Gruelling, cut-throat and brutal. These three words describe the gritty new Channel Seven reality show, SAS Australia.
But these may well describe the show’s treatment of its DS (directing staff) as well as its contestants if a blistering interview made by one of its tough leading men is anything to go by.
WATCH: Inside the brutal world of SAS Australia
Ollie Ollerton, 49, who is currently appearing on the local version of the show, was sacked from the original incarnation – the UK’s SAS: Who Dares Wins – after seven seasons.
The former soldier was given his marching orders in what he claims was a “diversity drive” when the network’s big wigs decided they no longer wanted four white men fronting the show – and Ollie was not happy about it.
“I’m disappointed and shocked at the same time because we had record viewing figures,” he told The Sun in August.
“Five years ago we put our heads above the parapet for the first time ever – threatening our security as former members of the Special Forces – to bring that show to fruition. I expected that loyalty to be reciprocated. It clearly wasn’t.
“I’d rather have left after doing something wrong, as at least I would have understood it.”
Though he is no longer part of the British version, Ollie is still part of the franchise as he is now appearing on the Aussie version.
Debuting earlier this month with a celebrity line-up that includes Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins, Schapelle Corby, Candice Warner and Firass Dirani, the show has been a runaway hit.
Ollie is part of the directing staff that also includes Mark “Billy” Billingham and Jason “Foxy” Fox. Former British soldier Ant Middleton is the show’s chief instructor.
Just one week in, the stars have been put through their paces and three have already voluntarily withdrawn.
Roxy Jacenko quit just six hours into day one after the tasks became too physically demanding, while controversial ex-NRL WAG Arabella Del Busso threw in the towel after the interrogations became too much for her.
Convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby was the next to pack her bags after an exhausting hill run became too much for her.
SAS Australia airs Monday and Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Seven.
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