The star known as The Giant on the hit BBC show Gladiators has announced a major personal change, confirming he will revert to his birth surname following the breakdown of his marriage.
A Return to Roots: Reclaiming the Name Bigg
Jamie Christian-Johal, the bodybuilder behind the Gladiator persona, has stated he will now go by Jamie Bigg. He revealed the decision stems from a desire to 'reclaim his identity' after his divorce from wife Katie, which was reported in November last year. The formal change is planned for 2026.
Speaking candidly to The Sun, Jamie explained the long journey behind his name. "At the age four, I lost my identity, my name became Johal when my mum got married," he said. He described how he later "hid behind" his physique as a bodybuilder and even adopted a double-barrelled surname upon his own marriage.
He added that becoming The Giant on the revived Gladiators further eclipsed his personal identity. "Turning 40, getting my ADHD diagnosis and going through a divorce, really reinforced the need and desire to have my own identity again," Jamie stated, confirming the return to Bigg.
The Impact of Fame on Family Life
Jamie had initially hoped his role on the BBC's popular reboot would create more time for his family. Contrary to expectations, he found his schedule became busier. He cited the pressures of newfound fame and the relentless demands of bodybuilding as factors in the separation from his wife.
"There wasn’t a lot of money on the table. I actually became busier, not quieter, so I wouldn’t say I gave them any more time," he told The Sun in a recent interview. In the wake of the split, both he and Katie have reportedly unfollowed each other on social media and removed photos of one another.
Katie appeared to reference the end of the relationship in a cryptic social media post, writing: "Next year I’m dating the s**t out of myself." In another post, she shared a swimwear photo with the caption: "What makes me confident? Knowing I’m not for everyone."
Bodybuilding's Toll on Personal Relationships
On the To The Heart Of It podcast last week, Jamie opened up about the inherent strain a bodybuilding career places on personal connections. "Bodybuilding is tough on relationships. It’s tough on the kids," he admitted.
He recounted telling his partner and children that he would "probably live my life backwards," focusing on his career first to build a foundation. "I need to get myself here before I can give you what you need physically, financially, emotionally, everything," he explained.
Jamie believed the Gladiators opportunity would be a turning point. "I was like, OK, this opportunity is going to give me the chance to be a better husband, better father." However, the reality was a profound "shake-up of life." While it allowed him to be less "robotic," it also revealed new aspects of his personality that created friction.
The Daily Mail contacted Jamie's representatives for comment at the time of the initial split reports.
