Giant says BBC axed him from Gladiators as a result of it disapproved of his romance with mannequin girlfriend
Gladiators star Giant has claimed he was axed from the show by the BBC because the broadcaster disapproved of his relationship with his OnlyFans model girlfriend.
Jamie Bigg, 40, has claimed it was his romance with Taylor Ryan, 28, that saw him sacked from the popular programme on Friday.
He said he had told bosses he was planning to confirm his relationship with the adult content creator publicly – but was cut from the upcoming fourth series shortly after.
The star admitted his departure from the reboot, which sees top athletes take on ordinary contestants in physical challenges, ‘wasn’t something I expected’.
But he hailed his partner as an ‘incredible person’ who he is ‘proud to stand by’.
The couple are said to be shocked and saddened by the news, which came while they had been considering starting a family.
In a statement released on Friday, Jamie said: ‘I made it clear that I was planning to go public with my relationship, including the fact my partner works as an OnlyFans creator, and shortly after that I was told I wouldn’t be continuing on Gladiators.
‘It wasn’t something I expected, especially given the commitment I’ve shown to the role.
James Bigg, 40, took to Instagram with a cryptic statement saying he had been left ‘facing a choice which did not align with his values’ (pictured with host Barney Walsh)
Jamie Bigg has been dating Taylor Ryan, 28, an OnlyFans model and aspriring comedian
‘I’ve always taken being in the public eye seriously, and I believe being a role model is about honesty as well as professionalism.
‘For me, that means not hiding parts of who I am or the people I care about.
‘My partner is an incredible person, and I have huge respect for everything she does – I’m proud to stand by her.
‘I’m grateful to the BBC and everyone involved in the show for the opportunity and the experiences I’ve had. Now, my focus is on the future.
‘I’m excited for what’s next and ready to move into a new chapter, both personally and professionally.’
Jamie also claimed that in later discussions about him being axed from the show, bosses cited ‘child safeguarding’ as the reason behind the decision.
The corporation announced the loss to the line-up on Friday, posting a statement on the BBC’s official ‘Giant the Gladiator’ Instagram page.
The caption read: ‘After an incredible run, Giant’s journey on Gladiators has come to an end, but what an adventure it has been.
‘As well as being a towering force when battling contenders, Giant has always inspired confidence and kindness in others, a winning combination proving he is a true giant, not just in strength, but also in spirit. Thank you Giant.’
The Daily Mail understands the move came as Jamie was on the cusp of going public with his partner Taylor by talking about the relationship on a podcast.
The couple are said to be devastated, with the decision having come at a ‘particularly difficult’ time due to them discussing starting a family.
This newspaper asked the BBC about Jamie’s claims but the corporation did not comment on them.
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.’
Taylor is a model and aspiring comedian who has appeared on various podcasts.
Her social media accounts reveal she has ADHD – as does Jamie – and autism, and enjoys various sports as well as outings with her dog.
Speaking in 2023, Taylor told how she quit her job as a barista at Costa to model full-time and was making up to £25,000 per month.
After fans began comparing her to Megan Fox, she started imitating her in her content, which she began uploading eight years ago.
Soon after the announcement on Friday, Jamie took to social media with a cryptic post about his axing from the programme.
He revealed to his some 268,000 followers he had been ‘faced with a choice that didn’t align with my values’ – and said it was not a voluntary move.
The former professional bodybuilder and firefighter said: ‘Being a Gladiator has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
‘Stepping into that arena, hearing the crowd, representing strength, resilience and being a role model… that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.
The former professional bodybuilder and firefighter has been on the show since the reboot launched in 2024
Jamie and Taylor are said to be ‘shocked and saddened’ at the news of his axing from Gladiators
‘What I do want to make clear is this wasn’t a decision I made to step away. I was faced with a choice that didn’t align with my values.
‘And if you know me, you know this… I stand by my people and I stand by what I believe in. That’s what being a role model means to me.
‘I’m proud of everything I gave to the show and grateful for every single person who supported me along the way.
‘This isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning. Stay strong. Stand tall.’
He has since received a raft of supportive messages from fans, colleagues and loved ones.
Among the well-wishers were his former co-stars Zack George, who appears on the show as Steel, and Matty Campbell, also known as Bionic.
Jamie was also quick to disassociate himself from the message on the BBC’s official Instagram page.
He rushed to his own account to write all in capitals: ‘I DO NOT CONTROL THIS ACCOUNT AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER WHAT IT POSTS.
‘PLEASE READ MY CURRENT POST ON MY PERSONAL ACCOUNT FOR MORE INFORMATION.’
At the start of this year, Jamie, who has become a firm fan favourite thanks to his massive muscly frame on the Saturday teatime show, confirmed he would be changing back to his birthname of Jamie Bigg, having previously been called Jamie Christian-Johal.
He split from his ex-wife Katie late last year and the couple have since divorced.
Jamie announced the name change as he said he planned to ‘reclaim his identity’ in 2026, adding he felt more known as Giant than himself.
‘Turning 40, getting my ADHD diagnosis and going through a divorce, really reinforced the need and desire to have my own identity again,’ he added.
It was reported in November that the bodybuilder had split from his wife, Katie (Pictured together in February 2025)
Prior to being a Gladiator, Jamie was the tallest professional bodybuilder in the world at 6ft 5in and consumed up to 10,000 calories a day.
He previously shared how his busy lifestyle bodybuilding and spending time filming Gladiators had put pressure on his marriage.
Speaking on the To The Heart Of It podcast, he said: ‘Bodybuilding is tough on relationships. It’s tough on the kids.
‘There were always ups and downs because of bodybuilding, because of how much it took away from you and the relationship.
‘So I always said to my partner and kids, ‘I’ll probably live my life backwards, concentrate on me in the first part and then once I leave bodybuilding, it’s all about you’.
‘Like that’s when I’m going to give back, because I need to get myself here before I can give you what you need physically, financially, emotionally, everything.
‘In any case, that was part of my decision for becoming a Gladiator, because I was like, “OK, this opportunity is going to give me the chance to be a better husband, better father”.’
He added filming the show meant he actually became more busy, rather than less, meaning he had been unable to spend more time with his family as he had planned.
After the break-up, hormone therapist Katie described feeling as if she had lost a part of herself during their 11 years together as she supported Jamie’s career.
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.’
