The countdown is nearly over for fans of adrenaline-fueled reality TV: Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is set to make its much-anticipated return to Channel 4 on Sunday, January 4, 2026. But this time, the stakes are higher and the competition fiercer, as the show introduces a dramatic new twist—pitting British and Australian celebrities against each other in a battle of grit and endurance on the unforgiving terrain of North Africa.
According to Channel 4, the 2026 series will see the UK and Australian recruits "put under extreme pressure as every mistake is punished, every crack exploited, every weakness dragged into the open." The format, already known for its punishing Special Forces-style training, now adds an international rivalry that promises to push participants further than ever before. As the broadcaster teases, "Not everyone will have what it takes to make it to the end as bonds snap, egos shatter, and recruits are pushed so far past their limits they forget they ever had any." The ultimate question remains: will the UK or Australia emerge victorious when the rivalry finally reaches its breaking point?
The new series will air weekly on Channel 4, with episodes scheduled for Saturday and Monday nights at 9pm, as revealed by contestant Gabby Allen on her Instagram. For those eager to catch up, past series remain available on Channel 4’s streaming platform.
Gabby Allen, the former Love Island star, is among the high-profile recruits this season. She’s been enthusiastically sharing her excitement with fans, stating, "Soooooo ready to watch this back! Gunna report back here on stories during every ep to talk you through BTS cause I doubt you’ll see everything!!! And there’s a LOT to unpack!!!" (as reported by Bang Showbiz). Allen’s anticipation is palpable, and she’s promised viewers an inside look at the behind-the-scenes drama as the series unfolds.
Joining Allen in Team UK are fellow reality TV star Dani Dyer, social media influencers Jack Joseph and Cole Anderson-James, former England rugby player Ben Cohen, Gladiators and Olympian Toby Olubi, and ex-England cricketer Graeme Swann. Team Australia boasts its own line-up of household names, including Love Island alum Jessika Power, actors Ryan Moloney and Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Home and Away star Axle Whitehead, cricketer Brad Hodge, and Olympic swimmers Emily Seebohm and Mack Horton.
The show’s brutal course was filmed in North Africa earlier in 2025, a location chosen for its harsh climate and challenging landscape. The series will span eight episodes, with the celebrities facing a variety of military challenges designed to test both their physical and mental limits.
Directing the action are the show’s formidable team of ex-special forces instructors: chief instructor Mark 'Billy' Billingham MBE, Jason 'Foxy' Fox, Rudy Reyes, and Chris Oliver. These veterans have become familiar faces to viewers, and their no-nonsense approach is a cornerstone of the show’s appeal. Channel 4 describes their role succinctly: "Every mistake is punished, every crack exploited, every weakness dragged into the open."
For the celebrities, the experience is as much psychological as it is physical. Dani Dyer, who had to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year due to injury, expressed her determination to confront her own doubts. In a statement, she shared, "I'm a massive fan of the show. I've always watched it and wondered if I could do it. I want to put myself to the test. I'm nuts, but I think I will be good at it, I'll be completely out of my comfort zone. I just hope that I will be able to stop listening to the voices in my head and just get to the end because that would make me so proud. I think physically I've got this, mentally is what I'll struggle with as my brain attacks me all the bloody time. I just want to believe in myself a little bit more and stop being a negative Nancy." (as quoted by Bang Showbiz)
Graeme Swann, the former England cricket bowler, echoed the sentiment of pushing beyond one’s comfort zone. He explained, "I wanted to take part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, mostly to step out of my comfort zone and see how hard I could push myself but also, I wanted my kids to see that even the hardest tasks can be achieved if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other." His words capture the spirit of the show—a test of character as much as capability.
The format itself is straightforward yet punishing. Each episode subjects the celebrities to a series of challenges modeled after real-life Special Forces training. The directing staff are relentless, and only those who can withstand the pressure—physically and mentally—stand a chance of making it to the end. The rivalry between the UK and Australian teams adds an extra layer of tension, with national pride on the line.
The anticipation for the new series is not limited to the contestants. Channel 4 has released a high-octane trailer, offering glimpses of the grueling tasks and emotional moments ahead. The broadcaster’s messaging is clear: this is not a holiday for celebrities, but a true test of resilience and teamwork, set against the dramatic backdrop of North Africa.
The show’s popularity has only grown over recent years, with viewers drawn to the raw, unscripted drama and the chance to see familiar faces pushed to their limits. The addition of an international rivalry taps into the competitive spirit of audiences on both sides of the world, promising even more fireworks as the series unfolds.
As the start date approaches, fans are already speculating about which celebrity will rise to the challenge and whether the UK or Australia will claim bragging rights. Will it be a seasoned athlete, a reality TV veteran, or perhaps an underdog who surprises everyone? With the Directing Staff’s reputation for pushing recruits to their absolute breaking point, nothing is guaranteed.
For those eager to see the action, tune in to Channel 4 starting Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 9pm. Whether you’re rooting for Team UK or Team Australia, one thing’s for certain: this series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins promises to deliver more twists, tougher challenges, and unforgettable moments than ever before.
As the dust settles and the final episode airs, only one team will emerge victorious—but every celebrity who crosses the finish line will have earned their stripes in one of television’s toughest contests.
