Gladiators favourite confirms exit from BBC hit: "This isn't the end"

Gladiators star, Giant, has confirmed he will not be returning for a fourth season of the hit BBC entertainment programme.

Giant, real name Jamie Bigg, confirmed the news on social media, noting that it wasn’t a decision he made to step away but was “faced with a choice that didn’t align” with his values.

Posing a carousel of images on Instagram, Jamie wrote: “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.

“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.”

A spokesperson for Gladiators confirmed Giant’s exit in a statement: “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 made history by becoming one of the all-time tallest bodybuilders, standing at a whopping 6ft 5in, and has been part of the revived Gladiators since 2024.

Fans have shared their sadness at the shock announcement, with one commenting: “That’s absolutely gutting. I am baffled, as I am unsure of the reason/s. But good luck to you sir. You are a role model to kids and adults alike..”

Matt Jones, who appeared on Gladiators earlier this year, wrote: “Gutted to hear this but forever grateful for the ultimate gladiator experience Giant gave me of staring across to him on a duel platform whilst Clatters counted us in.

Another fan penned: “Oh no my son is going to be absolutely gutted, he will literally cry, you inspire him and the way his face light up when he sees you on Gladiators, he loves copying all the poses. But good luck to future projects.”

Gladiators seasons 1-3 are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

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