Gladiators star Giant has expressed his shock and disappointment after being axed from the BBC show over his girlfriend's OnlyFans job. The bodybuilder, whose real name is Jamie Bigg, had appeared on the reboot for three years but was told he would not return for a fourth season. Initially, the BBC stated the decision was not his, but later Giant claimed his removal was linked to his plans to go public with his relationship with Taylor, who runs an OnlyFans account.
Giant Speaks Out on BBC Decision
Speaking to Metro, Giant said: 'I wasn't expecting that reaction from the BBC to be honest. I was expecting more collaboration. Obviously, Taylor is entitled to her private life. We're doing nothing wrong.' He added that as a big character on the show, he felt he would have had the backing of fans and the team. 'I thought it would be more of a collaboration, a straight shot,' he said, noting that OnlyFans is just a small part of who Taylor is. 'She does some great things, from dog fostering to helping the homeless and various charity work. She's a comedian and just a great online voice.'
Giant also highlighted society's evolving views on OnlyFans content creators. 'I think some organisations have some archaic views, and we do live in a society which has moved on a lot in many aspects. Unfortunately, this is one of the aspects that quite clearly, for some organisations, hasn't progressed yet.' He hopes the positive public response will help move conversations forward.
Public Support and Fan Reactions
Fans have rallied behind Giant, with many expressing their upset on social media. On Instagram, Danny Andrews wrote: 'Omg I'm gutted you are the most popular and most loved gladiator.' Another fan, amandajayne85, said: 'Our son will be gutted. He's only 3 but you are his favourite. We always have to do gladiators together in our house.'
When asked if he hopes the BBC will apologise, Giant reflected: 'I guess we'll see. I know right now it feels very unjust. I do feel let down by certain individuals, certain people, certain teams. I'm not going to name anybody or any organisation directly, but it would be very nice if there was some ownership of what we feel is right in this situation.'
Would Giant Return?
Despite the controversy, Giant says he would consider returning if circumstances change. 'To be on that show as a Gladiator was a dream come true, and I would never close that door. Who knows what the future holds. Right now, I'm just looking forward to the future and making some plans on what's in my control at the moment.'
He also expressed gratitude for the support from fellow Gladiators. 'Our relationships will continue, that's a non-negotiable, and I have no doubt in that. We're a family. We lean on each other. And in times of need, your friends help you out.'
Standing by His Partner
Giant's girlfriend Taylor appeared on Good Morning Britain, praising his decision to stand by her. 'It was a very telling moment of the type of man that he is, I believe.' Giant added: 'I had a colleague reach out, and he said: "It's very easy to be a great guy, but it's very hard to be a good man." For me, that says that everyone can be a nice guy and say they want to do things, but it's very hard to follow through on hard situations. I hope that it gives other people strength of mind to know that you are the only person in control of your life.'
Looking ahead, Giant wants to 'continue to be a role model, a parent, partner, and really beat the drum for fitness and health and getting outside and just living life. Try and get these kids and these parents off the tablets and outside and fit and healthy, because that, for me, is what a role model is.'
Gladiators is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
