SAS: Who Dares Wins recruits face terrifying backwards fall into freezing water in toughest challenge yet

The SAS: Who Dares Wins recruits faced their toughest challenge yet in Sunday’s episode, after being told to fall backwards into freezing cold water. 

Head instructor Ant Middleton brought the remaining 16 recruits to a raised platform suspended high above a body of water. He challenged the recruits to harness their fears during the challenge before demonstrating in person how to complete the trial.

First up to take on the fall was Jamie, who is the oldest recruit left in the competition. 

Speaking about facing the task, he said: ‘I’m not a 21-year-old gazelle anymore. I’m a 40-year-old. However, mentally, I would pit myself against anyone.’

Jamie performed well in the challenge, with Ant calling his efforts: ‘Excellent.’

Recruit Hannah initially struggled with the task, saying: ‘Falling is just a really terrifying thought. You’re completely out of control, and I’m a person who really likes to be in control.’

Hannah approached the ledge with trepidation, even punching herself due to fear.

‘Stop shaking like a s****** dog,’ Ant said. ‘Get a grip of your body through your mind. Do not f*** this up.’

Hannah, visibly emotional, left the ledge but did not complete the jump properly.

‘Are you taking the p***? Absolute f****** shambles,’ Ant shouted after her.

Ant explained how the exercise was vital to military training, and how it related to his real-life experiences in the field.

‘Falling into the unknown is petrifying,’ Ant said. ‘In the SBS, I had to parachute into the Indian ocean. I couldn’t see my landing because it was pitch black. I hit that water and it felt like concrete.

‘I can just remember my parachute was above me. As I was trying to catch my breath, my canopy was in my face so it almost suffocated me.’

‘The first thing that entered my mind was fear. I remembered thinking: “The only way you’re going to get out of this, is if you stay calm.”’

Back in camp, Hannah broke down in tears and said: ‘I just can’t believe I bottled it. I just can’t believe I bailed.’

SAS: Who Dares Wins airs on Sundays at 9pm on Channel 4.

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