Channel 4's hit reality series SAS: Who Dares Wins is set to make television history by reportedly casting its first ever transgender celebrity contestant for the upcoming celebrity edition. Ella Morgan, who rose to fame on Married At First Sight UK in 2023, has been signed for the show, with insiders describing her as a 'tough cookie' fully prepared to tackle the gruelling challenges ahead.
Progressive Casting for Telly's Toughest Challenge
A source close to the production revealed to The Sun that Channel 4 continues to make progressive casting choices, welcoming any celebrities who believe they can withstand what is widely regarded as television's most demanding physical and mental test. The insider emphasised that Ella was resilient long before finding fame on MAFS, and her years in the spotlight have only strengthened her readiness for this new venture.
'Ella was a tough cookie before finding fame on MAFS and a few years in the spotlight have made her more than ready to take it all on,' the source stated. 'But she makes no secret of loving her glam hair, make-up and nails, so fans will see a whole new side to her. That’s partly what appeals to Ella about SAS: Who Dares Wins and, over the years, the celebs with the glossy veneer to chip away, always have transformative experiences on the show.'
Ella Morgan's Trailblazing Television Career
This groundbreaking casting marks another historic moment for Ella Morgan, who previously made television history as the first transgender bride to participate in Married At First Sight UK. During her time on that show, she initially married Nathaniel Valentino before later forming a relationship with co-star JJ Slater, who is famously known as Katie Price's former partner.
The popular Channel 4 show first premiered in 2015 and has since produced eight successful regular series, with the celebrity spin-off launching in 2019 to considerable acclaim. The eighth celebrity series aired earlier this year, featuring instructors Jason Fox, Billy Billingham, Rudy Reyes, and Chris Oliver putting contestants including Gabby Allen, Dani Dyer, and Jack Joseph through their paces.
Future of Celebrity SAS Confirmed
Following speculation about the program's future after the regular SAS: Who Dares Wins was axed in 2023 after eight series, The Sun confirmed last month that Celebrity SAS WILL be returning for a ninth series. The latest celebrity edition wrapped up on January 26 after eight intense episodes that saw UK and Australian stars competing head-to-head in brutal challenges that left some contestants battered and bloodied, with one even reportedly wetting themselves during the ordeal.
Recent Winners Reflect on Their Triumph
The most recent celebrity series concluded with Gabby Allen, Dani Dyer, and Emily Seebohm being crowned winners, marking a significant moment for female contestants on the traditionally male-dominated show. Reflecting on their victory, Dani Dyer described every moment as 'horrendous' but expressed immense pride in her accomplishment.
'If I can do this, I can do anything,' Dani stated. 'I definitely am a lot stronger than what I think I am. I can’t believe I’ve actually been able to do it. I’m really proud of myself. We are strong women. We go through so much as women, mentally and physically.'
Gabby Allen echoed these sentiments, celebrating the achievement of three women reaching the finish line together. 'Standing there with two women at the end meant everything to me. My whole brand is about empowering women from every walk of life. Men are strong, but women show time and time again that we can do just as much.'
Emily Seebohm revealed she drew strength from visualizing her son during the most challenging moments, particularly during the mountain climb with chains and tyres. 'Every time I struggled, I pictured my son in his dinosaur pyjamas. I could see him so clearly, and it gave me strength. When we were climbing the mountain with chains and tyres, I could see him the whole time in my head. I wasn’t struggling at all. It was pure mind over matter.'
Daily Mail has reached out to representatives of SAS: Who Dares Wins for comment regarding Ella Morgan's reported casting, though no official statement has been released at this time. The upcoming series promises to continue the show's tradition of pushing celebrities to their absolute limits while breaking new ground in television representation.
