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SAS Australia star AXED!

His sacking was almost as brutal as the show itself. - by Erin Doyle
  • 26 Oct 2020

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.

Ollie Ollerton

SAS Australia's Ollie Ollerton (pictured) was booted from the UK version after seven seasons.

Channel Seven

“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.

SAS Australia

Ollie is part of the Aussie version of the show, alongside Jason "Foxy" Fox, Ant Middleton and Mark “Billy” Billingham.

Channel Seven

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Just one week in, the stars have been put through their paces and three have already voluntarily withdrawn.

SAS Australia

SAS Australia pushes high-profile Aussies to breaking point.

Channel Seven

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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Erin Doyle
Erin Doyle
As Digital Managing Editor of WHO, New Idea and New Idea Food, Erin Doyle spends her days leading the digital team and overseeing online content. When she’s not all over the latest celebrity, pop culture, Aussie TV, food and lifestyle news and trends, she can be found dreaming of her next travel destination.

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