Giant considers next steps after Gladiators exit

Former Gladiator Giant has hinted at his next steps after a row that saw him leave the BBC's Saturday night primetime show.

Jamie Bigg said it was "clear why his contract was not renewed", and said it was in response to his partner being an adult content creator on OnlyFans.

When asked about a potential appearance on ITV's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Bigg said he "wouldn't mind it", adding that he was not rushing into his next venture but that he had offers from wrestling to presenting.

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."

Bigg, from Ilkeston in Derbyshire, announced on social media he was not being renewed for series four of the show in April.

In the post, he said he wanted to go public with his new relationship, including the fact his partner was an OnlyFans creator. Shortly after this conversation, he was told he would not be continuing on the show.

"My partner is an incredible person, and I have huge respect for everything she does - I'm proud to stand by her," the post said.

OnlyFans is an online platform in which 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.

Speaking to the BBC Radio Derby following the announcement, Bigg said: "Giant, the character, was one of the most popular gladiators on the show - a children's favourite.

"I had conversations with people to suggest that I was 100% coming back for series four until they found out about my relationship.

"So, although they didn't give me a reason directly for why I wasn't invited back, I think it's clear why.

"In defence to me leaving the show and how I left it, I think it was correct for me [to tell] the fans of the show I didn't want to leave."

Bigg said it felt "harsh", but added: "I'm not here to throw stones. What's done is done, I'm very much a think positive, move forwards kind of guy.

"I think it's clear why my contract wasn't renewed. I have had it confirmed verbally, but not by the BBC, by other means associated."

The 6ft 5in (1.96m) former professional bodybuilder and firefighter had appeared on Gladiators since its return in 2024.

In the peak of his bodybuilding career, Bigg consumed 10,000 calories a day and had 52cm biceps.

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).

The 40-year-old said he was "very grateful" for his time on Gladiators and was now focused on "exciting opportunities" ahead.

Bigg added he was "keeping his options open" and he did not want to rush into things.

He said he was still involved in charity work as well as fitness and nutrition, which he called his "bread and butter".

"I think for me now, it's just a case of deciding what I want to do next. I'm not rushing, there's plenty of offers, plenty of things in the pipeline - crazy, crazy things as well, like wrestling and even boxing and presenting.

"I'm just thinking, 'what is it that I want do next?' And I've got to be really, really sure about it.

"I'm not going to jump into anything because of finances or whatever.

"People, especially children, still associate me with being Giant - so it's not changing in their eyes.

"They come and shake my hand and have a picture, sign an autograph. Things like that are really, really nice to do."

Asked about a potential appearance on reality TV, including ITV's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Bigg said he "wouldn't mind it".

"I'm scared of heights and I wouldn't like the jump out of the plane, but my saving grace is that I'm too heavy for a parachute.

"Imagine, that is a show that I always said I would love to do, that and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Those are the two I'd love to do.

"So yeah, watch this space," he added.

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