Gladiators star Giant hailed his partner Taylor, who works as an OnlyFans creator, as an ‘incredible person’ and said he is ‘proud to stand by her’.

The Gladiator said it was one of the ‘greatest honours’ of his life to compete in the arena, adding that his departure was not a decision he made.

The athlete, who was born deaf, said she was ‘so grateful’ to be involved in the storyline.

In the hit BBC game show, hosted by father and son Bradley and Barney Walsh, elite athletes take on contenders in three new challenges.

Former boxer Nicola Adams and radio presenter and former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson will also appear on the BBC game show.