Gladiators Star Jamie 'Giant' Bigg Leaves Show After Three Series
Former bodybuilder claims he was dropped after planning to go public about partner who works as OnlyFans creator
Quick Look
- Jamie Bigg, known as Giant on BBC's Gladiators, has left the show after three series.
- The 6ft 5in former professional bodybuilder and firefighter announced his departure on Instagram, claiming he was told he wouldn't be continuing after making it clear he planned to go public about his relationship with an OnlyFans creator partner.
- A Gladiators spokesperson thanked him for his contributions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Gladiators returned to BBC in 2024 after originally running from 1992-2001. The revival features contestants competing in athletic challenges against the Gladiators. Jamie Bigg, known as Giant, was one of the prominent Gladiators known for his impressive physique as a former professional bodybuilder.
Gladiators star Jamie Bigg, known as Giant, has left the BBC show following the end of this series. Bigg announced the news on his Instagram page on Friday, saying being a Gladiator had been "one of the greatest honours of my life".
In a further statement, Bigg, from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, said: "I made it clear that I was planning to go public with my relationship, including the fact my partner works as an OnlyFans creator, and shortly after that I was told I wouldn't be continuing on Gladiators."
A Gladiators spokesperson said: "After three formidable series, Giant is leaving Gladiators. We'd like to thank him for everything he has contributed to the show and wish him well for the future."
OnlyFans is an online platform where creators can charge subscribers to view their videos and photos. It includes a range of content from cooking to fitness videos, but is best known for featuring adult content.
Bigg said: "[Being told I wouldn't be continuing on Gladiators] wasn't something I expected, especially given the commitment I've shown to the role.
"I've always taken being in the public eye seriously, and I believe being a role model is about honesty as well as professionalism.
"For me, that means not hiding parts of who I am or the people I care about.
"My partner is an incredible person, and I have huge respect for everything she does – I'm proud to stand by her.
"I'm grateful to the BBC and everyone involved in the show for the opportunity and the experiences I've had. Now, my focus is on the future."
The 6ft 5in (1.96m) former professional bodybuilder and firefighter, who has 52cm biceps and eats 10,000 calories a day to maintain his physique, has appeared on Gladiators since its return in 2024.
In January, he confirmed he had dropped his double-barrelled surname Christian-Johal in favour of Bigg, following his divorce and a recent diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Bigg's Instagram post said: "To my Gladiator family. I want to tell you all that I won't be coming back for season 4 of the TV show.
"Being a Gladiator has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
"Stepping into that arena, hearing the crowd, representing strength, resilience and being a role model... that's something I'll carry with me forever.
"What I do want to make clear is this wasn't a decision I made to step away.
"I was faced with a choice that didn't align with my values. And if you know me, you know this... I stand by my people and I stand by what I believe in.
"That's what being a role model means to me. I'm proud of everything I gave to the show and grateful for every single person who supported me along the way."
Open Questions
- Did the BBC explicitly cite his relationship as the reason for his removal?
- Were other Gladiators given similar ultimatums about their personal lives?
- Will this affect ratings or the show's direction for season 4?
