It seems the world of Gladiators isn't just about physical endurance but emotional drama too. Taylor Ryan, the ex-girlfriend of former Gladiators star Giant, has broken her silence about their tumultuous breakup. Giant, whose real name is Jamie Bigg, reportedly ended things over the phone, snatching up his prized Gladiators costume before making a hasty exit from their shared home. Talk about a dramatic finale!
Ryan, a popular OnlyFans model, shared that the couple had once exchanged dreams of wedding bells and little ones running around. But alas, those dreams were dashed, and she labeled their relationship as "fake." In a candid chat with The Sun, she revealed, “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.”
“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.”
The breakup didn't end quietly in the confines of their home. Ryan took to Instagram to express her frustrations, advising followers to laugh through their tears if necessary. She called the situation "pretty painful" and admitted to being "blindsided" by Giant's decision.
Fans of the BBC's Gladiators were equally shocked by Giant's abrupt departure. Many voiced their disappointment, dubbing him their "favorite" and expressing how "gutted" they were over the news. In contrast, Giant seemed to take the news of his replacement in stride. World’s Strongest Man champion, Tom Stoltman, is the new muscle-bound hero filling Giant's iconic shoes, and Bigg only had warm words for his successor.
Despite the drama, Bigg took the high road, publicly congratulating Stoltman on his new role. "Tom’s a fantastic person and I know he’ll absolutely smash it on the show," he shared with Metro. His supportive comment on Stoltman's Instagram was a testament to his sportsmanship, writing: "Well done brother, made up for you, you’ll kick some serious ass," with a cheeky punching emoji for good measure.
It seems the show must go on, both in the arena and in the personal lives of its stars. We can only hope that both Ryan and Giant find the peace and success they seek.