Convicted drug smuggler Cocaine Cassie joins new season of SAS Australia

SAS Australia has stayed true to its years of divisive casting, signing drug smuggler Cassie Sainsbury for its latest season - among other high-profile names.

A big name line-up has been revealed for Channel 7’s new SAS Australia show being billed as the most savage yet.

Among the star recruits confirmed to be taking part with Special Forces operatives in the Middle East, are convicted drug smuggler ‘cocaine Cassie’ Cassie Sainsbury, actor Craig McLachlan, former world boxing champion Anthony Mundine, Olympians Stephanie Rice, Peter Bol and Matthew Mitcham, model Lindy Klim, Thai cave rescue hero Dr Craig Challen and Brownlow medallist Jason Akermanis.

Adelaide woman Cassie Sainsbury, otherwise known as Cocaine Cassie, made headlines after she was arrested on drugs charges in Colombia. Picture: AAP Image

A grown up Cassie Sainsbury will share her side of the story on Channel 7’s SAS Australia. Picture: supplied

Sainsbury was found guilty in 2017 of smuggling 5.8kg of cocaine out of Colombia and was imprisoned for six years, released from Bogota Prison in 2020.

Also seeking redemption or a challenge and travelling to the secret offshore base are Channel 7 footy commentator Abbey Holmes, former Bachelor Tim Robards, retired NRL star Boyd Cordner, rugby star Mahalia Murphy and former Neighbours actor Zima Anderson.

Craig McLachlan will make his TV return in SAS. Picture: supplied

Former Brisbane Lions star Jason Akermanis is slated to appear on the military style reality series. Picture: supplied

Channel Seven footy commentator Abbey Holmes is among the big names set to appear. Picture: supplied

Bol signed a two-show deal with Seven, worth almost $500,000, while his career was at risk in February after an A sample positive drug test. Bol has since been cleared in his B sample of using banned substances.

Peter Bol signed with Seven while his career was at-risk after producing an A Sample positive drug test. Picture: Supplied

Model Lindy Klim wil put her fitness to the test during filming. Picture: supplied

The agreement was for SAS Australia and an appearance on Channel 7’s current affairs show Spotlight which aired on Sunday night.

This series won’t be televised until later in the year.

Former NRL star Sam Burgess passed SAS selection and won the show last year. It also featured controversial AFL legend Wayne Carey.