Reality TV star Dani Dyer has declared that her brutal experience on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins has shown her she possesses serious courage, or as she puts it, 'big balls'. The 29-year-old, who recently had to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing due to a broken ankle, opened up about the punishing challenge in an exclusive interview.
From Ballroom to Battlefield: Dani's Gruelling Test
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Dani confessed that the Channel 4 show was unlike anything she had ever done before. 'I wanted to have a go and see if I've got balls. I came out thinking, 'I've got big balls! I'm really glad I've done it,'' she stated. The former Love Island winner also revealed that her famous father, actor Danny Dyer, was initially shocked she had applied but was ultimately proud of her resilience.
The upcoming eighth series of the hit show, which launches on Channel 4 on January 4 at 9pm, features a special UK versus Australia format. Fourteen celebrities from both nations will face what is billed as the 'most punishing challenge of their lives' in the harsh terrain of North Africa.
First-Look Trailer Hints at High Drama
A newly released trailer promises intense drama, showing Dani Dyer, recruit number four, breaking down in tears during a gruelling interrogation. In another scene, she is left speechless after a fierce dressing-down from one of the show's formidable instructors.
She won't be suffering alone. The UK team includes several other famous faces pushed to their limits:
- Love Island's Gabby Allen, 33, seen screaming for help during an underground challenge.
- Social media star Jack Joseph, 25.
- YouTuber Cole Anderson-James, 28.
- Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen, 46.
- Gladiator star Toby Olubi, 37.
- England cricketer Graeme Swann, 46.
They will be opposed by a team of Australian stars, including MAFS's Jessika Power, Neighbours legend Ryan Moloney, and Olympic swimmers Emily Seebohm and Mack Horton.
Mental Fortitude Over Physical Strength
Dani, a self-professed fan of the series, admitted her biggest battle was psychological. 'I think physically I've got this. Mentally is what I'll struggle with as my brain attacks me all the bloody time,' she explained. Her goal was to silence her inner critic and prove her own mettle. 'I just want to believe in myself a little bit more and stop being a negative Nancy,' she added.
Viewers can expect eight one-hour episodes where the recruits are broken down by Chief Instructor Billy Billingham MBE and his directing staff, Foxy, Rudy Reyes, and Chris Oliver. Channel 4's official synopsis warns that not everyone will finish, as 'egos shatter' and recruits are pushed far beyond any limits they thought they had.
