SAS Australia 2020: Your cast guide for new Channel 7 reality show
Hear from the celebrities who will star in the new Channel Seven show SAS Australia as they prepare to face their fears like never before.
Confidential
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SAS Australia could well be the most controversial reality show we’ve seen in Australia for a long time. Confidential has been given a sneak peak at the first episode and it didn’t disappoint.
Here, we take a look through the field of 17 contestants that will be put through their paces attempting to pass the gruelling Special Forces selection course:
ALI OETJEN – 34 — Bachelorette
I wanted to experience where my mental and physical limits were and push past them so I could grow and build strength in a way I couldn’t any other way.
It was relentless! Freezing temperatures, the toughest most uncomfortable obstacles and missions that just never came to an end. Every day in there felt like three days. Fear and adrenaline pumped through my veins the entire time.
ARABELLA DEL BUSSO – 30 — Glamour Model
I’d prepared myself for rations and resources that were far from luxurious, however I was surprised at having to wear soaking wet clothes for the majority of the time. In hindsight it makes sense and isn’t all that surprising but at the time it definitely stood out to me.
CANDICE WARNER – 35 — Ironwoman
SAS Australia was the most life changing experience I could have ever imagined. To begin with I thought it would be the physical challenges that would be the toughest to deal with.
In the end it was the most mundane exercises that would test my character. Packing a Bergen each day sounds like an easy task but believe me it’s much harder than it looks. Drying your wet kit after every exercise was horrendous. All in all it was a true test. I loved it!!
EDEN DALLY – 28 — Reality Star
When we had to jump out of the helicopter into the water, swim back to shore, sleep on the ground, never shower and it’s always cold… that’s when I thought ‘bloody hell’. It was very challenging, every task we did was hard. I was in awe of the men in the Special Forces, I felt like a boy and they were the men.
ERIN MCNAUGHT – 38 — Miss Universe Australia
I feel like I’ve led a very lucky, privileged life, having never experienced severe hardship or tragedy, and that’s partly due to the sacrifices our war veterans made for our freedom. I felt it was important to experience some of the suffering they endured in order to understand what they went through. The second reason (I did the show) was to show my boys that women/mums can do anything they put their minds to so that hopefully they form relationships with girls/women based on strength of character. The first few moments after the first helicopter fall. I was seeing stars and my whole face was numb from hitting the water so hard. I came up gasping and tried to speak; there was only the cameraman there a few metres away and he was just blank - no hint of emotion on his face. I thought someone would at least ask me if I was ok but there was just nothing! It was at that point I realised it was all up to me.
FIRASS DIRANI – 37 — Actor
I wanted to get punished, and that is exactly what I manifested. Regiment, routine and protocol are fundamental to achieving goals in life.
JACKSON WARNE – 21 — Poker Player
It was life changing. I learnt so much about myself and to never take anything for granted again. I also learnt to appreciate the little things like family, food and water. A quote I live by is ‘have no expectations and you will never be disappointed’. The emotions and feelings the course made me feel were struggle, never give up and a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
JAMES MAGNUSSEN – 29 —World Champion Swimmer
I was really looking for a big challenge post my professional swimming career. Whilst I felt I was still young and fit both mentally and physically, this was a great opportunity and it gave me something to prepare for. It was definitely a greater test than I expected. The levels of discomfort, cold, hunger and sleep deprivation are elements that I couldn’t fully prepare for. I found the physical aspects and challenges of the course very rewarding. As I reflect back on the experience I do so fondly and with a great sense of achievement and pride.
MERRICK WATTS – 46 — Comedian
It was of course more challenging but even that was expected. It’s the lack of down time, lack of warm water, the lack of tea even that you don’t think about until you are in it. I can’t imagine there being a harder test. This is not a game, it’s not even a tv show. It is life or death at times and the risks are real.
MITCHELL JOHNSON – 38 — Cricket Legend
I knew it was going to be the toughest thing I’d ever experienced but it blew me away for sure. The mental and emotional side of it wasn’t what I was expecting, even though I had been given advice to be ready for it.
MOLLY TAYLOR – 32 — Rally Car Champion
It appealed to me because I saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that not many people would ever get the chance to do. I knew I would regret it if I didn’t jump at it. I was hoping that I would come out the other side changed for the better and I feel like I achieved that. It was the hardest but most life changing experience I’ve had. I always thought I was good at pushing myself outside my comfort zone, but this was on a scale like nothing else. It forced me to go to places I’ve never been and as a result I’ve grown more than I thought possible.
NICK CUMMINS – 33 — Rugby Union Player
I love a challenge and wanted to bullet proof myself for life. It was a definitely a challenging experience. Every aspect forced me to explore my limits and discover new levels of resilience.
The experience was more challenging than I was expecting. Sustaining energy and focus was really challenging because every task required an extreme level of toughness.
ROXY JACENKO – 40 — PR Queen
I wanted the challenge and to be taken out of the environment I am used to, where I am always in control and making the calls. I wanted someone else to run the show!
It was very challenging for me. Having fractured my hip and pelvis six weeks before departure for filming was a disaster. It meant my six day a week training regime was halted immediately after putting six months into it.
SABRINA FREDERICK – 23 — AFLW Star
I wanted to see if I could pass selection and see how far I could really push myself. It’s the toughest thing I have ever done, physically, emotionally and mentally, but also one of the best experiences I have ever had. I learnt a lot about myself and what matters to me whilst seeing how far I can really push myself. Being a sportsperson in an elite environment you can take so many things across like discipline and self-belief but also keeping things simple and getting rid of distractions.
SCHAPELLE CORBY – 43 — Former Bali Inmate
On the first day after the helicopter fall, army crawling on our stomachs through the mudflats, I was watching the ends of my plaited hair slide through the mud thinking ‘good god, it’s started, I’m here, this is real’. As soon as the show was shown to me, I knew I had to take part. The whole concept hooked me in - NO name, NO makeup! In society we put so much emphasis on the outer appearance whereas in SAS we are stripped back to essentially the core of our inner makeup. Also, I wanted to see for myself that I am in control of my own mind. That was very important to me. Gruelling and brutal as it was, there’s nothing else like this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m so glad I did it and am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort bubble.
SHANNAN PONTON – 46 — Fitness Professional
It was abundantly clear from the moment we stepped onto base it was going to be harsh. The experience exceeded my expectations in harshness and relentlessness. At any stage I expected a TV producer to step in and ensure the camera angles were locked off and necessary content covered and maybe just check in and ensure the comfort, wellness and safety of the recruits. It wasn’t to be... EVER!
SHAYNA JACK – 21 — Swimming Gold Medallist
My whole life all I have ever done is swim. I always based every decision around the fact I would need to be able to show up the following day for training, so this meant not putting myself in uncomfortable situations or situations that could result in an injury. I made the decision to give this show a go and have no regrets about challenging myself and trying new experiences.
* SAS Australia premeires on Channel 7 Monday at 7.30pm.
Originally published as SAS Australia 2020: Your cast guide for new Channel 7 reality show