BBC bosses 'knew about Gladiator star Giant's steroid use' and kept him on show

27 January 2024 , 19:51

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BBC bosses 'knew about Gladiator star Giant's steroid use' and kept him on show

The BBC is at the centre of a huge scandal after allegedly having prior knowledge of Gladiator star Giant's steroid use - but allegedly decided to keep him on the family show.

The allegations claim that bosses of the fun family show were told about Giant, whose real name is Jamie Christian-Johal, back in May last year. On learning about the selection of the 6ft 5in bodybuilder, 37, a source close to the BBC star, who is now an ex-bodybuilder, has alleged that he alerted BBC producers eight months ago. He revealed that producers "brushed off" his allegations at the time.

Giant, who has now stopped taking steroids also stated that he "does not advocate the use of them."

BBC bosses allegedly knew of Gladiator star Giant's steroid use in May last year

A source told The Sun: "I was surprised they were so cavalier about something so serious. I was motivated in ensuring kids didn’t treat him as a role model. It wasn’t vindictive." He added: "The BBC told me that professional bodybuilders take steroids and it’s not illegal. But I told her everything in great detail. The BBC thought about it for a day, then came back to me, asking for more information. But nothing was done. I was told, ‘It’s not our problem’.”

Anabolic steroids are a Class C drug that can only be issued by a pharmacist with a prescription. The potential risks of taking the drug include prostate cancer, infertility and a heart attack. Giant told the publication: "I stopped competing as a bodybuilder in October 2022 and responsibly came off steroids. I do not advocate the use of them."

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But the source who made the allegations has since labelled the BBC as "prats." He continued: "They were pre-warned but still stuck him front and centre of the show. Giant has all that baggage and yet fronts the programme. Kids are going to adore him."

A former bodybuilder made the allegations about the BBC star Giant

Lawyers for the production company Hungry Bear Media said they were aware of Giant’s past steroid use and that he’s now a vocal critic. Giant is the tallest professional in open-class bodybuilding across the world and he had competed across the world and turned professional in 2018.

Giant was originally a footballer and has 144,000 followers on Instagram. He regularly posts fitness pictures and promises to "help busy dads transform their physique". Speaking about his involvement on the BBC show, he said:"I feel like everything in life has led me here. I'm honoured to be part of this iconic show that I watched as a child. I'll be bringing my 'giant' stature and personality so contenders better come prepared."

The Gladiator star previously worked as a firefighter but has been competing as a bodybuilder since 2009. He has previously said: "I feel like everything in life has led me here. I'm honoured to be part of this iconic show that I watched as a child. I'll be bringing my 'giant' stature and personality so contenders better come prepared."

When approached by the Mirror, the BBC declined to comment.

Lucretia Munro