Season 2 premieres on Bravo New Zealand next Tuesday (October 19) at the later time of 9.30pm.
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Sam Burgess, John Steffensen and Mark Philippoussis finished the course but only Sam was deemed to have passed the test.
Jana Pittman revealed that weeks after filming finished she was pregnant with twins.
A class above - Sam Burgess pips John and Mark to pass SAS selection
Tonight on SAS Australia, the toughest test of their lives came to a heart-stopping conclusion for the final five recruits: Dan Ewing, 35; Jana Pittman, 38; John Steffensen, 38; Mark Philippoussis, 44; and Sam Burgess, 32.
With just 36 hours to go, phase one of final selection began: a test of the recruits’ ability to recall critical details. All four DS interrogated each recruit after they had been captured and detained by hostiles, testing their memory of the ambush.
In a cutthroat assessment, the DS decided to cull Dan from the course, leaving just four recruits to continue on.
Jana, John, Mark and Sam were each offered the chance to make a video call to loved ones, with all but John taking up the opportunity to make an emotional call home.
With just eight hours to go, recruits were then put into pairs for the second phase of final selection: a combat exercise to locate and recover a cache in an active war-zone. Recruits then had to make their way to an extraction point to be airlifted to safety, all within a strict 30 minute timeframe.
This ultimate test of teamwork, communication, courage and aggression saw Jana having to dig deep into her reserves to keep up with teammate Mark, while asthmatic John passed out on the final descent from extraction with Sam.
Despite finishing the task, Jana was also culled by the DS, with Chief Instructor Ant Middleton congratulating her on an outstanding effort: “We are all super proud of you and we would have loved to have brought you forward, but your reserve is empty.”
“Naturally I’m disappointed but I gave everything I had and I’ve learnt so much on the course, it’s been an extraordinary journey,” said Jana. “I was the last woman standing for a while. I’m really proud of all the things I achieved.”
The third and final stage of selection saw John, Mark and Sam having to crawl along a rope, suspended 300 metres above a deep ravine, and at the middle, drop and hang at full arm extension for a painful 90 seconds.
Physically and mentally exhausted, and battling injuries, all three men managed to complete the task successfully, before the DS deliberated who would pass or fail selection, asking themselves, “Would I have this person by my side on the battlefield?”
Ant informed recruit #16 Sam Burgess that he was the only recruit to successfully pass the course, telling him he was “just that level ahead” of the other two, with John admitting Sam was “a class above”.
“I thought that big head of his was empty but he’s got a brain in there,” said Ant.
Sam was filled with emotion and joy at having achieved his goal of getting to the end and being selected.
“What I’m taking from it is I’m going to pour all of my time, my emotion, into the places that deserve it in my life,” said Sam. “It starts with my kids and making sure I’m the best role model for them. It’s just a great lesson in life.”
Wednesday 7.30pm, the unmissable SAS Australia reunion special sees all 18 celebrity recruits return to base camp one last time to debrief with the DS and talk about their life-changing experience on SAS selection.
SAS Australia - Season Final Wednesday 7.30pm on Channel 7 and 7plus
I loved the UK version and the celeb version and thought it really bought out another side of contestants. On the surface it’s all about physical strength but underneath it was one of the most important shows about mental health on TV.
However the last couple of series I’ve found it a chore - as a viewer we know exactly what to expect, and therefore the contestants do too. Also Covid means it’s stuck in a based in the Scottish Highlands where as in previous series it did move locations which probably added more than we realised, and then in line with rules changes for the SAS themselves adding women to the show freshened it up somewhat after three series.
Ultimately it’s gone from being one of my favourite shows to feeling like another routine reality show (especially the celeb version), but we’re further down the line than you with six civilian and three celeb series done. It is still C4’s second most popular show though and suspect it does very well with the desirable demos, so it’ll be interesting to see if it holds up now they’ve sacked Ant. Personally I’d be resting it for a bit but we’ll see what happens.
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To hell and back
Everyday Aussies take on the most extreme SAS course ever
The four-part special event, SAS Australia: Hell Week , premieres Monday 7.30pm on Channel 7 and 7plus, featuring everyday Australians going to hell and back in the hope of passing SAS selection.
