Strictly 2024 star pulling double duty with appearances on two hit reality shows at once-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

One Strictly Come Dancing star will be inescapable on our screens towards the end of this year (Picture: BBC Studios/Ray Burmiston)

As Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins returns to screens, one star is set to pull double duty by appearing on two reality shows at the same time – and they couldn’t be more different.

The Only Way Is Essex alum Pete Wicks, 35, bravely returns to the brutal Channel 4 reality show, which will see celebrities take part in SAS winter warfare training in the south islands of New Zealand.

His stint on series 6 marks Pete’s second time on SAS, after he was forced to pull out in 2022 due to injury in the second episode of series 4, which took place in Jordan.

Two years ago, the reality star and podcaster suffered broken ribs when he jumped out of a helicopter into a lake, knocking himself unconscious with his backpack as he hit the water face-down at full speed.

Gutted to have to pull out of the show, he’s back for round two – meaning he’ll be inescapable on our screens for the latter part of 2024 due to his Strictly Come Dancing stint.

Speaking about his return to the show, Pete said: ‘After being medically withdrawn in Jordan, I felt like I hadn’t given it my best, and that bothered me.

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins returns with a powerful line-up (Picture: Pete Dadds/PA Wire)

They’ll be put through their paces by Rudy Reyes, Chris Oliver, Billy Billingham, and Jason Fox (Picture: Pete Dadds/PA Wire)

‘So when I got an opportunity to go back, I jumped in, and I would do it again.’

In a very stark contrast, Pete will don sequins and sparkles when he takes to the dancefloor as Strictly’s 20th-anniversary season launches next weekend.

He joins the likes of JLS’s JB Gill, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, X Factor winner Shayne Ward, DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, and Olympian Tom Dean, all competing to lift the glitterball trophy.

He’ll have to be careful, however, as he’s already expressed concern for his fitness.

Speaking to best pal and podcast co-host Sam Thompson, 32, Pete recently said he is ‘worried’ given that he’s not a regular gym-goer and his ribs are still broken, which ‘is going to be a pain’.

Meanwhile, on SAS, he’ll feature alongside actor John Barrowman and TV presenter Rachel Johnson, who have also been announced among the cast members for the new series.

In stark contrast, Pete Wicks dons sequins and sparkles for Strictly 2024 (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

The Towie star was forced to withdraw from SAS two years ago after breaking his ribs (Picture: PA)

Speaking ahead of the series launch, Rachel added: ‘This experience was much more than I was expecting. I mean, given how ghastly reality television can be, this was top-notch. Really top-notch.’

Alongside Torchwood actor John and TV host Rachel, who is the sister of former UK prime minister Boris Johnson, reality TV star Bianca Gascoigne, former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, TV presenter Cherry Healey, former professional boxer Anthony Ogogo, and comedian Shazia Mirza join.

Adding to the line-up are former Love Island contestant Georgia Harrison, reality star Bobby Norris, and influencer Marnie Simpson.

The cast will be completed by former Olympic gymnast Ellie Downie, comedian Tez Ilyas, professional basketball player Ovie Soko, and world heavyweight champion boxer Lani Daniels.

All will be pushing their bodies to the limit as contestants are not eliminated and are instead culled by the directing staff or able to withdraw themselves, with those who remain at the end declared the winners.

Chief instructor Billy Billingham will also return with his team of directing staff Foxy (Jason Fox), Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver, while they will be joined by former Special Forces psychologist Dr Alia Bojilova.

John Barrowman also returns to SAS (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

TV presenter Rachel Johnson, the sister of Boris Johnson, is part of the cast (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)

The show will see contestants exposed to constant cold and wet as they undertake an array of SAS training exercises.

Speaking of the new series, Billy said: ‘As our course progresses, the standards expected will never falter.

‘From the very first second, the recruits will be expected to give 100%.

‘Anyone not doing so will be gone before they have time to make their excuses. Our time is invaluable – we will not waste it on anyone not worthy.’

Series 6 of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins will air on Channel 4 every Sunday and Monday from September 22, at 9pm.

Strictly Come Dancing also returns on Saturday, September 14 at 7:20pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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