Jamie Shaun Christian-Johal (born 27 August 1985) is an English former bodybuilder, firefighter and television personality, known for appearing as "Giant" on the British TV endurance sports game show Gladiators. He is generally dubbed as one of the Biggest Professional Bodybuilding Champions in the World.[1]
Life and career
Jamie Shaun Christian-Johal was born on 27 August 1985 in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.[2][3][4] Prior to working as a bodybuilder and an online fitness coach, he was a firefighter.[5][6] During his bodybuilding prime, Johal was titled as one of the all-time tallest IFBB Pros in the World, hence earning the nickname "Giant" for standing at massive 6 ft 5 in and weighing over 20 stones; or 130 kilograms.[1]
Johal eats around 10,000 calories a day to maintain his physique.[7] He runs Ilkeston Gym and Fitness alongside his wife Katie.[8][9] In January 2024, he began appearing as "Giant" on British TV endurance sports game show Gladiators.[10][11][12][13] His strongest event on the show is Duel, in which he has so far beat most of the contenders in just under 10 seconds, with the quickest takedown time of just 2 seconds – fastest time of any Gladiator that has managed to do it.[14] During his time on the show, Johal was criticised for previously promoting the use of anabolic steroids, despite them being Class C drugs.[15] In response, Johal said he stopped using steroids in around October 2022 and does no longer advocate the use of them.[16]
In 2024 Johal appeared as Giant alongside fellow Gladiator Steel (Zack George) at Sheffield railway station, in which they surprised passengers by helping to carry their luggage on and off trains to promote the rebooted game show.[17]
It was announced on 16 May 2024, that Johal would be making his pantomime debut in the 2024/25 season at Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton. Starring in Beauty and the Beast from 30 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.[18]
