Gladiators star Giant will be returning for the second series of the BBC's reboot despite concerns about him advocating the use of steroids in videos on his YouTube channel.
The 6ft 5in bodybuilder revealed in one of his online videos that there were “phenomenal gains” to be made by using anabolic steroids, despite them being Class C drugs and can lead to heart attacks, kidney failure and psychiatric trauma. Giant, whose real name is Jamie Christian Johal, recommended the use in a bid to boost muscles but despite the controversy caused by his comments. the BBC have confirmed that Giant will be part of the Gladiators troupe when the show returns. He has since condemned the use of steroids, as he has become a firm favourite on the show.
The 37-year-old muscle-bound giant admitted that he kicked the habit of taking the drugs in October 2022, which was only eight months before filming of the first series of the Gladiators reboot. The ex-fireman sang the praises of the steroids in one video, which was titled, "Take this and you will get big". In a YouTube clip, Giant shares with viewers: “I didn’t start taking steroids until I was 24 years old.”
Gladiators star Giant has admitted to using anabolic steroids in the past (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Giant will return for the second series of Gladiators on the BBC (WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)Speaking to The Sun, Giant said: “I have always been open and transparent about my use of steroids whilst I was a professional bodybuilder. During that time, I spoke openly about the legal use of performance enhancements as a competitive bodybuilder and how to safely administer them. I stopped competing as a bodybuilder in October 2022 and responsibly came off steroids. I am no longer a professional bodybuilder and am no longer taking steroids and do not advocate the use of them.”
The stars of Gladiators have to undergo frequent drug tests during the filming of the series and had to answer questions about performance enhancing drugs when signing up to appear on the show. Anabolic steroids can only be used on prescription from a pharmacist and while it is legal to use them, it is illegal to sell them. The penalty is an unlimited fine, or a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
'I ventured into Alcatraz after dark and was terrified by what I saw and heard'
Jamie Christian Johal is Giant on Gladiators (PA)After a second series was confirmed by the BBC, a source has told The Sun that there was not a "shake-up" of the Gladiators so that bosses could "weed out any of the less family-friendly characters." The source went to label the revelation about Giant was a "PR nightmare" for BBC bosses after they "had not spotted this material from its biggest star." The source added: "Fans could find his advice for taking steroids with just a simple Google search of his name.”
The side-effects of taking anabolic steroids include hair loss, breast development and an increased risk of prostate cancer, reduced sperm count, infertility, erectile dysfunction and shrunken testicles.
The final of Gladiators is on BBC One tonight at 5:50pm.
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