Gladiators star Jamie Bigg has sensationally claimed that he was sacked from the series because he is in a relationship with an OnlyFans model.
The 40-year-old, who is better known to fans of the BBC show as Giant, announced last week that viewers would no longer be seeing him competing in the arena.
Despite describing his time on Gladiators as 'one of the greatest honours of his life', Bigg said that he would not be returning for the fourth season.
In an Instagram post shared last Friday (24 April), the former firefighter and professional bodybuilder said: "What I do want to make clear is this wasn’t a decision I made to step away.
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"I was faced with a choice that didn’t align with my values. And if you know me, you know this…I stand by my people and I stand by what I believe in. That’s what being a role model means to me."
The Derbyshire-born athlete, who stands at 6ft 5ins tall, then issued a further statement offering more context about his departure and the alleged reasons behind it.
"I made it clear that I was planning to go public with my relationship, including the fact my partner works as an OnlyFans creator, and shortly after that I was told I wouldn't be continuing on Gladiators," Bigg claimed.
He also then told the Mirror that despite his partner being a 'business-minded entrepreneur' who he is 'incredibly proud' of, the BBC raised concerns about her career in adult content.
"During conversations with the BBC, ‘child safeguarding’ was raised, something I take extremely seriously, especially as a father and role model," he claimed.
"I want to be clear that I have always upheld the standards expected of me, both professionally and personally. Being a positive role model has always been central to who I am, on and off screen.
"I stand by my values, and I stand by the people I love. Looking ahead to building a future and starting a family together, this has been a difficult decision to process."
Earlier this week, Bigg then appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss his exit from Gladiators with his girlfriend, 28-year-old Taylor Ryan.
Declaring they were 'in love', he claimed that he felt forced to chose between his TV career and his relationship.
"I was told my season four contract wasn’t being renewed because of my relationship," Bigg said. "I count myself as a role model and one of those values as a role model is to stick by the people I love.
"So I decided – and I imagine other people in my situation would have found it very hard to walk away from an amazing opportunity of being a Gladiator."
Ryan then opened up about her eight-year career in adult content and how Bigg behaviour has been 'very telling of the type of man that he is'.
She confirmed speculation that they struck up a relationship after connecting on social media - although the OnlyFans model said she had no idea he was a part of the Gladiators line-up at the time.
A spokesperson for Gladiators told LADbible on Friday (1 May): "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."
Topics: BBC, TV, UK News, Sex and Relationships, OnlyFans
Olivia Burke