GLADIATORS is returning to our screens in the new year with a brand new line-up.
Quang Luong is taking on the persona of Viper — here we get to know the competition's new villain.
Who is Quang Luong?
Quang Luong is one of the new Gladiators in the show's reboot, which launches in January 2024 and is hosted by father and son combo Bradley and Barney Walsh.
Luong will be called Viper as he takes on an alter ego in the new line-up.
Talking about his part on the show, he said: "I was born to be a Gladiator.
What Ola and James Jordan really ate and did to shed 7st
"I am strong, powerful and just like a Viper I can attack with speed."
Viper is like a modern day version of Wolf, the show’s original villain, who was brought to life by Michael van Wijk.
But original Gladiators bad boy Van Wijk wasn't overly impressed, calling Viper a "carbon copy" of Wolf.
Speaking to the Radio Times in January 2024, he said: “No disrespect to the new Gladiators but there’s a lot more competition now with streaming and social media.
"We pulled in 13m viewers at our peak. They’ll have difficulty matching that.
Michael was also asked if he would ever go back on the show, to which he replied: “I wouldn’t mind. I still work out five days a week, lifting weights with guys half my age.
"I could do Gladiators tomorrow…”
But Quang is a fan of Wolf. When asked about whether he watched the original Gladiators TV show, he said: "I liked Wolf. He was the baddie, and now I'm the baddie."
And when asked to describe his character Viper, Luong said: "Viper is mean, moody, sneaky and powerful."
A show insider said: "Viper is one to watch, he’ll whip up the crowd just like Wolf and will play up to his bad guy persona.
I’m a fitness pro & everyone makes the same mistake when trying to lose weight
"He oozes personally, as well as muscles, and will be an intimidating prospect for the contenders.
"You really don’t want to mess with him."
The show, which is filmed at the Sheffield Arena, will air on BBC One and iPlayer.
Contestants face off against the Gladiators in a series of new games, as well as some returning tasks, which will test their speed and strength.
When did Quang Luong start bodybuilding?
For the past 15 years, Quang Luong has dedicated his life to fitness and spends every day training and bodybuilding.
As well as bodybuilding, he boxes and prides himself on his speed.
Luong can bench press an impressive 150kg, which is the same weight as an adult Panda.
What films has Quang Luong been in?
Working as a fitness model, Quang has often been cast in films in powerful roles, appearing in a James Bond film as a soldier.
He starred in 007 movie Die Another Day alongside Pierce Brosnan, playing a villain.
He also appeared in the series Intergalactic.
