Gladiators star Giant has shared his shock at being axed from the BBC show over his girlfriend’s OnlyFans job.
The bodybuilder, real name Jamie Bigg, has appeared on the reboot for the past three years, but last week it was confirmed he would not return for a fourth season.
After an initial statement clarifying this wasn’t his decision, the TV personality later claimed his removal was due to his plans to go public with his relationship with his girlfriend, Taylor, who has an OnlyFans account.
His Gladiators persona, Giant, grew a large fanbase throughout his tenure on the show, and fans flocked to support him after news broke of his surprise exit – but this is not how Jamie hoped the situation would pan out, as he tells Metro.
‘I wasn’t expecting that reaction [from the BBC] to be honest. I was expecting more collaboration. Obviously, Taylor is entitled to her private life. We’re doing nothing wrong.
‘And as a big character on the show, I felt like I would have had the backing of the fans and the trusted relationships that I made along the way with the team.
Reiterating that he thought it would be more of a ‘collaboration, a straight shot’, he continued: ‘That was because, also, OnlyFans is just one of the things that Taylor does, [it is] a very small part of who she is.
‘She does some great things, from dog fostering to helping the homeless and various charity work. She’s a comedian and just a great online voice and presence in many other ways, so I did think there would be a discussion rather than the opposite.’
Given society’s more progressive view on OnlyFans content creators in recent years, he added: ‘This is a wider conversation, isn’t it.
‘I think some organisations have some archaic views, and we do live in a society which has moved on a lot in many aspects.
‘Unfortunately, this is one of the aspects that quite clearly, for some organisations, [it] hasn’t progressed yet. So I do hope that the positive response that we’ve received does help those conversations and these industries and sectors move forward.’
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Many friends and fans have shared their upset over his sudden removal. On Instagram, Danny Andrews wrote: ‘Omg I’m gutted you are the most popular and most loved gladiator.’
‘Our son will be gutted. He’s only 3 but you are his favourite. We always have to do gladiators together in our house,’ amandajayne85 said.
‘I’m so gutted to hear this but totally respect your decision,’ mrs_lynch2006 shared.
As for whether he hopes the BBC may reach out to apologise, following the outpouring of public support, Jamie reflects: ‘I guess we’ll see. I know right now it feels very unjust.
What has the BBC said about Giant’s exit?
‘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.’
‘I do feel let down by certain individuals, certain people, certain teams.
‘I’m not going to name anybody or any organisation directly, but it would be very nice if there was some ownership of what we feel is right in this situation.
‘And what we feel is that it’s unfair that I’ve been dismissed from the show. Not just for us, but the fans who watch the show and the wider people involved as well.’
If circumstances were to change, Jamie says he would consider returning, especially since the role had been a ‘childhood dream’ since he watched the original version hosted by Ulrika Jonsson in the 90s and 00s.
‘To be on that show as a Gladiator was a dream come true, and I would never close that door. Who knows what the future holds. Right now, I’m just looking forward to the future and making some plans on what’s in my control at the moment,’ he shares.
As the dust settles, Jamie shares the ‘overriding sadness’ and ‘upset’ he still feels over the whole situation, but is determined to maintain a positive outlook.
‘There’s a positive aspect to the way I feel at the minute as well, because I feel like the reception from the public’s been very good.
‘The majority of people are saying extremely positive things, which gives me and Taylor a lot of hope and we’re feeling very thankful as well.’
He also extends his gratitude to his fellow Gladiators (although he names none specifically).
‘Our relationships will continue, that’s a non-negotiable, and I have no doubt in that.
‘We’re a family. We lean on each other. And in times of need, your friends help you out. I imagine they’re in a slightly difficult position right now, and I want to do what I can to support them through that as well,’ he explains.
As for his decision to stand by his partner despite the consequences, Taylor appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, where she said: ‘It was a very telling moment of the type of man that he is, I believe.’
Reflecting on the situation, he says: ‘That’s important and very nice to hear.
‘I had a colleague reach out, and he said: “It’s very easy to be a great guy, but it’s very hard to be a good man.” For me, that says that everyone can be a nice guy and say they want to do things, [but] it’s very hard to follow through on hard situations, and this has definitely been a hard situation.
‘I hope that it gives other people strength of mind to know that you are the only person in control of your life.
All in all he feels ‘very fortunate to be able to follow through on this and show other people that there is hope in these difficult times.’
When it comes to his plans for the future, he wants to ‘continue to be a role model, a parent, partner, and really beat the drum for fitness and health and getting outside and just living life.
‘Try and get these kids and these parents off the tablets and outside and fit and healthy, because that, for me, is what a role model is. And I want people to live a fitter, healthier life, moving forward, long term.’
Gladiators is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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