A popular star from the hit BBC reboot of Gladiators has shared a deeply personal reason for a significant life change at the start of the new year.
A Decision to Reclaim Identity
Jamie Bigg, formerly known as Christian-Johal and hailing from Derbyshire, told his followers on social media earlier this month that he was making a 'big change'. The fan-favourite athlete, cheered by thousands across the UK, explained he had decided to legally 'reclaim' the surname on his original birth certificate.
In an emotional Instagram post, Jamie revealed his identity had shifted early in life. "You'll never believe what my original name was on my birth certificate... at the age of four, I lost my identity [when] I became Johal when my mum got married," he said.
The Turning Point at 40
Jamie described how major life events in his late thirties solidified his need for this change. He explained that for years he had "hid behind" his physique as a bodybuilder and later became a television character more famous than his true self.
"Turning 40 and getting my ADHD diagnosis and going through a divorce really reinforced the need and desire to have my own identity again," he stated. This combination of a recent attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and the end of his marriage pushed him to seek greater authenticity.
Moving Forward as Jamie Bigg
The gladiator announced that he would be entering 2026 as his authentic self. "At my birth, believe it or not was Jamie Bigg. So in 2026, I'll be reclaiming my birth name and making some big changes," he declared.
He expressed a commitment to transparency in all areas of his life, whether discussing his ADHD journey, helping fans with fitness, or focusing on being a better father. His social media profiles now reflect his birth name, and the decision has been met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow competitors.
One supporter commented, "Awesome man! 2026 here we come Bigg G," while another warmly stated, "ALWAYS BEEN BIGG G, love this for you."
