Jamie 'Giant' Bigg has been axed from the BBC series Gladiators, alleging the decision came after he disclosed his relationship with OnlyFans model Taylor Ryan. The towering bodybuilder, who became a fan favourite for his imposing presence and strength, will not be returning for the programme's fourth series, a move he insists was not his choice. In an emotional Instagram post shared with his followers, Giant revealed that he was confronted with a decision that contradicted his personal principles.
He wrote that the choice presented to him did not sit well with his sense of right and wrong. For Giant, being a role model is about loyalty and authenticity, and he expressed that standing firmly by those close to him embodies that ideal. In a separate, more comprehensive statement, Giant went into further detail, claiming that it was shortly after he made his relationship with an adult content creator public that he received word he would be dropped from the Gladiators roster.
He underscored his belief that honesty is at the core of being a positive influence and saw no reason to conceal his personal life. Reflecting on his tenure with the BBC programme, Giant conveyed immense pride in his accomplishments as a Gladiator. He also acknowledged the wave of support from fans, saying their encouragement meant the world to him and made his time on the show unforgettable.
" A spokesperson for the show subsequently issued a statement, noting: "After three formidable series, Giant is leaving Gladiators. " The broadcaster supplemented this with a brief follow-up, a spokesperson confirming that the corporation wishes him well in his future endeavours. However, the narrative soon took a contentious turn.
Giant later alleged that the BBC's justification for his dismissal shifted. According to him, executives later invoked "child safeguarding" as the rationale, a detail that has not been elaborated on publicly by the network. He was forthright in identifying his girlfriend as Taylor Ryan, a 28-year-old who creates content on the subscription platform OnlyFans, and stated that their relationship had been conducted in the open.
The controversy surrounding Giant's exit intersected with news of his marital breakdown. Reports confirmed that he separated from his wife, Katie, towards the end of 2024, with legal divorce proceedings still pending. The couple had been married since 2014 and are parents to two young children, adding a layer of personal upheaval to the professional drama.
faced with a choice that didn't align with my values
Katie Christian appeared to respond to the separation through her social media channels. In a defiant post, she hinted at a new chapter focused on self-care and independence, making it clear she intends to put herself first. Public records later revealed that Giant, who had gone by the surname Christian-Johal during his marriage, formally changed his name back to James Bigg following the divorce finalisation in November 2025.
Before achieving television fame, Giant led a life of service and physical discipline. According to his official biography, he previously worked as a firefighter, a role that demanded courage and fitness. He subsequently pivoted to professional bodybuilding, competing at high levels and earning a reputation for his dedication to the sport.
His agency profile further paints him as a fitness coach based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, highlighting his commitment to helping others achieve their physical goals. Physically, Giant is a specimen of extreme proportions. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 5 inches, his biceps measure a staggering 52 centimetres in circumference, dwarfing those of typical athletes.
He weighs in at over 20 stone, a bulk sustained by a prodigious daily intake of roughly 10,000 calories, a regimen documented in multiple media outlets. On the Gladiators arena, his signature event was "Duel", a test of strength and balance where contenders strike each other with pugil sticks atop raised pedestals. Show statistics underscored his dominance in this event, where he rarely tasted defeat.
Despite his clean-cut image on television, Giant's past has not been without blemish. He previously admitted to using anabolic steroids and even endorsing their use during his bodybuilding career. In a public statement, he claimed to have ceased steroid use in October 2022 and has since distanced himself from promoting such substances.
The BBC, for its part, pointed to its rigorous anti-drugs protocols. A spokesperson stressed that the production adheres to a strict no-drugs policy, with comprehensive drug testing carried out on participants. Tests administered to Giant, they said, returned negative for performance-enhancing drugs throughout his involvement.
The exact nature of the child safeguarding concerns cited by the BBC remains unclear, as the corporation has declined to elaborate, leaving room for speculation. The news of Giant's departure reverberated as the Gladiators community already grappled with sadness: Lize van der Walt, known to fans as Gold, passed away at the age of 60. The show's official social media page confirmed her death, leading to an outpouring of tributes from viewers and colleagues alike.