Gladiator Star Jet's Domestic Abuse Scandal Sparks Outrage

Ex-wife Zoe Gilbert speaks out against Jet's return to the Gladiators live tour amid allegations of physical assault.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:12am

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying the emotional intensity and broken trust within a high-profile relationship.The fallout from a celebrity domestic abuse scandal casts a dark shadow over the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.Today in Birmingham

Diane Youdale, known as 'Jet' from the 90s TV show Gladiators, has faced backlash after her return to the Gladiators live tour and Birmingham's Gladiators Experience. Youdale's ex-wife, Zoe Gilbert, has spoken out against the decision, citing a 2023 incident where Youdale admitted to physically assaulting her during a heated argument. Gilbert argues that Youdale's actions should have barred her from returning to the family-oriented show, and questions whether the BBC would have taken the same approach if the roles were reversed.

Why it matters

This story highlights the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse allegations against celebrities and the entertainment industry's responsibility to its audience. It raises questions about public accountability, the impact of celebrity culture, and the long-term effects of domestic violence, even in high-profile relationships.

The details

In February 2023, Jet (Diane Youdale) admitted to attacking her then-wife Zoe Gilbert during a heated argument, claiming she had reached her breaking point. The altercation resulted in police intervention and left Gilbert with physical injuries, though she admits to having a hazy memory of the details due to the trauma. Gilbert believes Youdale's actions should have prevented her from returning to the Gladiators live tour, arguing that if the roles were reversed, there would be public outrage. Youdale maintains that the incident was not one-sided, while Gilbert alleges that Youdale also threatened her life in a November phone call, a claim Youdale denies.

  • In February 2023, Jet admitted to attacking Zoe Gilbert during a heated argument.
  • The altercation occurred in 2023 and resulted in police intervention.
  • Jet is set to return to the Gladiators live tour and Birmingham's Gladiators Experience in 2026.

The players

Diane Youdale

Also known as 'Jet', a former Gladiators star who has been cast in the show's live tour and Birmingham's Gladiators Experience.

Zoe Gilbert

Youdale's ex-wife, who has spoken out against Youdale's return to the Gladiators show following a 2023 incident where Youdale admitted to physically assaulting her.

BBC

The broadcaster that has decided to include Youdale in the Gladiators live tour and Birmingham's Gladiators Experience, despite the domestic abuse allegations.

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What they’re saying

“If the roles were reversed, and it was a male star involved in such an incident, there would be public outrage.”

— Zoe Gilbert, Youdale's ex-wife

“The reality is far worse than what Jet has publicly disclosed.”

— Zoe Gilbert, Youdale's ex-wife

“Jet's admission of physical assault, even if it was a one-time incident, should have barred her from returning to a family-oriented show like Gladiators.”

— Zoe Gilbert, Youdale's ex-wife

What’s next

The BBC has faced criticism for its decision to include Jet in the Gladiators live tour and Birmingham's Gladiators Experience, and it remains to be seen whether the backlash will lead to any changes in their programming or policies regarding domestic abuse allegations against celebrities.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse allegations against celebrities and the entertainment industry's responsibility to its audience. It raises important questions about public accountability, the impact of celebrity culture, and the need for greater awareness and support for victims of domestic violence, even in high-profile relationships.