Gladiators Star Steel Breaks Down as He Sobs ‘He Passed Away in My Arms’

On August 12, 2025, Zack George, widely recognized as Gladiators star Steel, made a heart-wrenching appearance on ITV’s *Loose Women* with his wife, Samantha. The couple opened up about the devastating loss of their newborn son, Leo, who was born prematurely at just 23 weeks. In an emotional segment, Zack recounted the painful moment when he held Leo in his arms as he took his last breaths. The interview served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and sparked a broader conversation about baby loss and grief.

The Initial Shock of Pregnancy Complications

During the interview, Zack and Samantha candidly discussed the overwhelming shock they felt upon discovering complications during Samantha’s pregnancy. They recalled realizing something was wrong, which was a crushing blow to their hopes and dreams for their growing family. Despite the initial shock, they held onto hope when Leo was finally born. However, their joy quickly turned to despair after learning of the serious health issues he faced.

Brain bleeds
Collapsed lungs
Severe prematurity

These complications left Zack and Samantha reeling as they sought answers and comfort in a chaotic and uncertain situation. Zack shared his deep sorrow over not holding Leo sooner, adding to the emotional turmoil surrounding their loss. As they navigated through this heartbreaking time, the couple leaned on each other for support, sharing how grief can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming.

A Message of Hope and Awareness

While grappling with the profound sadness of losing their son, Zack expressed a strong desire to turn their tragedy into a catalyst for change and awareness. He revealed his initiative called the “13 Days Fighting” challenge, which is set to start on August 18 and run through August 30. This project aims to support families who have faced similar heartbreaking losses through premature births.

Myleene Klass, who joined the show, is an advocate for miscarriage awareness. Her empathy offered Zack comfort as he navigated the difficult conversation. Together, they discussed the importance of breaking the silence surrounding baby loss, as it remains a national issue that affects many families.

Encouraging Support and Resources for Grieving Families

Zack and Samantha emphasized that their experience is not an uncommon one; however, the stigma attached to talking about baby loss often leaves grieving parents feeling alone and unheard. They encourage others who have experienced the pain of losing a child to reach out for support from organizations like Sands and Tommy’s, which offer valuable resources and counseling for families dealing with this devastating reality.

By sharing their story, the couple hopes to shed light on the emotional struggles following such a profound loss and to encourage open discussions about these experiences. They believe that through awareness and community support, families can begin to heal together.

Conclusion

As Zack and Samantha George continue to honor the memory of their son, Leo, they inspire others to speak out and seek help. Their heartfelt story is a testament to resilience and the strength of love in the face of adversity. If you are looking for support or resources related to baby loss, please reach out to organizations like Sands and Tommy’s to connect with those who can help you through your grief.