Gladiators star Ella-Mae Rayner, who competes on the show as Comet, has married her partner James Exton. She shared photos from their wedding ceremony in St Albans on Instagram on Sunday, revealing the couple tied the knot on Thursday.
Rayner swapped her metallic leotard for a white fitted blazer over a silk skirt with a mini train, teamed with an oversized white hat and veil. She carried a bouquet of cream calla lilies as she walked down the aisle. Exton matched her in a sharp white linen suit.
The photos, taken by @yourdayunscripted, included a shot of the couple posing in front of St Albans Cathedral. Rayner captioned the post: "Yes in every single lifetime. I love you forever!"
The pair got engaged in May 2025 in Corfu, with Rayner sharing photos of Exton getting down on one knee on a boat.
From elite gymnast to Comet
Rayner joined the Gladiators lineup when the BBC revived the show in 2024, performing under her alter-ego Comet. She was previously an elite gymnast before landing the role.
She told the BBC at the time: "Previously, women have been told that being muscular just makes you look like a man, but that's absolutely not the case. I have muscles but I'm a proper girly girl. I love shopping, I love beauty, I love fashion and getting all dressed up, but I also love being powerful, being strong, muscular."
She added: "I've been told that I've got one of the strongest hits on Duel, and you might think that's a game for someone who is more bulky, who looks physically stronger, but you can't judge a book by its cover."
Recovery from a 30ft fall
Comet was forced to take a break from Gladiators in 2024 after falling 30ft from The Wall in an accident that nearly left her unable to walk. The accident wasn't broadcast, but Rayner later spoke about her lengthy recovery in an interview with The Sun On Sunday.
She said: "It just goes to show that we aren't acting. This isn't WWE, this is one of the toughest shows on TV. The injury was really, really tough but I had the team around me and everyone was amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better medical team."
Exton is the founder of his own fitness company, LDN Muscle.
Changes ahead for Gladiators
Filming for the fourth series of Gladiators began late last month, and it has emerged that several stars have been dropped from the lineup. Both Bionic and Athena were reportedly dropped from series four after missing the previous series through injury.
Four new stars have been announced to join the cast, including Olympic gold medal winning skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker. Fitness influencer and weightlifting champion Florence Wong will take on the alter-ego Huntress, and World's Strongest Man champion Tom Stoltman is also joining the show. Bosses have also lined up rugby star Joe Marler to appear as a Celebrity Gladiator.
