Rudy Reyes, Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham, Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox and newcomer Chris Oliver will lead the way (Picture: Pete Dadds/Channel 4/PA)

SAS: Who Dares Wins is back for a special Jungle Hell series as the new recruits face a grueling challenge with Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham’ taking the lead.

The celebrity spin-off is coming later in the year, but for now it’s up to 20 newcomers to take on the one of the toughest tasks of their lives in Vietnam on the Channel 4 reality show.

From a pro boxer, a personal trainer and a one-time WWE wrestler to a bin man, a chef and a hedge fund trainer, there’s a perfect mix of people stepping up along with a new face helping the team put them through their paces.

The show will once again be without Ant Middleton, 42, after it was announced back in March 2021 that the TV personality wouldn’t be returning as chief instructor due to ‘personal conduct’.

Before his exit, he came under fire for comments about the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality, as far-right protesters clashed with demonstrators in London, Ant branded both groups ‘scum’ in a since-deleted tweet.

At the time of Middleton’s departure, Channel 4 said in a statement: ‘Following a number of discussions Channel 4 and Minnow Films have had with him in relation to his personal conduct it has become clear that our views and values are not aligned and we will not be working with him again.’

Here’s everything you need to know.

Who is Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham?

Ant was replaced a couple of years ago (Picture: Seven)

Ant was replaced as chief instructor by former United States Recon Marine Rudy Reyes, but he’ll be taking a backseat of sorts for the new series as Directing Staff (DS) member Billy, 57, steps up as the boss.

The team is completed by Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox newcomer Chris Oliver, who had a long career in the military during which he served within the elite Special Boat Service alongside fellow DS Foxy.

The decision was made due to Billy’s experience in this year’s location, having spent half his military career in Vietnam.

Mark Billingham will take the lead due to his experience (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

He served as a DS on actual military SAS selection as well as chief instructor at the British Army Jungle Warfare Training School in Brunei, and so it was decided he was best placed to ‘lead the recruits through this treacherous environment’.

Billy said: ‘I’m looking forward to challenging and encouraging the new recruits. However, I will not be accepting any excuses – this will be the toughest course to date!’

He previously spent over two decades in the Parachute Regiment and the SAS, before working as a bodyguard for huge stars like Sir Michael Caine, Kate Moss, Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise.

Is Billy married?

He is married to fashion designer Julie Colombino, having tied the knot in March 2019.

She is the founder of eco-conscious footwear brand Deux Mains.

When did Billy join the show?

Mark joined the team from the second season in 2016, and has appeared across both the civilian and celebrity editions ever since.

This will mark his 11th series, while it will be his first as Chief Instructor.

SAS: Who Dares Wins returns to Channel 4 tonight (January 23) at 9pm.

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