I hate the thought of women missing out on the benefits of exercise

Actor and ex-Gladiator Wayne Gordon is joining the cast of a new British comedy which sheds light on the challenges of the menopause.

Hot Flash tells the story of an accidental entrepreneur who triumphs despite imposter syndrome, brutal menopause symptoms, and the challenges of being a forty plus single mum. Wayne will play the role of gym instructor in a scene which highlights the impact menopause has on women’s confidence when exercising.

Wayne is excited to add to his acting repertoire with a film centred around women: “I love seeing stories come to life which celebrate people succeeding against all odds. For me, fitness is vital for my physical and mental health and I hate the thought of women missing out on its benefits because of lack of confidence or discomfort. I’m proud to help tell Geri’s story, and to help raise awareness of the challenges of menopause.”

Wayne served in HM Forces and went on to represent Great Britain in bobsledding. After joining Gladiators and working to become a stuntman, he realised his true calling was acting while working on the hit TV series, Spooks.

His career's since gone from strength to strength, with roles in Skyfall, Angel Has Fallen, and Vengeance, and more recently Miss Willoughby alongside Kelsey Grammer, and Us or Them, alongside Malin Akerman.

Hot Flash’s writer and producer is Jan Birley, who lives on the East Coast of Yorkshire. She said: “Menopause is the very time when we should be stepping up our self-care, including our workouts. Yet so many of us have turn up at a gym feeling like a total imposter and wanting to be invisible. I’m not sure whether a fitness instructor with film star looks and a gladiatorial physique would make me feel more or less nervous in that scenario so we’ll have to see how our lead character Geri fares with him! But needless to say we’re so excited to have Wayne on board.”

Hot Flash will shoot in Yorkshire from early 2026.