Gladiators star Steel’s heartbreaking message to his late son saying ‘wish I could have done more’
GLADIATORS Steel star Zack George has shared a heartbreaking post to his late son – saying ” I wish I could have done more”.
Leo George was born on 26th March, at just 23 weeks and passed away 13 days later.
Zack announced the tragic news with a heartbreaking picture of he and his wife Samantha holding their little one.
The ITV one star took to social media with a new clip with his wife and their 23-month-old daughter Ivy on the beach.
Zack paid a special tribute to baby Leo with a touching message.
He penned: “Three sets of footprints being made in the sand and one in the sky.
“One of my most special moments with Leo is also one that makes me so sad.
“When we spoke to him and held him tight with our hands, we would instantly see his stats improve and heart rate relax.
“We would watch the monitor and see it improving by the second
“Even though he was so young he felt our presence and knew his mummy and daddy.
“Sorry I couldn’t do any more baby boy.”
Zack made the sad announcement on social media this week.
He wrote: “Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left.
“Leo…… you showed us what the true definition of strength is and we are so proud of you.
“You brought so much positivity to the world with the short time you were with us and we felt that positivity in abundance, we thank you all so much for that.”
Zack continued: “Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love. Thank you for letting us know that YOU had had enough of this fight. We will forever be grateful that we didn’t have to make that decision for you.”
“Leo our lion, we love you more than you will ever know.
“Rest easy our little boy.”
Zack’s Gladiators co-stars have raced to share their heartfelt tributes.
Strictly star Montell Douglas, known as Fire, shared a message which read: “RIP baby Leo. Thoughts and prayers are with you both.”
Ella-Mae Rayner, known as Comet, shared: “Cannot even begin to imagine what you must be going through. Sending you both all the love and strength in the world. We are all here for you.”
Jodie Ounsley, Fury, wrote: “My heart genuinely breaks for you both, sending big hugs.”
Alex Gray, known as Apollo, shared hearts and Jade Packer (Electro) said: “Leo, sending so much love & light.”
Zack shared the news that Leo had been born early just three days ago.
He posted on Instagram: “Our Precious Boy Leo George.
“You should still be tucked up inside mummy’s tummy but instead you entered the world on the 26th March 2025 at just 23 weeks weighing 1 pound 8 ounces.
“You never truly know how quickly your life can be turned upside down but one thing we do know is that you are one hell of a strong boy and you are already defying the odds.”
He concluded his post with: “Tiny, fragile and fighting.”
And yesterday he shared an update with his fans, thanking them for their support, alongside a new picture of him and his wife cradling Leo.
Where to get support for bereavement
There is lots of help and available if you are experiencing grief after the death of a loved one.
NHS therapy and counselling services – NHS talking therapies services are for people in England aged 18 or over. You can speak to your GP about talking therapies or get in touch with the talking therapies service directly without going to your GP.
At a loss – Find bereavement services and counselling across the UK
Child Bereavement UK – Offers support if you are bereaved after losing a child. Or if you’re a child or young person who is grieving after losing someone.
The Good Grief Trust – a charity run by bereaved people, helping all those experiencing grief in the UK.
Samaritans – if you’re struggling you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 to talk about anything.
He said: “We really feel like Leo has a nation behind him, thank you so much.
“This was 2 days after he was born in the ‘Honeymoon’ stage where things seemed good and then the real fight started.
“I’ve never felt so many rollercoaster of emotions ever in my life.
“One of the hardest things is trying to see Leo as much as possible, still be there for Ivy as she needs us, be a husband, trying to work, train, eat properly.”
He ended the post: “It’s a lot but us Georges are strong.”
The couple, who also have a daughter called Ivy, announced they were expecting their second child back in January.