Former Love Island star Gabby Allen suffered a raw and emotional panic attack during Sunday night's episode of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, breaking down in tears as she opened up about the death of her father.
Emotional Breakdown During Interrogation
The 33-year-old reality TV personality was pulled aside for a gruelling interrogation by directing staff members Jason 'Foxy' Fox and Billy Billingham. This came after she failed the episode's first challenge, which involved running across a ladder suspended high between two buildings while evading simulated gunfire from below.
After losing her composure and tumbling from the ladder halfway across, Gabby was scolded by the DS for her lack of control. The subsequent interrogation quickly turned to her personal background, where she revealed the profound impact of her father's passing.
A Father's Legacy Fuels the Fight
Gabby's father, Mark Allen, died in January 2013 at the age of 54 from glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Struggling to breathe through her tears, Gabby explained that her late father was her primary motivation for tackling the extreme SAS selection process.
"My dad died when I was 20 from brain cancer," she revealed. "It was a very quick turnaround from him just being normal to passing away. But he would have absolutely loved to have done this. The fact that I’m doing it, I want to do it because he would say, 'it’s so sick' that his daughter’s doing it."
She reflected on her own high standards, stating, "Ever since I was younger, I've been pushed to be the best at whatever I've done, so when I'm not, it's hard." Offering comfort, DS Billy told her that her "dad would be super proud of her" before sending her back to camp.
Wave of Quits Hits Brutal Series
Gabby's emotional ordeal unfolded as the Channel 4 series was thrown into chaos with a significant number of dropouts. In the same episode, three celebrities voluntarily quit, and another was sent home on medical grounds, bringing the total withdrawals to five just three episodes into the eighth series.
The list of those who left includes:
- Natalie Bassingthwaighte, 50, (Neighbours star) quit after nearly fainting.
- Jack Joseph, 25, (influencer) withdrew, citing he was "not physically fit enough."
- Cole Anderson-James, 28, (social media star) said he "just don't think I'm mentally strong enough."
- Axle Whitehead, 45, (Home and Away actor) was removed on medical grounds after losing feeling in his arm.
This followed the earlier departure of Married At First Sight Australia star Jessika Power, who quit after breaking down during a punishing 'beasting' exercise.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins continues on Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4.
