John Barrowman, known for his role in Doctor Who, made a surprisingly quick exit from Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, departing the show merely 32 minutes after arriving at the base camp. The sixth series of the Channel 4 reality show, which premiered on September 17, 2024, takes place in the challenging terrain of New Zealand's South Island, known for its rugged landscapes and extreme weather conditions.
The show, based on Special Air Service selection methods, puts celebrities through intense winter warfare training. Participants faced their first challenge of traversing two parallel bars suspended over a 335-foot canyon, a task Barrowman completed before his departure.
After donning uniforms and preparing to view their accommodation, Barrowman began feeling unwell. He informed the group of his decision to leave, stating, "I'm out." When offered medical assistance by chief instructor Mark "Billy" Billingham, Barrowman declined, explaining, "No... I'm done. I just... it's not for me, I know who I am and what I'm about, it's not for me."
During his brief stint on the show, Barrowman addressed controversies from his past. He discussed allegations of inappropriate behavior on the sets of Doctor Who and Torchwood, where he portrayed Captain Jack Harkness. Barrowman clarified:
"The press made the allegation that I was going around putting my d--- on everybody's shoulders. Having that happen to me ruined me, but this course is going to help me push through this and I want people to see the kind of person that I really am."
The diverse cast of celebrities participating in this series includes Rachel Johnson, sister of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and a respected journalist; Pete Wicks, known for The Only Way Is Essex; Olympic gymnast Ellie Downie; comedian Tez Ilyas; professional basketball player and Love Island star Ovie Soko; and world heavyweight champion boxer Lani Daniels.
Other notable contestants are reality TV personality Bianca Gascoigne, former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, TV presenter Cherry Healey, former professional boxer Anthony Ogogo, comedian Shazia Mirza, Love Island contestant Georgia Harrison, reality star Bobby Norris, and former Geordie Shore cast member Marnie Simpson.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins continues to air on Channel 4 every Sunday and Monday at 9pm, offering viewers a glimpse into the grueling training regimen of the British Army's elite Special Air Service unit.