiators on the BBC reboot (Image:

BBC / Graeme Hunter / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)
In another update, Zack thanked fans for their support and kind words. They wrote at the time: “We really feel like Leo has a nation behind him, thank you so much. This was two 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 emotions 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. It’s a lot, but us Georges are strong.”

Samantha also shared a post to her stories where she thanked fans for their kind words and messages. She wrote: “I just wanted to let you all know that even though I’m not replying right now, I’m reading every single one of your messages. As we sit here next to Leo, we feel nothing but all of your positive energy all around him. Hang in there, little lion.”