Taylor Ryan has claimed her ex-boyfriend, Gladiators star Jamie Bigg – known as Giant – ended their relationship over the phone and took his blue and red Gladiators costume and memorabilia from their home. The 28-year-old OnlyFans model said the 40-year-old left all his other clothes behind.
Ryan was previously reported to be at the centre of Bigg's exit from the BBC endurance show. After his axing, Giant claimed his departure was because his then-girlfriend was an OnlyFans creator. Now Ryan has told The Sun that the couple had discussed marriage and kids before the relationship broke down, describing it as "a fake."
What Taylor Ryan said
Ryan said Bigg took only his Gladiators items when he left. "He wants to get back on the show now. He’s left loads of clothes at my house, but just taken his blue and red Gladiators costume and memorabilia."
She added: "At the time, he was portrayed as a noble man who fights for what he believes in. But deep down, it was never what he believed in. It’s hard to talk about now because I see the full picture and I’m like, it was all just fake. He has a lot of demons he needs to fight in his own head before he ruins another woman’s peace."
Ryan had previously shared her side of the breakup on Instagram, writing: "You finally feel so chosen. He broke up with me because of my job anyway." The caption read: "Trauma dump anyone? If you don’t bloody laugh about it, you’ll cry. Luckily, I do both." She also called the situation "pretty painful" and said she had been "blindsided."
Axing reaction
In April, viewers expressed disappointment over the BBC’s decision to axe Giant, with some commenting that he was "their favourite" and they were "absolutely gutted." Bigg told Metro he had not expected the reaction, saying: "I wasn’t expecting that reaction [from the BBC], to be honest. I was expecting more collaboration. Obviously, Taylor is entitled to her private life. We’re doing nothing wrong. And as a big character on the show, I felt like I would have had the backing of the fans and the trusted relationships that I made along the way with the team."
Replacement announced
The BBC has since announced that World’s Strongest Man champion Tom Stoltman will take over Giant’s role, with filming currently underway. Bigg responded positively, telling Metro: "Tom’s a fantastic person and I know he’ll absolutely smash it on the show. He’s got a heart of gold and will be a brilliant addition to the line-up. I wish him the very best of luck." He also supported Stoltman on Instagram, writing: "Well done brother, made up for you, you’ll kick some serious ass," alongside a punching emoji.
Metro contacted Bigg’s representative for comment on this story.
