Channel 4 has added a “woke” trigger warning to its long-running hit SAS: Who Dares Wins, cautioning viewers about the show’s intense interrogation scenes.
The reality series, which pushes both celebrities and members of the public through a tough, modified SAS training course, is famed for testing participants’ physical endurance and mental resilience to the extreme.
Brutal Challenges Leave Celebrities Reeling
Recruits on the show have faced a range of hardships, from TOWIE star James Argent suffering trench foot to X Factor singer Lucy Spraggan enduring one of the most painful on-set injuries the series has ever seen.
Channel 4 explained that scenes feature “intense interrogation techniques some viewers may find upsetting,” along with strong language throughout the episodes.
This warning comes after more than a decade of the show airing, proving even seasoned audiences might be shocked by the latest season’s intensity.
Celebrity Recruits Conquer the Course
This year’s celebrity edition saw Lucy Spraggan, convicted former drug smuggler Michaella McCollum, and ex-professional footballer Troy Deeney successfully complete the gruelling course.
Meanwhile, Love Island star Adam Collard and drag queen Bimini Bon-Boulash fell just short during the final interrogation phase.
Chief instructor Billy Billingham praised the survivors:
“This course is designed to push you through barriers you would never imagine.
To strip you back, physically, mentally and emotionally. This course is brutal.
Our world is brutal. It will always come down to one question… would we have that person stood next to us?”
Emotional Reactions After the Final
Lucy Spraggan described her relief and shock at passing:
“I couldn’t believe it. It was about nine million times worse than I thought it was going to be.
It’s utterly traumatising but unbelievably rewarding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing because I will never do that again!”
Michaella McCollum added:
“I didn’t expect to make it this far, so when I did, I was really proud.
Anyone thinking about doing it, 100% do it. You really get to see a completely different version of yourself.”
Troy Deeney summed up the experience as “cathartic, brilliantly mind-boggling,” highlighting how curiosity and openness were essential to surviving the course.
Simon Cowell Makes a Surprise Appearance
The latest episode included a surprise video call from Simon Cowell, who checked in on Lucy during the show.
The pair, who met on The X Factor over a decade ago, share a close friendship—so close, in fact, that Cowell walked Lucy down the aisle at her wedding.
During the call, Lucy admitted how tough the challenges had been:
“Simon, it’s been a lot rougher than I anticipated. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Cowell’s playful encouragement and their shared laughter added a lighter moment to the otherwise intense season.
Death-Defying Tasks Keep Viewers on Edge
Among the extreme challenges this season, recruits jumped from a moving speedboat onto a helicopter—a test of nerve and physical skill.
Such tasks, along with brutal interrogations, show why SAS: Who Dares Wins continues to captivate audiences, combining real danger with raw human emotion.
Camaraderie and Personal Growth
Beyond the pain and fear, the show also highlights the bonds between participants.
Lucy, Michaella, and Troy’s experiences show that resilience, teamwork, and facing your fears can leave a lasting impact, both on the recruits and viewers at home.