Gladiators Star Giant Axed Over Girlfriend's OnlyFans Job

Key facts

• Jamie Bigg, 30, played Giant on the BBC's Gladiators reboot for three seasons.
• The BBC confirmed last week that Bigg would not return for a fourth season.
• Bigg claims his removal was due to his girlfriend Taylor's OnlyFans account.
• Taylor is a comedian, dog fosterer, and charity worker.
• Fans expressed shock and support on social media, calling Bigg the 'most popular gladiator'.
• Bigg hoped for a 'collaboration' with the BBC but received the opposite.

A Shock Exit

Jamie Bigg, the bodybuilder who portrayed Giant on the BBC's Gladiators reboot, has been dropped from the show after three seasons. The network confirmed his departure last week, stating it was not his decision. Bigg, 30, later revealed that his removal stemmed from his plans to go public with his relationship with his girlfriend, Taylor, who runs an OnlyFans account.

The Reason Behind the Axing

In an interview with Metro, Bigg expressed his surprise at the BBC's reaction. 'I wasn't expecting that reaction to be honest,' he said. 'I was expecting more collaboration. Obviously, Taylor is entitled to her private life. We're doing nothing wrong.' He emphasized that OnlyFans is just one aspect of Taylor's life, noting her work in dog fostering, helping the homeless, and charity work, as well as her career as a comedian and online presence.

A Call for Progress

Bigg criticized what he called 'archaic views' within some organizations, arguing that society has moved on regarding OnlyFans content creators. 'I think some organisations have some archaic views, and we do live in a society which has moved on a lot in many aspects,' he said. 'Unfortunately, this is one of the aspects that quite clearly, for some organisations, [it] hasn't progressed yet.' He hopes the positive fan response will help drive conversations and progress in these industries.

Fan Outpouring

Fans and friends have rallied behind Bigg following the news. On Instagram, Danny Andrews wrote, 'Omg I’m gutted you are the most popular and most loved gladiator.' Another user, amandajayne85, shared, 'Our son will be gutted. He’s only 3 but you are his favourite. We always have to do gladiators together in our house.' The support underscores Giant's popularity during his tenure.

Wider Implications

Bigg's case highlights the ongoing tension between traditional media organizations and the adult content industry. OnlyFans, a platform where creators sell subscription-based content, has grown rapidly, but stigma persists. Bigg's dismissal suggests that the BBC, a public broadcaster, may still view such work as incompatible with its family-friendly brand. The incident raises questions about how employers navigate employees' private lives in the digital age.

What Next for Bigg?

Bigg has not announced his next steps but remains a prominent figure in fitness and bodybuilding. His fanbase, built through Gladiators, could provide opportunities elsewhere. The BBC has not commented further on the decision, and it remains unclear whether the network will revisit its policies. For now, Bigg is focused on the positive response and hopes it will lead to broader change.

A Broader Conversation

Bigg's experience reflects a cultural shift in how society views sex work and online content creation. While some organizations lag behind, public opinion has become more accepting. The incident may prompt other companies to reassess their policies, especially as platforms like OnlyFans become more mainstream. For Bigg, the hope is that his case will be a catalyst for progress, not just for himself but for others in similar situations.

The bottom line

• Jamie Bigg was removed from the BBC's Gladiators after three seasons due to his girlfriend's OnlyFans account.
• Bigg expressed disappointment, expecting collaboration rather than dismissal.
• He highlighted his girlfriend's diverse work beyond OnlyFans, including charity and comedy.
• Fans have shown strong support, calling Bigg the most popular gladiator.
• The case underscores ongoing stigma around adult content in mainstream media.
• Bigg hopes the positive response will encourage organizations to update their views.