Gladiators Cast Reportedly United in Plea to Reinstate 'Giant'

Several cast members of the BBC show Gladiators are reportedly advocating for the reinstatement of co-star Jamie Bigg, known as 'Giant,' who was removed from the lineup following the disclosure of his relationship with OnlyFans model Taylor Ryan.

The cast members are said to believe that Giant's dismissal was an overreaction by BBC executives and that he has been treated unfairly. "A number of the Gladiators cast are really unhappy about what’s happened to Jamie, they feel like he was thrown to the wolves and made an example of, when he was just following his heart," a source told The Sun. The insider added that the cast feels Giant's firing sets a "scary precedent" and has made them "nervous that anything from their own private lives and relationships could be used against them in the workplace."

Giant, 40, split from Ryan in late June, mere weeks after his removal from the show's lineup. He had informed production bosses that he intended to make his relationship public, including the fact that his partner is an adult content creator. Shortly after this disclosure, he was informed he would not be continuing in the fourth series of Gladiators.

In a statement released in April, Jamie stated, "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." He added that he believed being a role model involved "honesty as well as professionalism" and that he was "proud to stand by" his partner. Giant also claimed that producer Dan Baldwin had branded Ryan's career a "child safeguarding risk."

Despite the controversy, Giant insists that parents who are fans of the show have expressed support, with many children being upset by his departure. He stated that there are no contractual clauses regarding contestants' personal relationships.

Giant and Ryan began dating in late 2023 after meeting at a Gladiators live event. Their relationship began just weeks after Giant had split from his wife. Giant announced their split in an Instagram video, stating he was "working on myself" and intended to apologize to people he had wronged.

Jamie, a former professional bodybuilder, was known as the tallest in the world at 6ft 5in. The BBC has declined to comment on the reports, and Giant's representative has been contacted for comment. Filming for the new series is reportedly set to begin in the coming weeks.