Stars from BBC Gladiators take on Disney on Ice cast to celebrate new tour launch

Gladiators stars Montell Douglas and Zack George have declared that 'true strength isn't just physical' and stressed that kindness is a 'superpower. ' The duo imparted their wisdom as they squared off against professional skaters from the Disney On Ice tour in an unusual 'fitness battle'.

Olympian Montell and CrossFit champion Zack took on a series of skill and strength challenges during an event at Queen's ice rink in London, ahead of the upcoming Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero tour. Telly fans may also recall former Olympian Montell Douglas from her stint on Strictly Come Dancing last year, where she was partnered with Johannes Radebe.

39 year old Montell from Lewisham in London, competed in the 100m at Beijing 2008 and was also part of the bobsleigh team at Beijing 2022 - making her the first British woman to compete in different sports at both the Olympic summer and winter games.

In May 2023 she kick-started her television career, appearing as Fire in the rebooted Gladiators on BBC One, according to the Express. Meanwhile, UK CrossFit champion Zack George, 35, earned the title of the UK's Fittest Man in 2020 and performs as Steel on BBC's popular show Gladiators.

During their contest with Disney On Ice's professional skaters, the pair tackled high-speed races, precision lifts and agility tests. The battles not only tested their physical prowess (they managed a press-up challenge with youngsters on their backs for extra weight) but also showed how well they cope with teamwork.

Both celebrities may have met their match on the ice, with Zack confessing it was only his second time wearing skates. Montell also struggled with balance and staying upright on the slippery surface.

Montell Douglas said: "As a young athlete, I was inspired by the people around me - coaches, teammates, and family - who showed resilience and drive every day.

"Taking on something new like skating with Disney On Ice reminded me how important it is to embrace challenges, even if you stumble along the way. That's where teamwork and kindness come in - being there for each other, lifting each other up and remembering to be kind to yourself too. It might seem small, but kindness can completely change how someone feels, and that's a real superpower."

Zack George remarked: "I grew up watching Disney characters that shaped how I understood bravery and this challenge was a reminder that being a hero isn't about being perfect. In my sport I rely on strength, agility and power, and usually I'm quick to adapt - but stepping out on the ice was a whole new test! What I realised is that true strength isn't just physical.

"You can train as hard as you want, but the heroes who stand out are the ones who bring kindness and positivity to the people around them."

On the day, youngsters who attended the event shared their views on what it meant to be a hero. One child said: "What it takes to be a hero is being kind, strong and full of teamwork," whilst others reckoned that you had to be 'brave, strong, confident and considerate.'

In a video message, Zack George stressed that a major part of being a hero is "being able to lift everyone around you up with you, it's something so simple but has such a huge impact."

The Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero tour is running in the UK from October 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Fans will get to witness Disney stories brought to life through ice-skating, allowing audiences to discover "what it truly means to be a hero."

Featuring characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends, the tour will make stops in Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Belfast, Manchester, Sheffield and London. Tickets are out now on Ticketmaster.

The tour also includes festive Disney favourites like Encanto, where audiences can sing along with Mirabel and her sisters, Isabela and Luisa, as well as characters and scenes from Beauty and The Beast and The Little Mermaid.

Adam Loosley, Show Director from Feld Entertainment, said: "Partnering with Zack and Montell on this challenge gave us the perfect opportunity to reflect on that being a hero is about so much more than physical strength. From Moana setting sail into the unknown to Elsa embracing her magic, Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero celebrates everyday bravery, determination, and self-belief.

"At its heart, it's a reminder that heroes truly come in all shapes and sizes, and that anyone - no matter their age, background, or ability - can find the hero within themselves."

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Given the tour doesn't kick off until next month, no reviews are available yet. Guests have however, left their feedback from previous Disney On Ice productions on TripAdvisor.

One visitor said: "We went to the OVO arena to see Disney on Ice. Our seats where back in the second block to the side with great views but I would think any where you sit in the arena you have a good view. The Disney on Ice show was absolutely brilliant, my daughter and I took my 4 year old grandson and he loved minute of it. The show had a great story, the skaters where superb and the costumes fabulous. We pre paid for parking in the red car park which was quick and efficient in and out."

However, the same visitor voiced concerns about the costs, saying: "The Disney on Ice show is amazing but the price and organisation at the arena needs some work."

Tickets for the enchanting Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero tour can be snapped up from Ticketmaster or directly from https://www.disneyonice.com/.