Gladiators star Giant has announced he is leaving the BBC show and will not return for next year’s fourth series, appearing to suggest his exit was not his decision.
James Bigg, 40, posted a cryptic statement on Instagram saying he had been left ‘facing a choice which did not align with his values’.
The former professional bodybuilder and firefighter, who has been on the show since it re-launched in 2024, shared pictures of himself in the arena, branding the experience ‘one of the greatest honours of my life’.
He penned: ‘To my Gladiator family. I want to tell you all that I won’t be coming back for season four 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’.
He went on: ‘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.
Gladiators star Giant is leaving the BBC show and will not return for next year’s fourth series, appearing to suggest his exit was not his decision
‘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 Gladiators spokesman told the Daily Mail: ‘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.’
Meanwhile on the Gladiators’ official Instagram page a statement 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.’
Before adding: ‘Thank you Giant.’
Back in 2024, Giant reportedly admitted taking steroids in resurfaced YouTube videos and was said to have boasted about his ‘phenomenal gains’, with clip one said to be titled: ‘Take this and you will get big’.
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)
The former professional bodybuilder and firefighter has been on the show since the reboot launched in 2024
He shared snaps of himself in the arena, branding the experience ‘one of the greatest honours of my life’
On the Gladiators’ official Instagram page a statement read: ‘After an incredible run, Giant’s journey on Gladiators has come to an end, but what an adventure it has been’
Following the video hitting the headlines, he said: ‘During that time, I spoke openly about the legal use of performance enhancements as a competitive bodybuilder and how to safely administer them.
‘I stopped competing as a bodybuilder in October 2022 and responsibly came off steroids.
‘I am no longer a professional bodybuilder and am no longer taking steroids and do not advocate the use of them.’
A BBC spokesman said: ‘The Gladiators production team were robust with their no drugs policy and drug testing was part of the process which all Gladiators agreed to and complied with. The results showed that they were not taking performance enhancing drugs.’
Anabolic steroids are classified as class C drugs, meaning they are prescription-only, but they are readily available illegally online or via social media.
Back in 2024 Giant reportedly admitted to taking steroids in resurfaced YouTube videos and was said to have boasted about his ‘phenomenal gains’ (pictured 2024)
Earlier this year, Giant revealed he was changing his last name after going through a divorce.
It was reported in November 2025 that the bodybuilder had split from his wife, Katie, and now he has revealed his plans to ‘reclaim his identity’ in 2026.
The Giant, whose real name was Jamie Christian-Johal, has said he will now go by his birth name, Jamie Bigg. You can read the full story here.
