Celebrity SAS Returns with Epic UK vs Australia Showdown
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins Launches New International Format
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins returned to Channel 4 on Sunday 4th January 2026 at 9pm, taking place in the brutal heat of North Africa, pitting UK celebs against Australian celebs. This groundbreaking eighth series marks a dramatic shift for the popular reality programme, introducing an unprecedented international rivalry that has captivated audiences across both nations.
The International Challenge Format
In the new, eight-part series, 14 British and Australian celebrities will be pushed to their limits in the brutal heat of North Africa as they embark on a condensed version of SAS selection. Set against the unforgiving backdrop of North Africa, the recruits will face brutal physical and mental challenges that strip away the glitz and glamour, showing what it really takes to survive the SAS.
The celebrity line-up includes high-profile participants from both countries. Joining the line-up are TV personalities Dani Dyer, Gabby Allen and Jessika Power; social media stars Jack Joseph and Cole Anderson-James; Home & Away star Axle Whitehead; Neighbours actors Ryan Moloney and Natalie Bassingthwaite; rugby player Ben Cohen; Gladiator and Olympian Toby Olubi; international cricketers Graeme Swann and Brad Hodge and Olympic swimmers Emily Seebohm and Mack Horton.
Behind the Brutal Training
The group will be split into two teams, Team UK and Team Australia, which will compete head to head as they undergo the brutal physical and mental course, led by Chief Instructor Billy Billingham MBE and his team of Directing Staff – Foxy (Jason Fox), Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver. There’s no difference between the civilian series and the celeb spin-off as far as the no-nonsense directing staff are concerned, with the bar not changing for civilians or celebrities.
The challenges have proven exceptionally demanding. The first challenge involved being strapped into a plane submerged in water, and in addition to the near-impossible physical tasks, recruits also had to face a grilling from the DS on their biggest personal hang-ups and failings.
Significance for British Television
This international format represents a significant evolution for Celebrity SAS, which has become one of Channel 4’s most successful programmes. The show will air weekly on Channel 4 on Sunday and Monday nights at 9pm, ensuring viewers can follow the intense competition as national pride hangs in the balance.
For British audiences, the series offers compelling entertainment whilst showcasing the resilience and determination of UK celebrities competing on the global stage. The question remains whether Team UK or Team Australia will triumph in this unprecedented test of physical and mental endurance, making it essential viewing for fans of both nations throughout January and February 2026.