Giant leaves BBC show Gladiators after three seasons Jamie Bigg, known on the BBC’s Gladiators as “Giant,” has announced he will not return for the show’s fourth series. The former professional bodybuilder and firefighter made the announcement on his Instagram page on Friday, April 24, 2026, stating that being a Gladiator had been “one of the greatest honours of my life.” Bigg, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and weighs 287 lb (130 kg), joined the revived Gladiators series in January 2024. He quickly became known for his impressive physique and strength, particularly in the Duel event. Throughout his time on the show, he maintained a strict regimen, consuming approximately 10,000 calories a day to sustain his size, and strength. In his departure post, Bigg explained that his decision to leave followed “a choice that didn’t align with my values,” adding that the departure “wasn’t a decision I made.” He also mentioned his recent divorce from Katie Christian, whom he married in 2014, and noted that he had reverted to using the surname Bigg after previously using the double-barrelled name Christian-Johal. A Gladiators spokesperson confirmed the departure, saying: “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.” Bigg’s time on the show was not without controversy. During his bodybuilding career, he had previously promoted the use of anabolic steroids, which are Class C drugs in the UK. In response to criticism, he stated he stopped using steroids around October 2022 and no longer advocates their use. The BBC show Gladiators, which returned in 2024 after a lengthy hiatus, features amateur athletes competing against the Gladiators in a series of physical challenges. Bigg’s portrayal of Giant made him one of the most recognizable figures on the show during its first three series.
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