Jamie Bigg, the towering Gladiators competitor known as Giant, has revealed he will not return for the fourth series of the BBC programme.
The 40-year-old from Ilkeston in Derbyshire shared the news on Instagram on Friday, describing his time on the show as "one of the greatest honours of my life".
In his statement, the former professional bodybuilder and firefighter made clear the departure was not voluntary.
"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," he wrote.
Mr Bigg made his debut on the rebooted Gladiators in January 2024, believed to have earned his arena name owing to his status as one of the tallest competitors in professional bodybuilding.
At 6 feet 5 inches and weighing more than 20 stone, the muscular performer has previously stated he consumes approximately 10,000 calories daily to sustain his imposing frame.
His signature contest on the programme was Duel, where he excelled against challengers.
The BBC One show, presented by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, marked Mr Bigg's transition from his previous careers as a firefighter and fitness coach to television stardom.
The Gladiator became a firm favourite with viewers
|BBC/INSTAGRAM
Supporters flooded the comments beneath his Instagram announcement, expressing shock and sadness at the unexpected news.
"That's absolutely gutting. I am baffled, as I am unsure of the reasons. But good luck to you sir, you are a role model to kids and adults alike," one fan wrote.
Another commented: "So much respect to you for what I know must have been an insanely difficult decision." (sic)
Parents also shared their disappointment, with one mother writing that her young son would be "devastated" by the departure, thanking Mr Bigg for inspiring her child.
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The star issued a cryptic statement
|BBC/INSTAGRAM
A Gladiators spokesperson confirmed the departure, stating: "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."
Mr Bigg's tenure on the programme was not without controversy, having faced criticism for previously promoting anabolic steroids, which are classified as Class C drugs in the UK.
He responded to the criticism by confirming he had stopped using the substances in 2022 and no longer advocated their use.
The bodybuilder concluded his Instagram message with a defiant note: "This isn't the end. It's just the beginning. Stay strong. Stand tall."
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