Channel 4 has unleashed the first explosive trailer for the upcoming series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, which for the first time will pit celebrities from the United Kingdom against their counterparts from Australia. The highly-anticipated eighth series is scheduled to premiere on January 4 at 9pm, promising eight one-hour episodes of gruelling physical and psychological trials.
Celebrities Pushed to Their Absolute Limits
The new series, filmed in the harsh environment of North Africa, will see 14 new recruits undertake what is described as the 'most punishing challenge of their lives'. The UK team is comprised of a diverse mix of personalities, including reality star Dani Dyer, 28, former Love Island contestant and fitness influencer Gabby Allen, 33, social media star Jack Joseph, 25, YouTuber Cole Anderson-James, 28, rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen, 46, Gladiators star Toby Olubi, 37, and former England cricketer Graeme Swann, 46.
The Australian contingent features Married At First Sight alum Jessika Power, 33, Neighbours icon Ryan Moloney, 45, singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte, 50, cricketer Brad Hodge, 50, Olympic swimmers Emily Seebohm, 33, and Mack Horton, 29, alongside Home and Away actor Axle Whitehead.
Trailer Teases Tears, Terror and National Pride
The newly released preview offers a dramatic glimpse of the intense pressure awaiting the recruits. Scenes show Dani Dyer breaking down in tears during a brutal interrogation and being left speechless after a fierce dressing-down from the directing staff (DS). In another harrowing moment, her fellow Love Island alum, Gabby Allen, is heard screaming for help while seemingly trapped underground during a claustrophobic challenge.
The trailer also highlights the fierce national rivalry, with the two teams competing in a series of terrifying tasks to claim victory for their country. The infamous DS team – Chief Instructor Billy Billingham MBE, alongside Jason 'Foxy' Fox, Rudy Reyes, and Chris Oliver – return to administer the punishing regime.
Recruits Speak Out on Their Motivations
Speaking about her decision to take part, Dani Dyer (Recruit Number Four) said she was a massive fan of the show and wanted to test herself. 'I just hope that I will be able to stop listening to the voices in my head and just get to the end,' she admitted, acknowledging the mental battle would be her biggest struggle.
Australian recruit Jessika Power (Recruit Eight) stated she wanted to show a more vulnerable and determined side of herself, moving past her reality TV persona. 'I want to prove to the public that I'm not a reality bi**h,' she explained.
Neighbours legend Ryan Moloney, famed for playing Toadfish Rebecchi, said he wanted to 'grab this and tear the balls off it', viewing it as a huge, once-in-a-lifetime challenge.
DS Prepare for a Brutal Contest
Chief Instructor Billy Billingham set the tone for the series, stating: 'A challenge like no other, this series isn’t just a brutal personal course, their national pride is on the line! Who has the minerals to rise from the ashes or fade into the outback?'
DS Foxy emphasised the historic rivalry, adding: 'This is more than just a course, it’s a centuries old rivalry and we are stirring it up on a new front!'
The series marks a return to large-scale international filming after budget constraints previously saw production located in Wales. This time, producers opted for the demanding landscape of North Africa, specifically Marrakech, to heighten the intensity and visual scale of the challenges.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins returns with its UK vs Australia series on Channel 4 on Sunday, January 4 at 9pm. Episodes will air on Sundays and Mondays and will be available to stream live and on-demand.