A teacher, fashion designer, stay-at-home mum, dancer, mineworker, bodybuilder, surfer and former Federal Police officer are just some of the 14 ordinary Aussies who have volunteered for the toughest, most intense SAS course ever attempted.
Across one week, these ordinary people will be pushed beyond their limits, subjected to extreme tests of physical, mental and emotional endurance in punishing conditions, with no allowances or exceptions made for age or gender.
No other test asks as much or means as much to the few who’ll survive Hell Week.
“It’s going to take a very special individual to get to this end of this course,” said Chief Instructor Ant Middleton. “Pain will be constant and we will weed out the weak. They’re going to realise very quickly why it’s called Hell Week.”
The full line-up of everyday Australians hoping to pass selection on SAS Australia: Hell Week is:
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Bassim, 32 - Bodybuilder
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Beck, 33 – Youth worker
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Gary, 44 – Ex-Federal Police
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Isabella, 25 – Rapper
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James, 30 – Holistic health coach
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James, 29 – Dancer
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Kellie, 27 – Teacher
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Kirsten, 24 – Mineworker
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Lena, 42 – Fashion designer
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Lisa, 27 – Influencer
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Luke, 31 – Tradie
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Mitch, 22 – Surfer
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Sandy, 35 – Stay-at-home mum
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Sarah, 25 – Dating coach
Cast bios
Bassim (32), Bodybuilder, NSW
Body builder Bassim is eternally optimistic, positive, motivated and upbeat. He is a full-time fitness trainer and loves to motivate his clients. Four months of every year, Bassim undergoes strict preparation for the Australian Natural Bodybuilding titles (ANB). In 2016, his best mate committed suicide. Bassim was devastated but competed in a bodybuilding title the day after the funeral, something his friend wanted him to do. In 2020, Bassim found success by taking home the ANB title. Bassim is a self-confessed overthinker who can easily get confused by detail and make a ton of mistakes. Despite this, he has a heart of gold and his intentions are in the right place. As a Lebanese Australian man, Bassim wants to do his community proud and prove that he has what it takes to make it through selection.
Beck (33), Youth worker, VIC
Beck learnt to use a chainsaw and handgun before she could write her own name. She was raised on a farm and her parents didn’t send her to school until Year 6, where she was immediately singled out and bullied for being so far behind her classmates. Beck’s strong work ethic and determination saw her complete her Year 12 exams and become a youth worker with the Building Bridges organization, after seeking help from them in her younger years. Sixteen years later, Beck is now an integral member of the charity, determined to help young people in trouble as she once was. In 2020, Beck ran seven marathons in seven countries in seven days to raise money for the charity that helped shape her life.
Gary (44), Ex-Federal Police, QLD
Gary was the former head of the Prime Minister’s security detail when Kevin Rudd was Prime Minister. He developed a gambling addiction and found himself in a decade-long spiral, gambling away $1.7 million, $40,000 of which was taxpayer money on a government credit card. He was found out and faced 64 charges of fraud, serving eight months of community service. Gary is now rebuilding his life and works as a gym owner focusing on men’s health and addiction. He wants to redeem himself after sabotaging his own life and see if he’s the man he thinks he is by taking on the SAS course.
Isabella (25), Rapper, SA
Izzy is currently Australia’s number three canoe sprinter but feels as though she missed out on selection for this year’s Olympics because of nepotism within the sport’s selection committee. Izzy has since taken up boxing and hopes to make her Olympic dream come true someday. She has always been a multi-sport athlete and put her heart and soul into everything she does. Izzy is also a musician and rapper, performing under the name ‘Emcee Izzy’. Izzy can get emotional when talking about her family, after losing several family members in a year. She ultimately wants to know what she is capable of and thinks SAS will help her discover her inner soldier.
James (30), Holistic health coach, QLD
James is a holistic health coach who believes in the power of the spirit. He is a fatalist with the firm conviction that everything happens for a reason. After battling a weight issue at university, James got into the gym and body shaping, becoming obsessed with his physique. His obsession led to steroid use. As a result of overuse, he developed a condition called Gynecomastia, an enlargement or swelling of breast tissue in males. After several surgeries to reduce what looked like female breasts, he found himself in a very dark place and fell into depression. This marked the beginning of James’ spiritual development, which he continues to work on and now teaches to those needing guidance.
