Why Anna Heinrich is worried for hubby Tim Robards ahead of SAS Australia

Anna Heinrich has lived the danger and exhaustion of SAS Australia and is terrified for husband Tim Robards as he embarks on his own journey with the hit reality show.

Reality star Anna Heinrich says she’s genuinely worried for hubby Tim Robards as he begins shooting SAS Australia.

Having competed on a previous season, Heinrich believes the reality of the gruelling military-style course is far worse than viewers see at home.

“I think he is more nervous about not doing as well as me. It is way worse than what you actually see,” Heinrich told Confidential at a lunch to launch the Coles MasterChef cookware range. “So, yeah, I am worried.”

Robards turned 40 in October and the couple are parents to young daughter, Elle.

He is one of 14 contestants announced to compete in the reality series for which cameras started rolling on Monday in the Middle East.

Anna Robards (formerly Heinrich) with her mum Judith Heinrich. Anna is concerned for her husband Tim ahead of SAS Australia. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

SAS Australia is one of the tentpole shows for Channel 7 each year, shooting to the top of the TV ratings when it launched in 2020.

This year shot in Jordan, celebrities will compete in various physical and mental challenges as they undertake a gruelling SAS selection course under the guidance of elite British ex-Special Forces soldier Ant Middleton.

“Once you are in that bubble, no one cares. You have got to give it your all. If you’ve hurt your finger or you’ve hurt your leg, they don’t really care, you’ve got to either get out or push through,” Heinrich said.

“It is brutal. What you see on TV, it is way more brutal than what you see on there.”

Anna Robards. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Tim Robards is taking on SAS Australia. Tim Hunter.

Heinrich competed in the 2022 series with the first three seasons shot in Australia.

Set to compete this year are Craig McLachlan, Cassie Sainsbury, Lindy Klim, Peter Bol, Matthew Mitcham, Stephanie Rice, Zima Anderson, Boyd Cordner and Anthony Mundine.

Also in the 2023 intake are AFL commentator Abbey Holmes, Thai cave rescue hero Dr Craig Challen, AFL great Jason Akermanis and rugby player Mahalia Murphy.

Anna Heinrich on SAS Australia.

Rather than ‘winning’, contestants compete to pass SAS selection on the course.

Rugby League player Sam Burgess passed selection in the 2021 season, while comedian Merrick Watts, AFLW player Sabrina Frederick and rugby star Nick Cummins passed the debut season a year prior.

Three contestants passed selection in the 2022 season, being sports presenter Riana Crehan, NRLW player Millie Boyle and retired NRL player Darius Boyd.