Gladiators star Giant has said viewers have been left ‘disgusted’ by his axe from the BBC show over his new relationship with OnlyFans model Taylor Ryan.
Last week Giant, real name Jamie Bigg, 40, claimed he’d been given the boot from the popular family programme over the romance and also accused the broadcaster of lying about his exit.
Now in a new interview Jamie has hit out at Gladiators producer and Hungry Bear boss Dan Baldwin, who is married to Holly Willoughby, claiming he branded Taylor’s racy career a ‘child safeguarding risk’.
But the ex bodybuilder has insisted parents with young children who are fans of the show have thrown their support behind him.
‘I’ve had a lot of messages from parents saying their children are so upset that I’m leaving the show, I feel as though the response from the parents has made it really clear that it was never going to be an issue’.
He went on: ‘There’s nothing in our contracts about who you’re allowed to be with, who you’re allowed to love or what relationships you’re allowed to have away from the show’.
Gladiators star Giant has said viewers have been left ‘disgusted’ by his axe from the BBC show over his new relationship with OnlyFans model Taylor Ryan
Jamie has hit out at Gladiators producer and Hungry Bear boss Dan Baldwin, who is married to Holly Willoughby , claiming he branded Taylor’s racy career a ‘child safeguarding risk’.
Discussing fans reactions to his sacking, he told The Sun: ‘I would use the word disgust as well because a lot of people said how unfair it is. They loved Giant and they obviously love the show’.
Daily Mail have contacted Hungry Bear and BBC for comment.
In an interview with Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, Jamie 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.
And the new couple said o that it was their joint appearance on social media that ultimately cost him his job.
Jamie said: ‘[The BBC] said they needed to explore avenues and have conversations and despite having a positive third series, I was told that my series four contract wasn’t renewed because of his relationship.’
Taylor confirmed: ‘I am an adult content creator’. I make 18+ content.’
And Jamie said he is still unclear why he was let go.
He said: ‘It wasn’t explained – I think you’ll have to ask them. My dismissal has been very unclear. We have to get our side across. Giant is a character and Jamie is a person.’
Last week Giant, real name Jamie Bigg, 40, claimed he’d been given the boot from the popular family programme over the romance and also accused the broadcaster of lying about his exit.
‘I’ve had a lot of messages from parents saying their children are so upset that I’m leaving the show’ (pictured with Taylor on GMB)
Jamie split from his ex-wife Katie late last year and the couple have since divorced and she has since said how hurt she was by how quickly he moved on.
Taking to Instagram last week, she wrote: “Finding out about a new relationship so soon has been a shock.
“It’s hurtful and it’s painful to take in, especially as I’m still processing the breakdown of my marriage of 13 years.
“We’re not even divorced yet, which makes this even harder to sit with.”
Jamie said: ‘Just to get you straight, when I was doing series three, [Taylor and I] weren’t together.
‘We are moving forward with our relationship. We wanted to become more public. We work on social media together. That’s what sparked conversations behind closed doors.’
The couple also revealed that social media was how they met one another and they didn’t know much about one another at the start.
Jamie said: ‘I think me and Taylor will say the same thing – we didn’t delve into who each other was before we met. I think her Dad told her what I do.’
And talking about why he released his own statement about his departure from the show, he claimed he wanted to set the BBC’s narrative straight.
Jamie split from his ex-wife Katie late last year and the couple have since divorced and she has since said how hurt she was by how quickly he moved on following their 13 year relationship
He said: ‘I thought it was very important for me to make my own statement.
‘They said, very poorly, that I’d walked away from the show and it was my choice to walk away. It wasn’t my choice.’
His statement last week read: 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.
‘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.’