James (29), Dancer, QLD
James grew up in a rough neighbourhood and, as a sports-mad child, did athletics six days a week with his identical twin brother. After high school, James’ relationship with his brother and friends changed when they took a path of violence and crime. As his twin brother became president of the local bikie gang (which resulted in him serving jail time), James turned to his passion for dance. He followed his dancer girlfriend to France and performed for two years at the Crazy Horse Parisian cabaret. However, struggling to pay his bills, James lost himself and felt guilty for disappointing his parents. James is now an influential figure in the Australian hip hop dance scene. Tough, focused and determined, he is keen to prove that dancers have the same drive, work ethic and grit required to be an elite soldier. His resilience and wisdom are far beyond his years.
Kellie (27), Teacher, QLD
Kellie is a proud Aboriginal woman who works as a teacher in a specialist school for underprivileged kids. In high school, she was bullied for being Indigenous and for having very broad shoulders. It wasn’t until she left school that she embraced her heritage and with her muscular physique, she decided to take on competitive bodybuilding. She won the first competition she entered but while the experience was initially positive, it did eventually leave Kellie with some body dysmorphia issues. She’s since developed a healthy attitude towards fitness and runs her own body attack classes. Kellie hopes to inspire her students and is as wise as she is fun. She loves to dance and her energy and laugh are infectious.
Kirsten (24), Mineworker, WA
Kirsten is a mine worker who does hard labour for a living. At her last job, Kirsten used a sledgehammer for hours on end and shoveled tonnes of rocks by hand. Kirsten is extremely fit and has played the women’s NRL State of Origin. She plays for the Fremantle Roosters, and when she’s not at work, she loves the finer things in life – despite being a tomboy. Her father served in the army and spent eight years in the SAS. Growing up Kirsten moved around a lot, living in numerous states. She is tough with a wild spirit and never stays put for long.
Lena (42), Fashion designer, NSW
Lena is a mother, author and fashion designer. In 2011, Lena’s boyfriend attacked her in the kitchen at her home, repeatedly hitting her with a saucepan. Her two young children were screaming at him to stop. She held up a knife and he defiantly stepped forward into the blade which pierced his chest and hit a blood vessel close to his heart. He died five days later. Charged with murder, tried in the NSW Supreme Court and acquitted in just three days, Lena experienced the best and worst of the treatment of domestic violence victims. She received a lot of media attention and criticism for appearing in court in high heels and expensive dresses. She didn’t play the victim; she never does. Lena is a strong Armenian woman. She’s fun and loves to smile and laugh but can be feisty and combative.
Lisa (27), Influencer, NSW
Born to Filipino and Spanish parents who migrated to Australia, Lisa grew up not having a lot, but it made her resilient. As a fitness influencer and trainer, Lisa wants to empower women to be their better selves. Being real is what she’s all about and she prides herself on showing the unfiltered version of herself to her followers. Lisa also has a successful clothing brand. Twenty years ago, Lisa’s father was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease. Her biggest regret is not hearing that her father is proud of her – a pain that she carries to this day.
Luke (31), Tradie, VIC
Luke was drafted into the AFL straight out of school, but due to injury and a spell of partying and drinking, he was let go after just one year. Luke now works as a tradie, but a fear of failure has plagued him ever since he lost his shot at living his sporting dream and he’s been looking to make more of himself ever since. Luke’s father is a Vietnam War veteran who has been in and out of hospital with PTSD. His relationship with his father was one of emotional absence which has affected his approach to parenting his five-year-old non-verbal autistic son. Luke sees SAS as a chance to once again do something amazing with his life and try to better understand his father’s experience in the military.
