James Bigg, widely recognized as Giant from the revived BBC show Gladiators, has announced he is leaving the program before its fourth series.

Departure Announcement & Underlying Issues

The announcement was made via a cryptic Instagram post, strongly implying Bigg did not willingly choose to leave. He stated he was ‘facing a choice which did not align with his values.’ Bigg expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity, describing it as ‘one of the greatest honours of my life’ and cherishing the experience of representing strength, resilience, and serving as a role model.

He emphasized that stepping into the arena and connecting with the audience was a feeling he would carry with him always. Bigg clarified his exit wasn’t a personal decision, but a consequence of a situation conflicting with his core principles. He affirmed his commitment to standing by his beliefs and his people, defining that as the essence of being a true role model.

Resurfaced Steroid Use Discussion

The news follows resurfaced videos from 2024 where Bigg, during his professional bodybuilding career, openly discussed his use of performance-enhancing drugs, specifically steroids, and detailed how to administer them safely. He stated he ceased using steroids in October 2022 and no longer advocates for their use.

The timing of these videos resurfacing has fueled speculation regarding his departure from Gladiators. The BBC previously confirmed a robust no-drugs policy and drug testing procedures were in place, with all Gladiators complying and tests returning negative results.

BBC Response & Personal Changes

Despite the negative drug test results, the controversy surrounding his past admissions appears to have played a role in the decision. A spokesperson for Gladiators acknowledged Bigg’s contribution to the show, expressing gratitude for his three series and wishing him well in his future endeavors.

The official Gladiators Instagram account also posted a tribute, highlighting his inspiring presence both as a competitor and as a person of kindness and strength. Beyond the controversy, Bigg is also navigating personal changes, recently revealing his intention to revert to his birth name, Jamie Bigg, following a divorce finalized in November 2025.

He described this as a way to ‘reclaim his identity’ and move forward. Bigg concluded his Instagram post with a message of resilience, urging his followers to ‘stay strong’ and ‘stand tall’, suggesting he is prepared to embrace new challenges and opportunities.