A contestant on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins was left devastated after being pulled from the gruelling Channel 4 reality show for urgent medical reasons during Monday's episode.
Medical Emergency Halts SAS Journey
The latest series of the extreme endurance programme, which began with 14 celebrities split into Team UK and Team Australia, saw several participants drop out after just four days. The most dramatic exit came from Australian actor Axle Whitehead, 45, best known for his role in Home and Away.
Whitehead was compelled to seek medical attention on-site after experiencing worrying numbness in his arm. The show's chief medical officer, Dr. Laura, assessed his symptoms, which included neck pain and reduced power in one arm.
"We can't keep you in, we're going to have to medically withdraw you," Dr. Laura concluded following a physical examination. The actor was immediately overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears at the decision.
A Decade-Long Battle with Injury
Prior to his withdrawal, Whitehead had revealed a history of serious back problems that made the SAS challenges particularly taxing. He explained that a ruptured disc from a Thai massage a decade ago led to three operations and a long recovery.
"I had no idea what it's like to live with chronic pain until I went through it," he shared. "It affects every part of your body. But the psychological aspect, that's probably toughest."
The injury had shattered his confidence, leaving him fearing he might never run again. Team UK also lost two members during the episode, social media personalities Jack Joseph and Cole Anderson James, who conceded they could not cope with the demands.
Life-Changing Experience Despite Exit
Despite his premature departure, Whitehead described his time on the show as profoundly transformative. Speaking to Channel 4 ahead of the series airing, he called it a "life changing experience" that redefined his relationship with fear and resilience.
"I have never been pushed to those limits in my life," he said. "It gave me back my confidence that I'd lost over the last few years. The sense of camaraderie and laughter within the group is something I'll treasure for the rest of my life. I'd do it again in a heart beat!"
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is available to stream in full on Channel 4's on-demand service.