Mitch (22), Surfer, NSW
Mitch is an adrenaline junkie with a seemingly unstoppable adventurous spirit, whose ultimate goal is to BASE jump from the top of Mt Everest. Mitch works as a barista – a job that helps funds his adventures – and loves to surf, ski, jump out of planes and do CrossFit. On a whim, Mitch ran a half marathon and managed a pace of 4:45 minutes per kilometre for the whole distance. While on holiday with a friend in Cancun, Mitch was held at gunpoint by a corrupt cop. After an altercation, one of the cops told them to run and that’s exactly what they did. One of Mitch’s greatest physical achievements was to hike through snow up a mountain for six hours before skiing back down.
Mitch also has a softer side, admitting he is an absolute mummy’s boy, describing his mum who raised Mitch and his brother by herself as a warrior.
Sandy (35), Stay-at-home mum, QLD
Stay-at-home mum of two Sandy was an accountant for 13 years before giving up her career to look after her family. After a cervical cancer diagnosis, Sandy had a hysterectomy, meaning she and her husband cannot have a much-longed for third child. Sandy comes from a family with a long line of military service, including a twin sister in the UK who is a squadron leader. Sandy’s father was a paratrooper who quit the military to raise Sandy and her siblings. As the only member of her immediate family who hasn’t served, she is often referred to as the ‘civi’. Sandy has deep regrets about her grandfather’s passing. Although she was only a child, her last words to him were a lie which bothers her to this day. Sandy loves to freedive, a meditative process which requires great control of the mind and fear. She can hold her breath for three-and-a-half minutes and has managed 28 metres as her deepest freedive.
Sarah (25), Dating coach, SA
Sarah is a men’s dating coach who conducts seminars to rooms of up to 1000 men, giving them tips on how to build the confidence to approach the opposite sex. Prior to her dating career, Sarah was in an emotionally manipulative relationship, which led to a loss of confidence and forgetting who she really was. Sarah’s ex-boyfriend cheated on her numerous times before she finally summed up the courage to leave him. She is ambitious, growing in confidence and hopes that SAS will play a big part in her personal development. Sarah is a competitive tennis player who also manages a couple of boxing sessions and Pilates classes every week.
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Just 4 episodes is a surprise; based on the celebrity edition final’s poor result last night, probably just as well.
To be fair though, last night’s episode wasn’t a typical ep but rather a reunion special. Judging by the ratings that got, doubt it’ll happen again in future seasons.
And the promos all week were advertising that Tuesday was the finale so maybe people didn’t know it was on last night.
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The final and ‘winner’ was Tuesday.
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SAS Australia surges in total audience
• Season 2: 1.26 million total viewers
• #1 Seven show in total audience uplift
• Up 54% in 25 to 54s, up 39% in total people
• Live streaming on 7plus up 69%
SAS Australia finished an unforgettable second season last night to become the Seven Network’s #1
show in terms of total audience uplift.With consolidated viewing over seven days, including broadcast catch-up viewing and online streaming audiences, the series delivered a powerful performance, averaging 1.26 million total viewers, including 907,000 broadcast viewers nationally and 615,000 in the capital cities.
Viewing live or on-demand on 7plus, plus via linear broadcast catch-up, added 39% to SAS Australia’s overnight audience numbers. The increase was even bigger – 54% – among people 25 to 54.
Season two of SAS Australia, which saw 18 celebrities put through the show’s toughest, most unforgiving selection course yet, reached 7.12 million people nationally, with an additional 1.11 million on 7plus.
The series lifted its timeslot audience on Channel 7 by 67% year-on-year and 105% in 25 to 54s.
On 7plus, an average of 38,000 viewers watched live on 7plus alongside the television broadcast, up 69% on the live streaming average for season one and up 75% in 25 to 54s.
Seven’s Network Director of Programming, Angus Ross, said: “SAS Australia attracted strong audience numbers across all screens since its launch, with total audience numbers soaring 54% in 25 to 54s as viewers streamed the hit show live and watched the uncensored versions on 7plus.
“Its success this year underlines the multi-screen reach of many of our shows and highlights why total audience is the best and most relevant measure of how our content connects to and engages with viewers.”
Chief Instructor Ant Middleton and the Directing Staff return in the four-part special event, SAS Australia: Hell Week, which premieres Monday 7.30pm on Channel 7 and 7plus – featuring everyday Australians going to hell and back in the hope of passing the SAS selection course.
