Season 2 of SAS Australia is still in pre-production, but already it’s being plagued by scandal.
WATCH BELOW: SAS Australia star Shannan Ponton’s shock weight loss.
Last week, Chief Instructor Ant Middleton was axed from the UK version after a series of high-profile blunders.
While there was speculation as to whether he would be dropped by the Australian series, sources confirm he will return.
However, Ant’s headline-grabbing behaviour isn’t the only headache for the network.
According to New Idea’s insiders, the quasi-military reality hit could be about to lose one of its most high-profile new recruits!
It’s believed NRL bad boy, former Rabbitohs player Sam Burgess, had only just struck a $150,000 deal to join the line-up before his recent shock arrest.
“Sam’s involvement is all in the air now, and whether Channel Seven can take that risk on someone like him remains to be seen,” says an insider, adding: “It’s a bit of a ‘watch this space’ situation.”
Last month, the 32-year-old father-of-two was arrested after he allegedly failed a roadside drug test.
The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported Sam was charged with driving an unregistered car and police allege he returned a positive drug test for cocaine.
According to a source, Sam’s $150,000 fee is the highest of anyone else in this year’s cast, which is rumoured to include some big local names.
If Sam is removed, NRL fans will be pleased to know former Bulldogs forward, Sonny Bill Williams, 35, is in negotiations to join the show, alongside controversial former My Kitchen Rules judge Pete Evans, 48, and Olympic champion Ian Thorpe, 38.
The insider also adds that former Aussie cricketer Michael Clarke, 39, has agreed to take part.
And in a cunning twist, casting agents are believed to be enticing his ex, House Rules star Kyly, also 39, to sign up for the series, too.
For more, pick up the latest issue of New Idea. On sale now!
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