Former Love Island contestant Gabby Allen suffered a humiliating start to her Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins journey, failing the show's inaugural challenge mere seconds after it began.
Underwater Panic Ends Mission Prematurely
The brutal eighth series of the Channel 4 programme launched on Sunday, 4 January 2026, throwing 14 celebrities into a gruelling modified version of SAS selection. In a new twist, the contestants were divided into rival teams of seven Brits and seven Australians.
The first mission was a high-pressure emergency evacuation drill. Each team had to nominate one member to be strapped into a mock aircraft cockpit, which was then submerged underwater. The task required the participant to hold their breath for 30 seconds before receiving the signal to escape.
Representing Team UK, Gabby Allen, 33, went head-to-head with Australian Olympic swimming champion Mack Horton. However, the reality TV star's attempt unravelled almost immediately. Despite briefings on the risk of drowning, Gabby began to panic just seconds into being submerged.
The show's crew swiftly intervened to rescue her after recognising her distress. Her failure to complete the essential 30-second breath-hold meant she did not pass the test.
‘What the f***?’: Star’s Furious Reaction
Visibly annoyed after being pulled from the water, Gabby did not hold back in her assessment of her performance. Reflecting on the challenge, she expressed sheer frustration, blaming a crucial error rather than fear.
"I weren't scared about the height, I weren't scared about the water," she remarked. "And then I f****** didn't take a big enough breath. What the f***?!"
Dani Dyer Also Falls Short in Gruelling Test
Gabby was not the only Love Island alum to struggle. Her teammate, Dani Dyer, 29, also failed to successfully complete the same underwater evacuation challenge. "Instantly, I failed," Dani vented afterwards.
Ahead of the episode airing, Dani had prepared her followers on Instagram, calling the experience "one of the hardest of my entire life." In an Instagram Stories video, she admitted to being "petrified" for viewers to see her ordeal but said she would love to tackle it again to prove she was "not a wimp."
The UK team for this series also includes social media influencers Jack Joseph and Cole Anderson James, rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen, Gladiator star Toby Olubi, and former England cricketer Graeme Swann.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins continues at 9pm on Channel 4.
