Huge star-studded reality show saved from the axe as Channel 4 bosses make last-minute u-turn


CELEBRITY SAS: Who Dares Wins has been pulled back from the brink after Channel 4 bosses made a last-minute decision to keep the show alive — despite plans to quietly axe the hit series.

The brutal reality show, which pushes celebs to their limits in gruelling military-style challenges, was set to be cut from the schedule.

Four men in dark tactical gear walk toward the camera in front of a large explosion.
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Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins’ Rudy Reyes, Chris Oliver, Billy Billingham, Jason Fox[/caption]

Undated Handout Photo from Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Pictured: Bianca Gascoigne, Chris Robshaw, Pete Wicks, Ovie Soko, Georgia Harrison, Bobby Norris, Anthony Ogogo, Shazia Mirza, Tez Illyas, Cherry Healey, Rachel Johnson, Marnie Simpson, Ellie Downie, John Barrowman and Lani Daniels. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Celebrity SAS. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Celebrity SAS. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: Pete Dadds/Channel 4. NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Celebrity SAS.
The cast of the last series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins that aired in September
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a man with long hair and a beard is crying in the dark .
The series forces celebrities to open up about trauma in their lives – Pete Wicks spoke about being lonely in an emotional confession last year
Channel 4

But after seeing footage of the upcoming series, execs couldn’t let it go.

A TV insider revealed: “Channel 4 never officially announced that Celebrity SAS had been dropped, but behind closed doors, they had decided not to bring it back — at least for the time being. 

“It’s an expensive show to make, as far as reality shows go, and budgets have been tightened.”

The most recent series of the SAS: Who Dares Wins celebrity spin-off was completed by Love Island star Georgia Harrison and boxer Lani Daniels.

Another installment, due to air this year, has already been made.

The source added: “They filmed a series in 2024, which will air later in 2025, and that was quietly considered to be the last one they would make.

“However, it’s a beloved franchise and they have had a last-minute change of heart after doing the edit for the unaired series that’s in the can.”

Now, the show’s future is back on track, with the next course to be filmed later this year and air in 2026. 

Casting talks are already underway to find the next batch of brave celebs willing to face freezing water submersions, terrifying heights, and relentless shouting from the show’s no-nonsense directing staff.

The next instalment promises to be as intense as ever, with contestants pushed to their physical and emotional limits in some of the toughest challenges on TV.


And sources have told The Sun bosses are already in talks with famous faces for the 2026 celebrity series.

The Sun previously revealed N-Dubz star Fazer was in talks to appear on the show.

A telly insider told us: “Fazer is really keen to have a go on SAS: Who Dares Wins and has had some promising conversations so far.

“There’s no denying the popularity of N-Dubz and Tulisa‘s recent appearance on I’m a Celebrity proves that.

Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins winners

Many celebrities have attempted the infamous Channel 4 quasi military training course – but only a select few have successfully passed.

Series 1 (2019) – Wayne Bridge

Series 2 (2020) – Locksmith and Lauren Steadman

Series 3 (2021) – Alexandra Burke, Aled Davies and Wes Nelson

Series 4 (2022) – AJ Pritchard, Calum Best, Ferne McCann and Maisie Smith

Series 5 (2023) – Gareth Gates

“Fazer joining the line-up would be good for both him and the show and it’s lookling like a done deal at the moment.”

Tulisa, Fazer and bandmate Dappy reunited in 2022 after a hiatus of more than a decade and hit the road a year later for a sell-out arena tour.

A representative for Celeb SAS has been contacted for comment.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 04: Fazer aka Richard Rawson of N-Dubz attends the launch of N-Dubz new album 'Timeless' at Cafe KOKO on August 4, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Now The Sun can reveal Fazer is in advanced talks to film the next series of the show
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