SAS Australia is produced by Screentime, a Banijay Group company, based on a Minnow Films format, for the Seven Network.
She is Kirsten Thompson, whose father previously serving in the SAS regiment.
i saw an ad on 7Plus for SAS Hell Week it said it was live and on demand. I thought the free to air screening was pre recorded not live.
Live as in live on 7 at 7:30 and then later on demand…
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Filming of third season on NSW South Coast have finished. The Sunday Telegraph reports that some of the cast members were spotted eating at Bondi’s Tipica Pizza Eatery on Friday, while Barry Hall flew from Sydney to Brisbane to reunite with wife Lauren Brant as she prepares for the birth of their third child.
Breaking point
Hell Week’s brutal pace breaks three more recruits
Tonight on SAS Australia: Hell Week, the remaining nine recruits woke to a fourth day of the punishing, condensed version of the real SAS selection course.
Their first task was the daunting Fall and Brake, the ultimate test of trust in themselves, their partners and their equipment, from a 40 metre high platform.
Bodybuilder Bassim again attracted attention for all the wrong reasons, failing both attempts to brake his two oppos’ falls.
Dating coach Sarah’s lack of attention to detail with her kit then saw all recruits face a savage beasting in heavy mud. Sandy struggled due to a calf injury and was culled by Chief Instructor Ant Middleton who told her she could leave the course with her head held high.
“I still feel I had so much more to give, but I literally can’t stand on this leg,” said a devastated Sandy.
Ant expressed concern about the mindset of former Federal Police officer Gary, observing he was showing no emotion, no humour and appeared to just be surviving this process rather than embracing it.
Gary explained that his young stepson, who suffered from a very rare genetic disorder, had passed away 10 days ago.
“I made him a promise that I wouldn’t quit on trying to get better,” said Gary. “I’d go as far as I could, for as long as I could so he could be proud of his dad.”
Bassim again proved a liability during an arduous four kilometre team casualty haul, while surfer Mitch got roasted by DS Billy for his “pathetic” effort on the task.
Afterwards, Gary, feeling utterly depleted, decided to VW from the course, while tradie Luke got emotional talking about his relationship with his father and how that’s driven him to be hard on himself as a dad.
The DS then asked recruits to nominate the person who should be culled from the course, with the group unanimously choosing Bassim, saying it was “nothing personal”.
“I am definitely gutted but I knew it was slightly inevitable because of the slip ups I’ve made,” said Bassim. “But those slip ups I’ve learnt from so I wouldn’t change it for the rest of the world. What an amazing experience, it’s been life changing.”
The six recruits still on course in the hope of passing SAS selection are:
Isabella, 25 – Rapper
James, 30 – Holistic health coach
James, 29 – Dancer
Luke, 31 – Tradie
Mitch, 22 – Surfer
Sarah, 25 – Dating coach
Tuesday 7.30pm, tension is at an all-time high as six recruits face the punishing final stages of Hell Week. Who will have what it takes to pass selection?
On top of the world
Dating coach and dancer pass selection on Hell Week finale
On the season final of SAS Australia: Hell Week, six civilian recruits remained with just two days to go in the gruelling selection process.
Ready to push beyond their limits in the final stages were rapper Isabella Rositano, 25; holistic health coach James Carson, 30; dancer James Fenwick, 29; tradie Luke Stanton, 31; surfer Mitch Fuller, 22; and dating coach Sarah Jeavons, 25.
Phase one demanded a cat crawl race along a 30 metre rope, suspended 50 metres above ground on the edge of a cliff face.
While some lacked focus, it was Isabella’s blatant display of disrespect which saw all six recruits punished with a sickener, the worst type of beasting there is, which only ends when somebody quits.
Despite Isabella’s actions causing the brutal thrashing, it was Mitch who was first to VW after two hours, sacrificing himself for the good of the group.
“I knew I had more in me but I couldn’t let them suffer anymore,” said an emotionally distraught Mitch. “I nearly got there, that’s all that matters. I’ve learnt a lot.”
As her fellow recruits questioned Isabella’s integrity, the final five then bared their souls in an honesty test, telling each other the one thing they’re most ashamed of in their lives.
