Gladiators star Giant leaves show claiming he was axed

Giant, one of the most recognisable figures on the BBC's rebooted Gladiators, has confirmed he is leaving the programme and will not appear in the upcoming fourth series. In a statement on social media, Giant said his departure was not his choice and that he was presented with an ultimatum that conflicted with his personal values. The 6ft 5in star, who weighs over 20 stone and has 52cm biceps, alleged that BBC bosses told him his relationship with OnlyFans model Taylor Ryan was the reason for his removal, citing child safeguarding concerns. According to Giant, as reported by the Daily Mail, he was informed by BBC executives that 'child safeguarding' was the justification for his exit. The BBC's official Gladiators Instagram account posted a statement thanking Giant and noting that his journey on the show had come to an end, without addressing the specific reasons for his departure.

The BBC and Gladiators production team have offered a contrasting account of events. A BBC spokesperson said the production team had a robust no-drugs policy and that drug testing showed no performance-enhancing drugs were being taken, though this statement did not directly address Giant's claims about his relationship or child safeguarding. A Gladiators spokesperson confirmed that Giant is leaving after three series and thanked him for his contributions, but did not mention the OnlyFans relationship or any safeguarding issues. The discrepancy between Giant's detailed allegations and the BBC's vague official statements leaves the true reason for his departure unclear, potentially affecting public perception of the broadcaster's decision-making. Neither the BBC nor Gladiators officials have commented on whether Giant's relationship with Taylor Ryan played any role in his exit.

Giant's personal life has come under scrutiny following his separation from his wife, Katie Christian. According to multiple reports, Giant and Katie Christian separated in late 2024 and have two children together. Katie Christian, speaking to the Daily Mail, described herself as 'hurt and shocked' that Giant had moved on so quickly, noting that they are not yet divorced. She also said she is 'still processing the breakdown of my marriage of 13 years'. Giant and Taylor Ryan, meanwhile, are reportedly considering starting a family, according to two sources. The timeline of Giant's relationship with Taylor Ryan relative to his separation from Katie Christian remains unclear, as does the specific nature of the 'choice' Giant said he was given that did not align with his values.

Giant, whose real name is Jamie Bigg, has a background in competitive bodybuilding. According to Giant, as reported by the Daily Mail, he previously used steroids as a competitive bodybuilder but stopped in October 2022. His physical stature — 6ft 5in tall, weighing over 20 stone, with 52cm biceps — made him a standout on Gladiators, where his strongest event was Duel, according to multiple reports. Giant previously went by the name Jamie Christian-Johal but changed back to James Bigg after divorcing his wife Katie in November 2025, according to research from two sources. The name change reflects his personal transition following the end of his marriage.

The departure of Giant comes amid broader news for the Gladiators franchise. Original Gladiators star Lize van der Walt, known as Gold, died at age 60 on Sunday 19 April, according to two sources. Her death has cast a shadow over the show's legacy, though it is unrelated to Giant's exit. It remains unclear whether Giant's departure will affect the production or casting of Gladiators series 4, or whether any other cast members are facing similar issues. The BBC has not announced any further changes to the Gladiators lineup.