In a shocking announcement, Gladiators star Giant has confirmed that he will not return for the show’s fourth series, suggesting that his departure was beyond his control. The 40-year-old bodybuilder and firefighter, who joined the rebooted Gladiators in 2024, shared a cryptic statement on Instagram, hinting that he was “facing a choice which did not align with his values.”
In his emotional post, Giant, whose real name is Jamie Bigg, shared that stepping into the arena and representing strength had been one of the greatest honors of his life. However, he clarified that his exit was not a decision he made voluntarily.
“Being a Gladiator has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Stepping into that arena, hearing the crowd, representing strength and resilience, that’s something I’ll carry with me forever,” he wrote. “But I want to make it clear that this wasn’t my choice to leave. I was faced with a decision that didn’t align with my values. I stand by my people and what I believe in.”
Following his departure, a Gladiators spokesperson told The Daily Mail: “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.”
On the official Gladiators Instagram page, a statement echoed these sentiments, praising Giant not only for his strength in the arena but also for his confidence and kindness, which inspired others. “What an adventure it has been,” the statement read. “Giant’s journey on Gladiators has come to an end, but he will always be remembered as a true giant, not just in strength, but in spirit.”
In 2024, it was revealed that Giant had previously admitted to using steroids in YouTube videos. He had boasted about his “phenomenal gains,” with one video titled: “Take this and you will get big.” After the video resurfaced, Giant addressed the controversy, explaining that during his competitive bodybuilding years, he had used performance-enhancing drugs but had stopped taking steroids by October 2022.
He clarified, “I am no longer a professional bodybuilder, I’m no longer taking steroids, and I do not advocate their use.”
A BBC spokesperson defended Gladiators production’s stance, stating, “The Gladiators production team adheres to a strict no-drugs policy, and all Gladiators are subject to drug testing, which they all complied with. The results showed that they were not taking performance-enhancing drugs.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his past steroid use, Giant’s exit has raised questions about whether his departure was related to personal values or external pressures.
Giant had previously revealed he was changing his last name after a divorce from his wife, Katie, in 2025. Now, he has decided to reclaim his identity and go by his birth name, Jamie Bigg, as he moves forward in 2026.
Stay tuned for more details on Giant’s exit from Gladiators and his personal journey.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
