UK Gladiators star Giant, real name Jamie Bigg, has claimed he was axed from the BBC series because of his relationship with OnlyFans creator Taylor Ryan. The 40-year-old athlete appeared on Good Morning Britain on Thursday with Ryan, 28, where he defended their romance and said he was told his season four contract would not be renewed due to the relationship.
Giant, who joined the rebooted series in January 2024, said he was faced with an ultimatum between his relationship and the show. He stated, 'I count myself as a role model and one of those values as a role model is to stick by the people I love.' Ryan, who has worked in the adult content industry for eight years, said Giant's decision to choose their relationship over the show was 'a very telling moment of the type of man that he is'.
The couple met on social media after Giant sent Ryan a direct message, and she was initially unaware he was a Gladiator. Giant split from his wife Katie in November, citing pressures of fame and his bodybuilding lifestyle. Katie later said she was blindsided by the news of his new relationship.
In a statement, Giant alleged that after informing Gladiators bosses of his plans to go public with his relationship, he was 'suddenly axed'. He said, '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.'
A Gladiators spokesperson confirmed Giant's departure, saying, '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.'
