Gladiators star Giant reveals true feelings about being replaced by ‘world’s strongest man’

| Senior TV Reporter Published July 22, 2026 1:08pm Updated July 22, 2026 1:09pm Gladiators star Giant has opened up after his replacement on the show was announced (Picture: Kirk O’Rourke/REX/Shutterstock/ ITV/ Ken McKay) Former Gladiators star Giant has responded after the BBC announced his replacement for the upcoming season. The TV personality and bodybuilder, whose real name is Jamie Bigg, has been a fan-favourite ever since he joined the reboot of the classic reality game show in 2024. However, he shocked fans earlier this year after getting axed from the show, with the star claiming it was because his girlfriend (who he has since broken up with) was an OnlyFans creator. With filming for the new series underway, the BBC has announced the new fitness fiend stepping into Giant’s shoes as World’s Strongest Man champion, Tom Stoltman. While we wait to see what his Gladiator name and costume will be, the 6ft 4in athlete has said the gig is a ‘dream opportunity’ and his ‘next challenge’. His predecessor Jamie has taken the news in good spirit, telling Metro: ‘Tom’s a fantastic person and I know he’ll absolutely smash it on the show. He’s got a heart of gold and will be a brilliant addition to the line-up. I wish him the very best of luck.’ The former BBC star graciously shared his well wishes (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) He also publicly shared his support underneath Tom’s celebratory Instagram post, writing: ‘Well done brother, made up for you, you’ll kick some serious ass,’ alongside a punching emoji. In April, Jamie revealed his disappointment at the BBC’s decision to drop him after his ex-girlfriend Taylor’s OnlyFans account came to light. ‘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. ‘And as a big character on the show, I felt like I would have had the backing of the fans and the trusted relationships that I made along the way with the team,’ he told Metro. At the time, many viewers also expressed their deep discontent, commenting that he was ‘their favourite’ and they were ‘absolutely gutted’. Although Jamie won’t be returning to Gladiators, in May he teased some exciting future TV projects were in the pipeline. He told The Sun: ‘TV is something that I would very much like to continue. ‘Having the flexibility and the ability to speak about more taboo subjects is something that moving forward, perhaps, can now happen.’ Before teasing: ‘There’s lot of things in the pipeline at the minute. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin ‘It’s actually a very, very exciting time and I’m definitely looking forward to the future. I can’t divulge any information on particular shows or events, situations just yet.’ Arrow MORE: Monty Don shares emotional tribute to Gardener’s World legend David JC Austin after death Arrow MORE: Strictly star who won 10 years ago pregnant with first child at 42 Arrow MORE: Wayne Rooney ‘should commentate Eurovision’ after ripping apart World Cup halftime show TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.