GIANT EXITS GLADIATORS ARENA AFTER THREE SERIES: "THIS WASN'T A DECISION I MADE"

Gladiators star Jamie Bigg, known by his Gladiator name Giant, is leaving the BBC show after three series - saying "this wasn't a decision I made."

Posting to Instagram, Bigg said: "To my Gladiator family. I want to tell you all that I won’t be coming back for season 4 of the TV show. Being a Gladiator has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Stepping into that arena, hearing the crowd, representing strength, resilience and being a role model… that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.

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. 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.

I’m proud of everything I gave to the show and grateful for every single person who supported me along the way. This isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning. Stay strong. Stand tall."

Gladiators is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.