There are plenty of sizable personalities in evidence at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre over Christmas - as is normal during panto season - but this year look out for a bigger-than-usual presence on stage. Fresh from the BBC’s revival of hit 1990s TV series Gladiators, Jamie Christian-Johal - better known as Giant - is making his pantomime debut. What’s On spoke to the colossal character to find out more...

Pantomime and Gladiators might seem an unlikely pairing, but for the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, it’s a match made in heaven. This year’s production of Beauty And The Beast features Giant, one of the stars of the family-favourite TV show. Also known as Jamie Christian-Johal, Giant certainly lives up to his name. Standing at an impressive six feet and five inches tall, he will be making his pantomime debut at the Grand Theatre.

“I’m very excited - slightly nervous, but more excited,” he tells What’s On. “My first memory of panto, going on a trip as a school kid, was throwing sponges at the stage. I don’t know whether there are any sponges in this one, but I’d provide a nice target for the kids…”

The BBC’s revival of Gladiators, the first series of which ran from 1992 to 2000 on ITV, hit television screens in January this year. Proving an instant ratings success, the second series has already been filmed - and within a year ‘Giant’ has become a household name.

“What surprised me most is how switched-on kids are with their facial recognition software. They will notice me instantly, whereas you’ll see the parents looking and going ‘Is it…?’ and looking at their phone. Kids, for whatever reason, just say ‘It’s Giant!’ straight away.”

Part of the revival’s success might be down to the young people who loved the original show in the 90s passing on their passion to their own children. Finding fame practically overnight might be proving a whirlwind experience, but Giant is delighted to be continuing that tradition of family entertainment.

“It’s been great, because the show’s been so well received. To have put something out there, and for it to be received like it has been, and to stick with my morals and ethos around fitness and health for the family, and getting the family together on the sofa on a Saturday night watching TV, which is something that I did when I was a kid... What could I not like? It’s been amazing!”

Making the leap to another family tradition, Giant has now been fully inducted into the world of pantomime. He’s also seriously impressed with the Wolverhampton Grand, a venue which is very different from Utilita Arena Sheffield, where Gladiators is filmed.

“The theatre just looks gorgeous; it’s so traditional. I think it’s going to feel like home for seven weeks.”

All of the Gladiators are used to playing to huge crowds - normally while wielding a pugil stick or tackling a contender to the ground - but it will be quite a change to tread the boards in front of a theatre audience. That said, it’s not the first time Giant has stepped out into the theatrical limelight - although the circumstances were very different on the previous occasions...

“I have been on stage before - I used to be a bodybuilder. I used to wear tiny pants with fake tan and oil! So there are some similarities - but at the same time, it’s very different. I’m wearing more clothes this time - which might be to some people’s disappointment!”

It’s hard to believe anyone could be disappointed to see Giant’s character, Gladus, clad in a shiny, iridescent version of a Roman gladiator’s outfit. Of course, he’s still got plenty of muscle on display - if any panto-going bodybuilders happened to be wondering! 

To maintain his impressive physique takes a huge amount of time, dedication and hard work. With two panto performances every day - not to mention the rehearsal period - how will Giant stay on top of his fitness routine?

“I’m going to have to work it into the panto schedule, which is pretty hectic. It will involve waking up early, probably at about half five or six, getting a coffee and some breakfast, and then hitting the gym. I find if I start my day like that, I’m mentally and physically ready to take on anything. So that’s what I’ll be doing every day before the panto. Early starts and late finishes - but if I stick to that routine, I’ll just feel better for it.”

This year, the Grand’s panto cast features  a host of musical theatre performers, including original SIX Queen Jarnéia Richard-Noel and erstwhile star of Waitress, Olivia Mitchell (as Belle). Wolverhampton panto legends Tam Ryan and Ian Adams also make their return, having written the script - for a second year running - that includes a part tailor-made for a Gladiator. 

There are plenty of experiences to enjoy when taking on the mantle of a pantomime performer, but Giant is most excited about the prospect of meeting and working with new people. 

“I’m 39 years old - I think for most people at 39, their friends and family situation is set, their work-life balance is set, and that will perhaps be the future for them as well. The fact that I’m 39 and get to meet all sorts of different people from different fields - experts in their own right - is just fantastic. I feel like I’m living parts of life that I’d perhaps missed out on in the past.”

And finally... Giant and his wife, Katie, have two children, who will doubtless be in the audience to witness his panto debut. Are they looking forward to the show?

“Yeah, of course! They want to come and laugh at Dad! They’re older - one’s 15, one’s 18 - but they will still definitely not want to miss this!”

Feature by Jessica Clixby

Beauty And The Beast runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Sunday 5 January