Gladiators stars takes on Disney on Ice in heroic fitness battle

Gladiators stars Montell Douglas and Zack George have said "true strength isn't just physical" and added that kindness is a "superpower" as they competed against professional skaters from the Disney On Ice tour in a 'fitness battle' with a difference.

The duo took on a series of skill and strength challenges during an event hosted at Queen's ice rink in London ahead of the upcoming Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero tour.

TV fans may also recognise former Olympian Montell Douglas from her stint on Strictly Come Dancing last year, when she was partnered with Johannes Radebe.

The Lewisham-born athlete, 39, 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 began her television career, starring as Fire in the reboot of Gladiators on BBC One.

While UK CrossFit star, Zack George, 35, won the title of the UK's Fittest Man in 2020 and competes as Steel on BBC's popular Gladiators.

As part of their friendly challenge with Disney On Ice's skaters they took on high-speed races, precision lifts and agility tests, testing not only their physical abilities (they took on a push-up challenge with children on their backs for extra weight) but also teamwork.

Both stars may have met their match with the ice though, as Zack said it was his second time ever putting on skates, and Montell navigated balance and staying upright on the ice.

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 said: "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."

Speaking on the day, children who attended the event shared their thoughts on heroes, with one saying "what it takes to be a hero is being kind, strong and full of teamwork", while others said "you've got to be brave, and strong and confident, and considerate."

In a video, Zack George added that a huge 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, which runs in the UK from the 29th October 2025 - 4th January 2026, features Disney stories being brought to life through ice-skating where audiences will discover "what it truly means to be a hero."

With characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends, the tour will visit Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Belfast, Manchester, Sheffield and London.

The tour also features festive Disney staples 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."

For other deals on family days out Wowcher has no shortage of options, or shoppers can look at what Virgin has on offer too.

With the tour only starting next month there are no reviews, but attendees from previous Disney On Ice events did leave feedback on Tripadvisor, with one person saying: "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."

But the same customer had some drawbacks around pricing, adding: "The Disney on Ice show, AMAZING but the price and organisation at the arena needs some work."

Festive fans can buy tickets for the Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero tour from Ticketmaster and www.disneyonice.co.uk.

READ NEXT:

• Everything inside The Body Shop's £60 beauty advent calendar
• M&S £40 handbag reminds us of a designer version that is over £2,000 more
• I opened the L'Occitane Advent calendar early to see if it's really worth £150
• Lookfantastic advent calendar saves shoppers £550 on Medik8, White Company and more
• Elizabeth Arden £99 anti-ageing serum that leaves skin 'feeling like silk' on sale for £45