We’re just a couple of sleeps away from the return of a true ’90s cult classic. That’s right, Gladiators will be returning to our screens on Saturday night, with an all-new cast of buffed and bronzed athletes stepping to the plate.
Among them is Quang ‘Viper’ Luong. But who exactly is the man with the venomous nickname? Here are five facts that’ll allow you to better know one of the 16 contestants who will take centre stage this weekend.
1. Luong is an avid boxer. You might be wondering why Quang Luong adopted the name Viper. Alongside pumping iron, Luong boxes daily and prides himself on his speed.
“I was born to be a Gladiator,” he said. “I am strong, powerful and just like a Viper I can attack with speed.”
2. Owing to his work in modelling and shredded physique, Luong isn’t a stranger to the big screen. Bizarrely, the new Gladiator has appeared in a James Bond film as a soldier. If you’re wondering which one, it’s Die Another Day starring Pierce Brosnan.
3. Despite his new role on the flagship series Luong has just 871 followers on Instagram. Something tells me that might just change after Saturday night.
4. Viper is 100% natty, and it’s a good job too, as according to bodybuilder Michael Van Wijk, known as Wolf on the original Gladiators, contestants were regularly tested for performance enhancers.
5. According to reports, BBC bosses are expecting Viper to be the modern-day version of Wolf. Insiders are tipping him to whip up the crowd with his ‘bad guy’ persona.
Next, find out about other gladiators: 5 Facts About Gladiators Star Montell ‘Fire’ Douglas and Everything You Need To Know About Diamond From Gladiators.
