The rebooted "Gladiators" competition series has a new competitor, fitness instructor Ahmad Rabus, who will be known as The Emperor. Rabus replaces Jamie Bigg, who previously performed as Gladiator Giant. Bigg, 40, had claimed he was removed from the show due to his relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Taylor Ryan, an OnlyFans model.
A source told The Sun that producers are pleased with Rabus, 37, and believe his persona as "The Emperor" will resonate with viewers. "They absolutely love Ahmad and think his show name The Emperor is iconic and will make a big impression with viewers. He is strong minded and brilliant at getting into character," the source said.
Filming for the new series has reportedly already taken place at Utilita Arena Sheffield. Rabus is a family man, married with one child, and has a history of fitness competition success, including being crowned Mr. Universe in 2015. He has stated his passion for fitness began at age 17 and he has been training for 17 years.
Ryan has since claimed that Bigg, whose real name is Jamie Bigg, ended their relationship to attempt a return to the show. She told The Sun that she felt "blindsided" by their breakup and believes Bigg's exit from "Gladiators" was a consequence of her adult content career. Ryan alleged that Bigg "wants to get back on the show now" and that their breakup was "all just fake."
Following Bigg's departure, reports indicate that some of his "Gladiators" castmates have advocated for his reinstatement. Sources claim that several cast members feel Bigg was "treated unfairly" and that his removal was an "overreaction by panicked executives." The castmates reportedly fear that their own private lives could be scrutinized and used against them in the future, potentially setting a "scary precedent."
Bigg had stated in April that he informed producers he planned to publicly confirm his relationship with Ryan, including her OnlyFans career, and was subsequently removed from the show. He stated that there are no contract clauses restricting personal relationships or partners' careers away from the show. Bigg also claimed that a "Gladiators" producer had referred to Ryan's career as a "child safeguarding risk."
Bigg announced his split from Ryan in June, weeks after his removal from the show. In an Instagram video, he stated he was focusing on self-improvement and working on himself, mentioning he had "a lot of people to apologise to" and "a lot of things to be accountable for."
Bigg, who was formerly the world's tallest professional bodybuilder at 6ft 5in, divorced his ex-wife Katie late last year. They share two children.