A behind-the-scenes drama is unfolding at Gladiators as the cast unites to fight for the return of their former colleague, Giant, who was axed from the BBC show in April.
Giant, whose real name is Jamie Bigg, was let go after he revealed his romance with an OnlyFans model, Taylor Ryan. The 40-year-old TV star claimed that the show's bosses disapproved of his relationship and that he was unfairly treated.
The fallout from Giant's departure was intense, with the TV star defending his girlfriend and accusing the show's executives of being "archaic" in their decision.
Now, with filming for the new series just weeks away, Giant's co-stars are reportedly rallying behind him, calling for him to be given a "second chance" on the show.
A source close to the cast revealed that many of the Gladiators are unhappy about what happened to Giant and feel that he was unfairly made an example of. They believe that he was thrown to the wolves and that his firing sets a scary precedent for the rest of them.
The cast is worried that their personal lives and relationships could be used against them in the workplace, and they are defending Giant's romance with Taylor, saying that it's not like he was appearing on OnlyFans himself.
Many of the cast believe that Giant has been treated unfairly and that it's a big injustice. They don't think he has done anything to bring the show into disrepute and that instead it was an overreaction by panicked executives.
Giant had been a fan favourite on the show for three seasons, and his departure was met with an outpouring of support from his colleagues and fans.
The new series of Gladiators is set to air next year, but it remains to be seen whether Giant will be back on the show.
Meanwhile, Giant has been working on himself, taking time to reflect on the breakup and his future. He has shared on social media that he wants to become the "best version" of himself, and it remains to be seen whether a Gladiators comeback is part of his plans.
His replacement, 37-year-old fitness instructor Ahmad Rabus, has already been announced, and the BBC has been contacted for comment on the matter.
