Gladiators star Giant, whose real name is Jamie Christian Johal, made controversial comments in video clips where he advocated for the use of steroids, despite their known harmful effects. He praised the “phenomenal gains” that can be achieved through steroid use, although they are Class C drugs associated with serious side effects such as heart attacks, kidney failure, and psychiatric trauma. Despite the backlash, the BBC confirmed that Giant will be returning for the second series of the Gladiators reboot. However, Giant has since condemned the use of steroids and claimed to have quit taking them in October 2022, just before filming the first series of the show.
In one of his YouTube videos titled “Take this and you will get big”, Giant disclosed that he didn’t start using steroids until he was 24 years old. He shared his experience openly, emphasizing the legal use of performance enhancements during his bodybuilding career. The Gladiators stars, including Giant, undergo frequent drug tests during filming, and must answer questions about performance-enhancing drugs before being cast on the show. Anabolic steroids can only be used with a prescription from a pharmacist, and selling them is illegal, carrying a penalty of an unlimited fine or up to 14 years in prison.
Following the confirmation of a second series of Gladiators, a source revealed that there was no “shake-up” of the cast to exclude any controversial characters like Giant. The source expressed that it was a “PR nightmare” for BBC bosses, who were unaware of Giant’s past steroid remarks which could be easily found with a simple Google search. The side effects of using anabolic steroids can be severe, including hair loss, breast development, increased risk of prostate cancer, reduced sperm count, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and shrunken testicles. Despite the controversy, Giant remains part of the Gladiators troupe for the show’s second series.
In an interview with The Sun, Giant clarified his stance on steroids, stating that he had been transparent about his past steroid use as a professional bodybuilder. He emphasized that while he once advocated for their use during his competitive bodybuilding days, he had stopped taking steroids in October 2022 and no longer supported their use. Giant highlighted that he no longer competes as a bodybuilder and has moved away from using steroids. The Gladiators reboot on BBC One has attracted a loyal fan base, and Giant, known for his towering muscular physique, has become a favorite among viewers.
The controversy surrounding Giant’s past steroid use and comments has raised questions about accountability and awareness of the risks associated with performance-enhancing substances. The inclusion of Giant in the Gladiators cast despite his controversial remarks has sparked debates about the responsibility of media platforms in promoting health and safety messages. With the final of Gladiators airing on BBC One, the focus shifts to the impact of such controversies on the perception of the show and its stars. Giant’s journey from advocating for steroids to denouncing their use serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking shortcuts in fitness and bodybuilding endeavors.
