BBC Gladiator star announces ‘Giant’ change for 2026
“At birth, believe it or not, my name was Jamie Bigg. So in 2026, I'll be reclaiming my birth name and making some big changes."
Gladiators star Jamie Christian-Johal who thrills audiences as Giant on the hit show, has announced a major change for 2026.
He will be changing his name back to his old surname of Bigg.
The former firefighter and professional bodybuilder from Ilkeston, Derbyshire is one of the most popular stars who takes on ambitious contenders in the sporting contest.
Standing at a towering 6ft 5inches, he made history by becoming one of the all-time tallest bodybuilders.
The big change comes after a recent attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis and divorce.
Jamie said the name change happened due to him wanting to reclaim his identity. Taking to social media, he said: “You’ll never believe what my original name was on my birth certificate.
“At the age of four, I lost my identity. My name became Johal when my mum got married. And for many years I hid behind my physique as a bodybuilder. And even double-barrelled my surname when I got married.
“I then went on a TV show and became a character, and now that character’s now more well known than I am. So who am I? Who’s Jamie?”
“Turning 40, getting my ADHD diagnosis and going for a divorce really reinforced the need and desire to have my own identity again.
“And at birth, believe it or not, my name was Jamie Bigg. So in 2026, I'll be reclaiming my birth name and making some big changes."
"I want to move forward with the greatest amount of transparency in all walks of my life.
"So whether that's speaking on my ADHD diagnosis and journey or helping with your fitness goals, being the best father possible or just being a better human overall, I'll be entering 2026 as me, Jamie Bigg."