Channel 4 releases trailer for gruelling reality show

Zoe Lyons is seen dancing from a zip wire in the newly-released trailer for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The seven--part series – which notably features former Health Secretary, Matt Hancock – returns to Channel 4 on September 26.

Lyons, 51 said: 'It was the worst "all-inclusive break" I’ve ever been on. There's a bit of me that feels incredibly fortunate that I got to participate in the show because it does test you, and there's quite a bit of fun to be had if you don't mind losing a few toenails!'

Also taking part in the fifth series are singers,Gareth Gates, Michelle Heaton and Siva Kaneswaran; former model Danielle Lloyd; TV presenter, Melinda Messenger; Ex-Premier League footballer, Jermaine Pennant; Ex-Welsh rugby international Gareth Thomas; reality TV stars James "Arg" Argent, Montana Brown, Teddy Soare and  Amber Turner; actor Kirsty-Leigh Porter; Olympian, Perri Shakes-Drayton  and Paralympic gold medalist Jon-Allan Butterworth.

The series was shot in the unforgiving jungle of Thung Ui, North Vietnam, last October, as Chortle reported at the time.

Chief instructor Billy Billingham said: 'Our recruits will be pushed emotionally, physically and mentally beyond anything they have ever experienced. The standards will never drop but most of the recruits will! No concessions, no excuses, only results.'

And fellow  ex-Special Forces operative Chris Oliver added: 'If these celebrities think we'll be going easy on them, they can think again.  

'The jungle is relentless and the environment is out to get you. If we don't break them, the hot, humid temperatures and the insects will.

'The reason we use the jungle for Special Forces Selection is because it’s horrendous. Our celebrity recruits will have to show extreme resilience and embrace their surrounding if they are to be successful.'

Lyons  is no stranger to reality TV. Before she was a stand-up she took part in Survivor in 2001, lasting for 34 days. But she was less successful in Celebrity MasterChef in 2018 when she was sent home after making two soups in honour of the Victoria Wood sketch of that name.

Published: 14 Sep 2023