The last morning of the seven-day condensed course saw recruits tackle a variety of difficult obstacles on a two kilometre circuit.
Isabella struggled, falling behind the other recruits, but her stubbornness to not withdraw only made the others suffer more. Chief Instructor Ant Middleton eventually told Isabella she was out of time and took her number, culling her from the course himself.
“That was easily the best experience of my life,” said Isabella. “I can’t believe some of the things I did. The biggest thing I learnt would be to keep my mind on all the time. I think I’m more confident because I know what I’m capable of. I’m wrecked, right now I feel like I’m going to die but that’s ok because I’ll die happy.”
The four remaining recruits then faced their final mission: working in pairs, they had to jump from a helicopter into enemy territory, then – navigating their way with a map – find a cache of equipment, before completing a difficult hostage rescue scenario in a cabin filled with crippling tear gas.
Sarah and her partner James C were unable to complete the task, let down by James’ hesitation, while James F and Luke successfully rescued the hostage.
After one of the tightest deliberations the DS have ever had, Ant revealed that Sarah and James F had passed selection, with the other two lacking that tiny bit at the end to get them over the line – despite an outstanding effort.
“This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life,” said Sarah. “I came here to prove a point, to prove my resilience, to prove that I’m capable of doing this, because I’ve doubted myself a lot throughout my life. I stuck to it, even when I wanted to quit.”
“I’m absolutely on top of the world,” said James F. “This course has changed my life. It’s broken me down and made me assess myself, my weaknesses and face up to my fears. Moving on with my life now, I feel like I’m capable of so much more. It’s changed my perspective on life and changed me as a person.”
Fair to say this hasn’t worked for them. Think it is very tricky to have a successful series of something with regular people when the format has been launched as a celebrity show. Had they launched the franchise in Australia with regular folk then added a celeb spin off it might have been a different story.
According to the Sunday Herald Sun, the recent celebrity season of SAS Australia drew at least 11 complaints from viewers to the ACMA about the “brutal treatment of stars undergoing the mock SAS selection process”.
After the complaints were directed to Seven, only 1 sent their’s back to ACMA for further consideration.
Not many at all.
Welcome to the jungle
The new faces taking on SAS Australia’s most extreme course yet
One of the most talked about shows in the country, SAS Australia , returns in 2022 on Channel 7 and 7plus, with 17 star recruits who have volunteered for the toughest test of their lives – a series of physical and psychological tests from the real SAS selection process.
These Aussie celebrities will be cut off from the outside world at a brand-new base in unforgiving jungle terrain, bordered by wild seas, dramatic cliff faces and rugged rocky outcrops.
There, they will eat, sleep and train together in punishing conditions, with no allowances or exceptions made for their celebrity status or gender.
Guiding recruits through the most gruelling course yet is Chief Instructor Ant Middleton and returning DS (Directing Staff) Ollie Ollerton, joined for the first time by retired US Navy SEAL Clint Emerson and former British Special Forces soldier Dean Stott.
The DS will push the celebrities beyond their limits, subjecting them to extreme physical endurance, sleep deprivation, interrogation and psychological testing. Some recruits will reach breaking point and withdraw. Who will have the mental strength to tough it out to the end?
The star recruits attempting to pass selection on the 2022 season of SAS Australia are:
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Anna Heinrich, 34 – TV Personality
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Barry Hall, 44 – AFL Great
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Darius Boyd, 34 – Retired NRL Star
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Ebanie Bridges, 35 – Professional Boxer
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Ellia Green, 28 – Rugby 7s Olympian
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Geoff Huegill, 42 – Olympic Swimming Legend
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Locky Gilbert, 32 – Reality TV Star
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Melissa Tkautz, 47 – Singer / Actor
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Melissa Wu, 29 – Olympic Diver
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Michael Zerafa, 29 – Professional Boxer
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Millie Boyle, 23 – NRLW Player
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Orpheus Pledger, 28 – Actor
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Paul Fenech, 51 – Comedian
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Riana Crehan, 34 – Motorsports Presenter
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Richard Buttrose, 49 – Convicted Drug Dealer
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Simone Holtznagel, 28 – Model
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Wayne Carey, 50 – AFL Commentator