SAS: Who Dares Wins returns for a special Jungle Hell series where the new recruits face a grueling challenge with Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham’ taking the lead.

The celebrity spin-off is coming later in the year, but now up to 20 newcomers to the Channel 4 reality show must tackle one of the toughest jobs of their lives in Vietnam.

From a professional boxer, personal trainer and former WWE wrestler to a garbage man, chef and hedge fund coach, there’s a perfect mix of up-and-comers, along with a new face helping the team to test them .

The program will once again be without Ant Middleton (42) after it was announced in March 2021 that the TV personality would not return as head instructor due to “personal conduct”.

Before he left, he came under fire for comments about the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality as far-right protesters clashed with protesters in London. Ant branded both groups “scum” in a now-deleted tweet.

At the time of Middleton’s departure, Channel 4 said in a statement: “Following a number of discussions that Channel 4 and Minnow Films have had with him regarding his personal conduct, it has become clear that our views and values ​​are not aligned and we will not work with him again.’

Here’s everything you need to know.

Who is Mark “Billy” Billingham?

Ant has been replaced as chief instructor by former US Recon Marine Rudy Reyes, but he will take a back seat of sorts in the new lineup with director staff (DS) member Billy, 57, serving as boss.

Chris Oliver, newcomer to Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox, who has had a long military career and serves with DS Foxy in the elite special boat service, completes the team.

The decision was made based on Billy’s experience at this year’s venue, having spent half of his military career in Vietnam.

As a DS in actual SAS military selection and as Chief Instructor at the British Army Jungle Warfare Training School in Brunei, it was decided that he was best suited to “guide the recruits through this treacherous environment”.

Billy said: “I’m looking forward to challenging and encouraging the new hires. But I won’t accept any excuses – this will be the hardest course yet!’

He previously spent more than two decades in the Parachute Regiment and SAS before working as a bodyguard for big stars such as Sir Michael Caine, Kate Moss, Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise.

Is Billy married?

He is married to fashion designer Julie Colombino and tied the knot in March 2019.

She is the founder of the environmentally conscious shoe brand Deux Mains.

When did Billy come to the show?

Mark joined the team from season two in 2016 and has since appeared in both the civilian and celebrity edition.

This will be his 11th series while this is his first as Head Instructor.