Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 13, 2024 2:56 pm GMT
John Barrowman’s brief stint on the reality show *Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins* lasted only 32 minutes, making him the first celebrity recruit to exit the competition this season. The *Doctor Who* star’s quick departure was not due to the often grueling challenges of the show but rather a rather unfortunate culinary misstep and his subsequent motion sickness.
Barrowman’s Early Exit Explained
On the show, contestants underwent rigorous tasks inspired by real SAS (Special Air Service) training in the rugged landscapes of New Zealand. Shortly after Barrowman and his fellow contestants completed an initial challenge, he was seen feeling unwell and subsequently vomited. His exit came after he told the show’s chief instructor, Mark “Billy” Billingham, “I’m done.” When asked if he would like to see a doctor, Barrowman declined, saying, “No… I’m done. It’s not for me; I know who I am and what I’m about.”
Barrowman, known for his dynamic performances on stage and screen, faced hard choices in a high-pressure environment. Following his early withdrawal, the show’s narrator confirmed his exit, saying, “After only 32 minutes on base, number 13 John is the first recruit to leave the course.”
Food Choice Blamed for Incident
Commenting on his experience, Barrowman attributed his struggles to consuming vegan food options provided before the first task. “I’m not a vegan or a vegetarian, but they made everybody eat vile tofu,” he stated. While he was starving, he ate the tofu, which he would never choose otherwise. The aftermath involved a rough two-hour car ride to the task site.
“I thought, ‘I’m not going to make myself ill or hurt myself in order to try to prove something that I don’t need to prove,’” he reflected. He emphasized that he felt comfortable with his decision to withdraw from the show, affirming, “I am completely a happy person.”
Contestants in the Competitive Series
Barrowman’s departure leaves 14 other celebrities to compete for the title in this season of *Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins*. The star-studded lineup includes:
- Rachel Johnson – sister of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson
- Pete Wicks – reality star
- Ellie Downie – former Olympic gymnast
- Tez Ilyas – comedian
- Ovie Soko – professional basketball player and *Love Island* star
- Lani Daniels – world heavyweight boxing champion
- Bianca Gascoigne - reality TV star
- Chris Robshaw – former England rugby captain
- Cherry Healey – TV presenter
- Anthony Ogogo – former professional boxer
- Shazia Mirza – comedian
- Georgia Harrison – *Love Island* contestant
- Bobby Norris - reality star
- Marnie Simpson – former *Geordie Shore* star
The sixth series of the celebrity edition airs on Channel 4 every Sunday and Monday at 9 PM.
Other Celebrity Challenges in the Show
It’s not uncommon for contestants to face unexpected physical challenges. Rachel Johnson mentioned that she sustained a rib injury during one of the tasks but chose to “power on through.” In previous seasons, several celebrities have also faced their own trials, including James Argent from *TOWIE*, who contracted trench foot, and Marnie Simpson, who experienced an infected wound.
Barrowman’s Past Allegations Resurface
During the episode, Barrowman also addressed past allegations regarding inappropriate behavior during his time on *Doctor Who* and *Torchwood*. He described the accusations as profoundly damaging, stating, “Having that happen to me ruined me.” Barrowman, who is known for his humor and charisma, insisted that he is not a sexual deviant and acknowledged making mistakes, but asserted that what was reported in the press was exaggerated.
He reflected on how his experiences with nude scenes in the shows contributed to misunderstandings about his character, saying, “We’ve all done stupid things and silly things, but what’s been said about me will never go away now.”
Looking Ahead
As Barrowman steps away from this reality challenge, the other contestants will continue to navigate the demanding conditions set out in the show, where mental and physical endurance will be tested. With each new episode, viewers will witness how this eclectic group confronts their fears and strives to complete the military-inspired tasks designed to push them to their limits.
*Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins* aims to not only entertain but also push its contestants toward personal growth, overcoming fears, and facing their pasts—an experience that resonates deeply given the variety of backgrounds and stories of the remaining contestants.
John Barrowman didn’t stay in *Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins* for long, but his time there showed us that reality TV can be full of surprises. He shared his thoughts about the tough times he faced, reminding us all how important it is to be yourself, even when people are watching.
