SAS: Who Dares Wins returns for a special Jungle Hell series in which the new recruits face a rigorous test led by Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham.
The celebrity spin-off will air later this year, but for now, 20 novices will take on one of the most difficult challenges of their lives in Vietnam on the Channel 4 reality show.
There’s a wonderful mix of people stepping up, including a pro boxer, a personal trainer, and a former WWE wrestler, as well as a bin man, a chef, and a hedge fund trainer, plus a fresh face helping the team put them through their paces.
Ant Middleton, 42, will not be returning as chief teacher owing to ‘personal behaviour,’ as reported in March 2021.
Before leaving, Ant was chastised for statements he made against the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality. As far-right protestors battled with demonstrations in London, Ant called both groups’scum’ in a since-deleted tweet.
Channel 4 said in a statement at the time of Middleton’s departure, ‘Following a number of meetings Channel 4 and Minnow Films have had with him in relation to his personal conduct, it has become evident that our views and values are not matched and we will not be working with him again.’
Everything you need to know is right here.
Who is Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham?
Former United States Recon Marine Rudy Reyes replaced Ant as main teacher, but he’ll be taking a back seat for the upcoming season when Directing Staff (DS) member Billy, 57, takes over as the boss.
The squad is completed by Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox newcomer Chris Oliver, who has a long military experience and served in the elite Special Boat Service alongside fellow DS Foxy.
Billy’s experience in this year’s site, having spent half of his military career in Vietnam, influenced the decision.
He had served as a DS on actual military SAS selection as well as top instructor at the British Army Jungle Warfare Training School in Brunei, therefore it was felt he was best positioned to ‘guide the recruits through this perilous environment’.
‘I’m looking forward to challenging and encouraging the new recruits,’ Billy remarked. However, I will not accept any excuses – this will be the most difficult course to yet!’
He previously served in the Parachute Regiment and the SAS for over two decades before becoming a bodyguard for celebrities such as Sir Michael Caine, Kate Moss, Russell Crowe, and Tom Cruise.
Is Billy married?
He’s married to fashion designer Julie Colombino, whom he married in March 2019.
She is the founder of the eco-friendly footwear company Deux Mains.
When did Billy join the show?
Mark joined the team in the second season of 2016, and has since appeared in both the civilian and celebrity editions.
This will be his 11th series, but his first as Chief Instructor.
SAS: Who Dares Wins Channel 4 at 9pm.