BBC Gladiators confirms Giant replacement months after star’s shock exit amid OnlyFans row
Tom Stoltman has been confirmed as the latest addition to the BBC Gladiators lineup, stepping into the role vacated by fan favourite Giant, whose real name is Jamie Bigg.
The BBC revealed the news on Tuesday, with the 6ft 8in, 400-pound athlete from Invergordon set to take on contenders in challenges testing power, agility and technique alongside established cast members including Legend and Nitro.
Mr Stoltman, a three-time winner of the World’s Strongest Man title, will bring formidable credentials to the arena.
Mr Bigg was removed from the programme earlier this year and has since alleged that his departure was linked to his desire to publicly acknowledge his relationship with his girlfriend, who works as an OnlyFans model.
Jamie Bigg portrayed Giant on Gladiators before exiting the show earlier this year
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BBC
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Mr Bigg detailed the circumstances surrounding his exit.
He said his season three discussions had been “very positive” and described that series as the strongest yet, noting his popularity with viewers.
However, he revealed that producers were aware of his relationship with a woman named Taylor and indicated they “needed to explore avenues and have conversations about that.”
Mr Bigg told the programme: “At a later point, I was told that the season four contract wasn’t being renewed because of my relationship.”
Tom Stoltman has been unveiled as the newest Gladiator ahead of the BBC show’s next series
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GETTY
He added that no clear explanation was offered for the decision, stating: “My dismissal’s been very unclear.
“That’s why I’m here today, because I think it’s very important that we get our side across.”
Mr Bigg emphasised that leaving the show was not something he chose willingly, claiming instead that he was “faced with an ultimatum.”
He stressed the importance of distinguishing between his on-screen persona and his private life, telling Good Morning Britain: “I think it’s very important that fans of the show understand that Giant is a character on the show, and Jamie is a person that has a private relationship.”
The three-time World’s Strongest Man champion said joining Gladiators is a ‘dream opportunity’
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GETTY
The former Gladiator expressed a strong sense that viewers had been let down by the situation, describing it as “a big injustice” for fans who were given no say in the matter.
He also framed his decision to stand by his partner as a matter of personal principle, saying: “I class myself as a role model and one of those values, as a role model, is to stick by the people I love.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Mr Bigg showed no ill will towards his successor.
After Mr Stoltman shared the news on social media, Mr Bigg responded with a message of encouragement, writing: “Well done brother, made up for you, you’ll kick some serious ass.”
Mr Stoltman himself expressed his delight at the opportunity in a statement, describing it as “a dream opportunity” and declaring himself “incredibly proud to become a Gladiator.”
He spoke of a lifetime spent testing his own limits and called the show his next great challenge.
Stoltman will join fellow Gladiators including Legend and Nitro in the BBC reboot
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BBC
The Scotsman also struck an inspirational tone, saying: “I want people watching to feel inspired to believe in themselves and take on their own challenges.”
He promised further announcements would follow in due course.
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