SAS Australia will be back on screens in a matter of weeks, bringing a new batch of recruits along keen to put themselves through gruelling tests.
In previous years, we’ve seen Merrick Watts, Nick Cummins, Sabrina Frederick and Sam Burgess prove their strength and mental fortitude, with former soldier and marine Ant Middleton confirming they would pass SAS selection.
As well as the new recruits, the show is also welcoming two new members of directing staff to work alongside Ant and fellow former soldier, Matthew ‘Ollie’ Ollerton.
US Navy SEAL Clint Emerson and former British Special Forces soldier Dean Stott will be putting the recruits through their paces. While Clint worked in the unit that took out Osama bin Laden, Dean Stott trained with Prince Harry, and has been trusted with protecting his life.
This year, a number of athletes, actors and TV stars will be taking on the course under the staff’s watchful eye.
While some were rumoured to be joining the cast for a while, others come as quite the surprise, and make for a diverse and intriguing group of characters to take on the SAS selection course.
Meet the new recruits!
Locky Gilbert
Best-known as the 2020 Bachelor and a two-time castaway on Australian Survivor, Locky is no stranger to reality TV. He trained super-hard for his SAS journey, with his girlfriend Irena Srbinovska even posting a photo of him with Ant Middleton’s book. We think it’s safe to assume this adventure-addicted strong man will be well-placed to survive selection.
Barry Hall
Best known for being one of Australia’s best AFL players back in his day, Barry also has reality TV experience. He famously met his now-wife, Lauren Brant, on I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! The pair now have three sons together, the third of which was born quickly after his return from filming SAS!
Anna Heinrich
Another Bachelor alum will be joining the fold next year, with season one winner Anna Heinrich headed onto the course. The mum-of-one is now married to her Bachelor, Tim Robards, and together they are raising their gorgeous little daughter, Elle.
Simone Holtznagel
Aussie model Simone Holtznagel is also taking on the course! Although best known for her third-place appearance on season seven of Australia’s Next Top Model, and the fourth season of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! Australia, we’re keen to see what this beauty can achieve in such a challenging series!
Geoff Huegill
Olympic medallist Geoff Huegill once ruled the pool, particularly in the butterfly stroke. The former world record holder is now a coach and a dedicated parent and seems to possess the skills necessary to take on SAS Australia.
Paul Fenech
Aussie filmmaker and actor, Paul Fenech, will be joining the cast as well. Best known for his involvement in the Fat Pizza and Housos franchises, we assume he’ll be bringing some much-needed comic relief to the intensity of SAS Australia.
Melissa Tkautz
Actress, singer and star of The Real Housewives of Sydney, Melissa Tkautz will be joining the course to show what she’s truly made of.
Richard Buttrose
Convicted drug dealer and the nephew of ABC chairwoman Ita Buttrose, Richard Buttrose will also join the cast. Richard served nine years of a 12-year-sentence for his involvement in drug dealing, and left prison with a degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration.
Ellia Green
Ellia is best known for their career in women’s rugby union and rugby league, having won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics for their part in the Australian Women’s Sevens Rugby Team. Apart from a successful sporting career, Ellia is currently expecting a baby with their partner, Nessa Turnbull-Roberts.
Millie Boyle
Another Australian rugby league player, Millie plays for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL Women’s Premiership.
Melissa Wu
Four time Olympian and absolute champion, Melissa Wu will also be joining the fray. Possessing a range of medals of all different colours, it’ll be great to watch the diver take on something new.
Riana Crehan
Although she works as a Supercars presenter, Riana Crehan is also known nowadays for her dedication to fitness and instructing, which can be seen all over her Instagram. She’ll be bringing her determination to the show this year.
Ebanie Bridges
Aussie boxer Ebanie Bridges will be bringing her physical strength to the course. The 35-year-old has held the ANBF Australasian female super-bantamweight title since 2020.
Michael Zerafa
Fellow boxer Michael Zerafa will also be joining the cast in the hope of completing the course. Currently, Michael is Australia’s number one middleweight champion, and will surely be applying that strength to the tough SAS course.
Orpheus Pledger
Former Home and Away and Neighbours actor Orpheus Pledger will be joining the show. Oprheus has kept a low profile over the last few months, so we’re certain SAS will push him back into the spotlight.
Darius Boyd
Darius is a former Australian professional rugby league player who is best known for his time with the Brisbane Broncos. Having also represented Australia at an international level, and played for Queensland during State of Origin, he’s no stranger to a challenge. His wife, Kayla Boyd, is a well-known influencer, and together they share three kids – Willow, Romi and Gia.
Wayne Carey
Sports commentator and former AFL player, Wayne Carey, will also be joining the cast.
You can catch SAS Australia on Channel Seven from Monday, February 21.
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