Gladiator star Giant has insisted the BBC axed him because he appeared on social media with his new OnlyFans model girlfriend, Taylor Ryan.
In an interview with Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, Giant, real name Jamie Bigg, 40, also accused the broadcaster of lying about how he left the show.
Last Friday, Jamie claimed it was his romance with Taylor, 28, that saw him sacked from the popular family programme.
He 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 on Wednesday that it was their joint appearance on social media that ultimately cost him his job.
He 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.’
Gladiators’ Giant, aka Jamie Biggs, said on GMB on Wednesday that the BBC axed him because he appeared on social media with his new OnlyFans model girlfriend, Taylor Ryan
He added: ‘[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’
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’
Taylor confirmed: ‘I am an adult content creator’. I make 18+ content’
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.’
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.
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.’
The couple have appaered on one another’s social media channels
He shared this statement last Friday after the BBC said he had chosen to leave the show
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
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.’
Taylor is a model and aspiring comedian who has appeared on various podcasts.
Her social media accounts reveal she has ADHD – as does Jamie – and autism, and enjoys various sports as well as outings with her dog.
Speaking in 2023, Taylor told how she quit her job as a barista at Costa to model full-time and was making up to £25,000 per month.
After fans began comparing her to Megan Fox, she started imitating her in her content, which she began uploading eight years ago.
Soon after the announcement on Friday, Jamie took to social media with a cryptic post about his axing from the programme.
He revealed to his some 268,000 followers he had been ‘faced with a choice that didn’t align with my values’ – and said it was not a voluntary move.
The former professional bodybuilder and firefighter said: ‘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.’
