World's Strongest Man replaces Giant on Gladiators
A World's Strongest Man champion is the latest star to join the Gladiators cast.
Tom Stoltman is replacing Giant on Gladiators.
The World's Strongest Man champion has described joining the beloved BBC show as a "dream opportunity", while the cast shakeup comes after Giant (Jamie Bigg) left the primetime series after three years.
As quoted by The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column, Tom said: "This is a dream opportunity and I’m incredibly proud to become a Gladiator.
"I’ve spent my whole life pushing myself to see what I can achieve, and joining this incredible show is the next challenge."
Tom, whose Gladiator nickname is yet to be revealed, hopes he can inspire others through his role on the show.
he added: "I’m excited to bring my strength, determination and personality to the arena but, most importantly, I want people watching to feel inspired to believe in themselves and take on their own challenges."
Gladiators will return in 2027 with a fourth series, and an all-new Gladiators Celebrity Special, both with hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh at the helm.
As well as a new star, the show will also include a new event alongside the likes of Duel, Hang Tough and The Eliminator, while Everest, Destruction and Suspension Bridge will all return.
Kalpna Patel‑Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said: “With a brand‑new series confirmed and another Celebrity Special on the way, audiences can look forward to even more colossal clashes, even more edge of your seat excitement and plenty of opportunities to raise those foam fingers high once again.”
Meanwhile, Tom's signing comes after some controversy around the departure of Jamie Bigg.
At the time, a Gladiators spokesperson said: "After three formidable series, Giant is leaving Gladiators.
"We'd like to thank him for everything he has contributed to the show and wish him well for the future."
However, Jamie claimed it was "clear why his contract was not renewed", alleging the decision was made because his partner is an adult content creator on OnlyFans.
He told BBC Radio Derby: "I had conversations with people to suggest that I was 100 percent coming back for series four until they found out about my relationship.
"So, although they didn't give me a reason directly for why I wasn't invited back, I think it's clear why.
"In defence to me leaving the show and how I left it, I think it was correct for me [to tell] the fans of the show I didn't want to leave."
