SAS: AUS v ENG drops Australian and UK celebrities into a punishing desert course where endurance and mental strength are relentlessly tested.
Fourteen familiar faces from Australia and the United Kingdom are about to be stripped of status, comfort and ego as they enter one of television’s toughest environments in the latest season of SAS: AUS v ENG.
Filmed in the harsh conditions of North Africa, the series throws celebrities from sport, music and entertainment into a high-stakes test of endurance, where reputation counts for nothing and resilience is everything. Under the command of Chief Instructor Mark “Billy” Billingham and directing staff Jason “Foxy” Fox, Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver, recruits face a relentless sequence of challenges modelled on real SAS selection.
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This season’s twist pits Aussies against Brits, adding a layer of national rivalry to an already unforgiving process. Bonds will be tested, tempers pushed and personal limits exposed as each recruit confronts the question of whether they can truly endure.
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Jessika Power (TV Personality, Gold Coast, 33)
Jessika Power rose to prominence on Married at First Sight, where she became one of the most talked-about and controversial figures of the series. Her time on the show cemented her public image as a divisive personality, often labelled a “villain” in the reality TV space.
Following her breakout, Power built an international reality TV career, appearing on Big Brother VIP, Celebs Go Dating UK and Celebrity Ex on the Beach. She also spent several years living in the UK, growing a significant social media following and developing a reputation for what is described as unapologetic authenticity.
Her decision to join SAS is framed as an opportunity to reshape her narrative and prove personal growth.
“I signed up because I’m obviously known from reality television, and this was probably my sixth show. I’m known as the husband-stealing witch, a drama queen, a shit-stirrer, controversial. All of that.
There have been so many years between shows where I just wanted to prove myself. I wanted to show that I’ve grown and matured.”
Power revealed the experience exposed her mentally more than physically, particularly due to past trauma.
“I have a history with domestic violence, and being yelled at constantly and broken down mentally really triggered me.”
Despite the difficulty, she described the course as a turning point in understanding her own resilience.
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Brad Hodge (International Cricketer, Melbourne, 50)
Brad Hodge is a former Australian international cricketer and coach, best known as part of Australia’s 2007 World Cup-winning squad and as Victoria’s highest run-scorer in Sheffield Shield history.
Across a career spanning more than a decade, Hodge accumulated over 10,000 runs and achieved a long-awaited international debut, going on to play across all formats. Among his career highlights is a double century against South Africa in 2005, along with scoring Australia’s first domestic T20 hundred.
He is now a commentator with 7Cricket, maintaining a presence in the sport following retirement.
Hodge entered SAS with a focus on resilience and perception.
“In broadcasting for the Seven Network on cricket, you get judged constantly… I wanted people to see that I’ll never give up and push through challenges.”
His preparation included recovery from knee surgery, endurance training with a weighted vest, and unusual methods such as practising confinement by being locked in a car boot.
The experience ultimately reshaped his perspective.
“This experience reinforced the value of family over achieving more accolades.”
Emily Seebohm (Olympic Swimmer, Brisbane, 33)
Emily Seebohm is a former Australian backstroke swimmer and four-time Olympian, boasting three Olympic gold medals in relay events alongside individual silver and bronze medals.
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Her career includes five World Championship gold medals and seven Commonwealth Games golds, with world records in the 50m backstroke and 100m individual medley. She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2009.
After retiring in 2025, Seebohm transitioned into media and community roles, including involvement with the Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre, while also appearing on reality programs such as The Challenge and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
She joined SAS during a major life transition, motivated in part by motherhood.
“I have a two-year-old son… I just wanted to show my son that nothing should hold you back.”
Despite extensive athletic experience, she found the emotional challenge the most difficult.
“There was a lot of mum guilt. That was the hardest part for me.”
Axle Whitehead (Musician, Actor, TV Personality, Melbourne, 44)
Axle Whitehead first rose to fame on Australian Idol in 2003, before launching a music career that included the top 10 single I Don’t Do Surprises.
He later transitioned into television, hosting Video Hits and interviewing major international artists including Beyoncé, Oasis and Justin Timberlake. His acting credits span both Australian and international productions, including Home and Away, Shameless, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, The Secret Life of Us and Neighbours.
Whitehead has also hosted programs such as The World’s Strictest Parents and The Wall, reflecting a diverse career across entertainment formats.
His move into SAS represents a departure from performance-based environments into one defined by discipline and endurance.
Mack Horton (Olympic Gold Medallist)
Mack Horton is identified as an Olympic gold medallist representing Australia in the lineup.
He enters the course as part of the nation’s strong sporting contingent, bringing elite-level experience into an environment where structured competition gives way to unpredictable challenges.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Stage and Screen Star)
Natalie Bassingthwaighte is described as a stage and screen performer within the Australian team.
Her inclusion highlights the diversity of the cast, with performers facing the same conditions as athletes and reality personalities.
Ryan Moloney (Neighbours Actor)
Ryan Moloney, best known for his role on Neighbours, rounds out the Australian team.
His participation marks a shift from scripted television into an unscripted, high-pressure environment.
Dani Dyer (Love Island Contestant)
Dani Dyer is identified as a contestant from Love Island, representing the UK’s reality television contingent.
Her transition from reality TV formats to SAS introduces a dramatically different set of expectations and challenges.
Gabby Allen (Love Island Contestant)
Also from Love Island, Gabby Allen joins the UK lineup.
Her background places her among the reality personalities adapting to a physically and mentally demanding environment.
Cole Anderson-James (Social Media Personality)
Cole Anderson-James is described as a social media personality entering the SAS course.
He represents a cohort of recruits transitioning from digital platforms to real-world endurance tests.
Jack Joseph (Social Media Personality)
Jack Joseph, also a social media figure, joins the British team.
His participation highlights the increasing crossover between online influence and traditional television formats.
Ben Cohen (Rugby Player)
Ben Cohen brings a professional sporting background as a rugby player.
His experience in elite competition adds physical capability, though SAS presents a different type of challenge.
Toby Olubi (Gladiator and Olympian)
Toby Olubi is described as both a Gladiator and Olympian, making him one of the most physically credentialed recruits in the UK lineup.
His background suggests strength and discipline, though mental endurance remains key.
Graeme Swann (International Cricketer)
Graeme Swann is an international cricketer representing the UK side.
His transition from cricket to SAS conditions reflects the broader theme of athletes adapting to unfamiliar environments.
No fame, no favours
According to the program’s format, every recruit faces identical conditions, with no allowances made for celebrity status. Each mistake is scrutinised, every weakness exposed.
The series positions itself as more than a physical contest, focusing equally on psychological endurance, teamwork and leadership under pressure. As alliances form and rivalries intensify, the added national divide is expected to amplify tensions across the course.
With reputations on the line and no guarantee of success, the question remains: which of these high-profile recruits has the grit to last until the end?
A battle of nations under pressure
The clash between Australia and the United Kingdom introduces a competitive edge rarely seen in previous seasons, turning individual survival into a broader contest of national pride.
From seasoned athletes to reality TV personalities seeking redemption, the cast reflects a wide spectrum of experience — but inside the SAS environment, all start on equal footing.
What’s at stake
As the recruits endure extreme heat, sleep deprivation and high-pressure scenarios, the course promises to push each participant to their absolute limit. Success is not guaranteed, and failure can come swiftly for those unable to adapt.
Ultimately, SAS: AUS v ENG is framed as a test of character as much as physical ability, where resilience, discipline and mental toughness determine who remains — and who is sent home.
SAS: AUS v ENG premieres 7.30pm Wednesday, 29 April on Channel 7 and 7plus.
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