Ariana Longson
Updated on: October 14, 2024 7:33 am GMT
Reality television often pushes celebrities to their limits, but few shows test their mental and physical endurance like *Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins*. In the latest season, viewers witnessed a dramatic departure from this intense competition, as *Doctor Who* star John Barrowman left within half an hour of starting. His exit set the tone for a season packed with challenges, revealing struggles faced not just by Barrowman, but also by his fellow contestants, including comedian Tez Ilyas, who embraced the experience despite its difficulties.
John Barrowman Bows Out Early
Barrowman, 57, became the first contestant to exit the course on the opening episode, leaving fans surprised. Shortly after tackling a demanding challenge rooted in SAS winter warfare training, he was seen struggling physically and emotionally. After feeling unwell and subsequently vomiting, he informed the instructors, “I’m out.” When asked if he wanted to see a doctor, he firmly replied, “No… I’m done.” Barrowman, who is known for his engaging performances on stage and screen, shared that the experience simply wasn’t for him.
Reflecting on his time on set, he commented, “I just… it’s not for me; I know who I am and what I’m about.” This marks a notable departure from the usual resilience often showcased on reality shows, and it highlights the unique pressures of the SAS environment.
Challenges of the Competition
Barrowman’s exit opened the door for 14 other celebrities, including reality stars, athletes, and comedians, to vie for the title. Among them are:
- Rachel Johnson – sister of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson
- Comedian Tez Ilyas
- Love Island contestant Georgia Harrison
- Former Olympic gymnast Ellie Downie
- World heavyweight champion boxer Lani Daniels
- Bobby Norris from *The Only Way Is Essex*
These celebrities face grueling challenges designed to push the limits of both body and mind. The rigorous training simulates real Special Forces conditions in New Zealand, highlighting the intense focus and discipline required to endure the program.
Tez Ilyas’s Journey
Among the remaining contestants, comedian Tez Ilyas has emerged as a relatable figure for many viewers. With minimal preparation time—just five weeks—Tez acknowledged that he wasn’t an athlete and had to make the best of a challenging situation. He said, “I’m just a normal guy.” Despite this, he was eager to participate for the unique experience, calling it a “money-can’t-buy experience.”
Tez described the experience as “awful, uncomfortable, and brilliant,” emphasizing the dual nature of the challenges. “I didn’t go on the show expecting to win,” he noted. Instead, he aimed to test his limits and to embrace the physical and mental trials that came with the training.
Endurance and Team Dynamics
The harsh training threw Tez into a world of discomfort, including cold nights and physically taxing challenges. He mentioned, “It was so cold… I was too scared to take my sleeping bag out,” showcasing the environment’s severity. Yet, Tez remained focused on what he could learn from the experience.
Encouraged by the discipline instilled by the directing staff, he noted, “They really know what they’re talking about,” indicating a respect for the instructors’ backgrounds and experiences. Importantly, Tez observed dynamics among his fellow contestants, particularly that former basketball player Ovie Soko seemed to lose some patience during the challenges, likely due to his competitive nature.
Personal Growth Through Adversity
The show serves not only as entertainment but also offers contestants the chance for personal reflection and growth. Tez shared how the experience challenged him mentally and pushed him out of his comfort zone. He candidly noted that the hardest part was his physical limitations compared to more fit competitors. “It’s less important in my career,” he remarked, referring to the pressure of physical fitness placed on reality stars.
As a comedian, he mentioned how difficult it was to remain silent during intense moments, aligning the training with a key tenet of comedy—timing. “Biting your tongue was tough, especially as a comic,” he said, further highlighting the mental battles faced in the competition.
Facing Online Challenges
Meanwhile, Bobby Norris from *The Only Way Is Essex* also opened up during the episode about the effects of online abuse he has encountered. He described the experience of trolling as part of an industry’s darker side. In response to the negativity, he stated, “Filling my face with Botox… I wanted to just be happy in my own skin being me.” This candid discussion sheds light on the struggles that come with being in the public eye.
Conclusion: Reality Show Reflections
The current season of *Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins* is shaping up to be a transformative journey for many participants. With John Barrowman’s early exit and Tez Ilyas’s candid reflections, viewers are given a glimpse into the real-life challenges faced by celebrities beyond their carefully crafted public personas. Each contestant is navigating their own battles, pushing the boundaries of their physical and emotional limits, while sharing a deeper understanding of each other’s vulnerabilities.
As the series goes on, fans will watch how these famous people face their fears, show their strength, and discover who they really are.
