Jamie Bigg, known to audiences as Giant on the ‘Gladiators,’ has announced his departure from the show following the end of the current series. The former professional bodybuilder and firefighter from Ilkeston in Derbyshire has been part of the show since its return in 2024, becoming one of its most recognisable faces. His exit, however, appears to have been anything but straightforward. The 6ft 5in star has made clear that the decision was not entirely his own.On Instagram, Bigg confirmed he would not be returning for season 4, with a spokesperson for the show also confirming the news, 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.”
What Giant said about his departure
In a heartfelt post, Bigg addressed his fans directly and did not shy away from suggesting there was more to his exit than a simple decision to move on.“To my Gladiator family. I want to tell you all that I won’t be coming back for season 4 of the TV show. 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,” he wrote.“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 added.
Who is Giant?
The 6ft 5in star, who has 52cm biceps and consumes 10,000 calories a day to maintain his physique, has been part of ‘Gladiators’ since its return in 2024. 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.
