Chaos has erupted on the latest season of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, with a record five contestants quitting the notoriously grueling reality show in just the first few episodes. The eighth series, which returned to Channel 4 screens this January, brought together 14 celebrities from the UK and Australia, pitching them against the brutal SAS Selection process in a bid to test their physical and mental endurance. But as the challenges intensified, the pressure proved too much for several high-profile recruits, leaving the competition in disarray and viewers stunned at the sheer attrition rate.
From the outset, the show’s premise was clear: strip away the comforts of celebrity life and plunge participants into the kind of punishing regime faced by real SAS hopefuls. Under the watchful eyes of Chief Instructor Billy Billingham and his team of Directing Staff—Rudy Reyes, Chris Oliver, and Jason “Foxy” Fox—contestants were subjected to relentless physical drills, psychological tests, and the ever-present threat of elimination for those unable to keep up. According to Metro, the recruits were “dragged away from their luxuries to see if they’re capable of passing the notoriously difficult SAS Selection process.”
The first to fall was Australian reality star Jessika Power, 31, who made her exit after just two episodes. The task that broke her involved press-ups and burpees in the dark, followed by a plunge into freezing water and a grueling circuit. As the demands mounted, Jessika broke down in tears and told the staff, “I can’t do this; I’m going to have to withdraw. I can’t do this. I’m sorry, I can’t do this.” In a confessional, she admitted, “If I quit my armband I am going to feel really really upset and disappointed in myself. I want to feel accomplished when I leave the course. I want to know I pushed myself to the limit.” Her emotional departure set the tone for what would become a cascade of withdrawals.
Next to bow out was Neighbours actor Natalie Bassingthwaighte, 50, who nearly fainted during a physically demanding task. She handed in her armband after a brutal beasting session, later reflecting on Instagram that the process had pushed her “beyond limits.” A source told The Sun that she “didn’t realise just how tough the process would be.” Even before entering the show, Natalie had confessed, “I would hate to withdraw myself, but if I pushed as hard as I could go, I would be really proud of myself.”
The exodus continued with influencer Jack Joseph, 25, who quit after climbing 27 flights of stairs. He was candid about his reasons, saying, “I’m not physically fit enough, to be honest. I’m done.” Fellow social media star Cole Anderson-James, 28, soon followed, admitting, “I just don’t think I’m mentally strong enough.” Their departures highlighted the dual demands—physical and psychological—of the SAS experience, and how both could prove equally insurmountable.
The fifth and final early exit came under more dramatic circumstances. Home and Away actor Axle Whitehead, 45, was forced to leave on medical grounds after losing sensation in his arm. Medics intervened, and preview footage showed him being carried away from the group on a stretcher, tears streaming as he was told he could not continue. As reported by Daily Mail, a source described the situation bluntly: “The celebrities were dropping like flies.”
While the show’s premise has always been tough, this season’s challenges have been particularly punishing. Contestants have faced everything from urban combat escape drills to ammo resupply missions, often under sweltering 38-degree heat. The staff’s approach has been uncompromising, with Chris Oliver bluntly telling the group, “If you don’t want to be here, do us a favour and leave. Everybody stand up.” The relentless pace left little room for error or hesitation. Directing staff member Rudy Reyes barked, “Quick as you can, press up position. Let’s go!”—even as the celebrities were relaxing in bed.
Sunday night’s episode saw the remaining recruits take on a deep water dive emergency evacuation drill from 260 feet. Love Island star Dani Dyer, partnered with Neighbours actor Ryan Moloney, struggled with the task, panicking before the descent and apologizing to her teammate after escaping the submerged plane early. Chief Instructor Billy Billingham was unimpressed, calling it a “catastrophic fail.” Dani confessed her anxiety, saying, “I really want to cry but I don’t want to cry. I’m really scared.”
Despite the adversity, a core group of contestants remains determined to see the process through. The UK team is now represented by Dani Dyer, Gabby Allen, rugby player Ben Cohen, Gladiators star Toby Olubi, and cricketer Graeme Swann. Team Australia’s survivors include former cricketer Brad Hodge, Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm, Neighbours stalwart Ryan Moloney, and Mack Horton—who made headlines for wetting himself just 10 minutes into the first challenge, a testament to the nerves and pressures at play.
Behind the scenes, tensions have simmered as well, particularly around leadership and teamwork. Ryan Moloney, known to millions as Toadfish from Neighbours, took on a leadership role early, issuing orders and confronting teammates over what he saw as lapses in discipline. At one point, he erupted, “Fill up your fing water bottles first! Use your cups to drink in here so you’ve always got a full fing bottle.” His outburst left some recruits bristling, with Toby Olubi muttering, “He runs this place apparently,” and Gabby Allen sarcastically remarking, “Feel like he’s another DS, don’t you?”
Viewers have taken to social media to comment on the group dynamics and the toll the experience is taking on the celebrities’ mental health. Some have predicted further clashes and even more withdrawals before the series concludes. Yet, for those still in the running, the motivation remains strong. Dani Dyer, reflecting on her reasons for joining, said, “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.”
As the series continues, the remaining celebrities will be hoping to emulate last year’s trio of finishers—ex-footballer Troy Deeney, media personality Michaella McCollum, and X Factor alum Lucy Spraggan. But with the attrition rate already at a high, and the challenges only set to intensify, it remains to be seen who will have the resilience to go the distance. Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins airs Sundays at 9pm on Channel 4, and for the contestants still standing, the battle is far from over.
