Gladiators star Jamie Bigg, also known as Giant, has said he will leave the BBC show at the end of the series after facing a “choice” that did not align with his values.
The former professional bodybuilder and firefighter has appeared on the entertainment show – which sees top athletes take on contestants as they tackle physical challenges – for three seasons but revealed he will not return for series four.
The Gladiator said it was one of the “greatest honours” of his life to compete in the arena, adding that his departure was not a decision he made.
Announcing the news on Instagram on Friday, Bigg said: “To my Gladiator family. I want to tell you all that I won’t be coming back for season 4 of the TV show.
“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.”
Prior to being a Gladiator, he was the tallest professional bodybuilder in the world at 6ft 5in and consumed up to 10,000 calories a day.
A Gladiators spokesperson said: “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.”
