Gladiators star surprises pupils on school visit

An image of Zack George in his Gladiator uniform seen on the BBC
Gladiator Steel said he used to be overweight as a child [BBC]

One of the stars of BBC series Gladiators has paid a visit to a school in Derbyshire to promote good health and wellbeing.

Steel, whose real name is Zack George, turned up at Woodbridge Junior School in Alfreton on Tuesday to deliver his "movement masterclass to children".

He told pupils he had been overweight when he was a child and had little confidence but was now passionate about using his platform to make a difference.

"As a child, I knew what it was like to not be confident or comfortable in your own skin, so I want to use my platform to the best of my abilities and change that for other children," he told the BBC.

An image of Zack George giving a speech to children at Woodbridge Junior School
Steel visited the school on Tuesday [BBC]

His session at Woodbridge was split into five sections: healthy balanced eating, exercise, mindset, confidence and hydration.

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"It all starts with that inner belief and confidence", he said.

"Surround yourself with positive people and never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve anything because anything is possible."

An image of several children and two female teachers sat with Zack George
The TV star said he was passionate about inspiring young people [BBC]

Emma Hanson, the school's head teacher, said pupils were in disbelief when Steel showed them a photograph of his old self.

"Having a role model like Zack, who showed a photo of his younger self and how he turned that around, is absolutely amazing for the children," she said.

"When Zack asked what the children want to be when they grow up, a lot of them shouted "gladiators", so he is a fantastic role model and is so positive."

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