Gladiators star The Giant has reportedly split from his wife, Katie, and has now revealed the reasons behind their breakup. 

The bodybuilder, 41, whose real name is Jamie Christian-Johal, had hoped that his appearance on the hit BBC show would help him spend more time with his wife and children.

Instead, he said his schedule became even busier, with the pressures of fame and the demands of bodybuilding playing a role in their separation. 

In a new interview with The Sun, he explained: 'There wasn’t a lot of money on the table.

He continued: 'I actually became busier, not quieter, so I wouldn’t say I gave them any more time.' 

In the wake of their breakup, both Jamie and Katie have reportedly unfollowed each other on social media and removed each other's photos. 

Katie also posted a cryptic message to her social media, seemingly hinting at the end of their relationship, saying: 'Next year I’m dating the s**t out of myself.'

In another post, she shared a stunning swimwear snap with the caption: 'What makes me confident? Knowing I’m not for everyone.' 

Jamie, who joined the cast of the BBC's Gladiators reboot in 2024, also opened up about how bodybuilding is tough on relationships. 

Speaking on the To The Heart Of It podcast last week, he said: 'Bodybuilding is tough on relationships. It’s tough on the kids.

'There were always ups and downs because of bodybuilding, because of how much it took away from you and the relationship.

'So I always said to my partner and kids, "I’ll probably live my life backwards, concentrate on me in the first part and then once I leave bodybuilding, it’s all about you."

'Like that’s when I’m going to give back, because I need to get myself here before I can give you what you need physically, financially, emotionally, everything.

'In any case, that was part of my decision for becoming a Gladiator, because I was like, OK, this opportunity is going to give me the chance to be a better husband, better father.'

He went on: 'New opportunities, new life etc. In actual fact, it was such a shake-up of life and what was required of me, I actually became busier, not quieter.

'So I wouldn’t say I gave them any more time, but what I was able to do was give them more balance and more of me in a less robotic nature, which in fact was a benefit and a negative.

'Because I think I realised parts about my personality and self that weren’t true of that bodybuilder, robot Jamie.

'I was perhaps more outgoing and outward thinking and more social than certain people imagined, which then caused friction as well.' 

Daily Mail has contacted Jamie's representatives for comment.

Earlier this year, Jamie cosied up to his wife Katie as they made their red carpet debut at the TV Choice Awards at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane.

During the event, the bodybuilder revealed it was the couple's first time attending an awards ceremony together.

He cut a dapper figure in a black suit while Katie looked sensational in a racy red sheer off-the-shoulder gown, which she teamed with a glittering gold clutch and heels.

Speaking to Daily Mail at the star-studded event, Giant said he was glad he could be a 'positive' role model for his children and fitness despite previously taking steroids.

He said at the time: 'I think series three isn't quite confirmed, but I'm sure we will be back. It's been really nice having a positive influence on children and fitness.

'When we were younger, we would sit down with our families on a Saturday night, but that has been lost because of streaming and technology, so this has brought that back, and I think it's a great message and thing to do.

Giant added that it would be 'strange and weird' if the hit BBC series, which is hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, wasn't renewed for a third series.

He continued: 'I think series 3 isn't quite confirmed, but I'm sure we will be back. I can't confirm anything because nothing is official, but it would be strange and weird if it didn't happen.'

When asked if the athletes get competitive between themselves during the show, Giant added: 'Yes, it is, we are all athletes at heart, but we have to realise we are on a TV show as well. The audience and the chants and signs do make you feel good.'

Their appearance at the event came after Giant was cast on the family-friendly game show despite admitting to taking steroids in resurfaced YouTube videos.

The bodybuilder is said to have boasted about his 'phenomenal gains' from taking the Class C drug, which caused a 'PR nightmare' for the BBC.  

A source told The Sun last year: 'The first series of Gladiators was a huge success for the BBC and so there was no surprise to hear that a second series had been ordered'.

'What was more surprising, though, is that bosses had not taken the chance to weed out any of the less family-friendly characters through a shake-up of the Gladiator squad.

'It was a PR nightmare for the BBC at the time. It's a family show and they somehow had not spotted this material from its biggest star'.

BBC declined to comment when approached by Daily Mail.