John Barrowman Exits Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins After Just 32 Minutes
In a surprising turn of events, John Barrowman, the beloved star of Doctor Who and Torchwood, made headlines after exiting the reality show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins just 32 minutes into the competition. The Channel 4 show, known for its grueling challenges based on SAS winter warfare training, proved to be too much for the 57-year-old actor, who was seen visibly struggling shortly after the first challenge.
The Challenge and Early Exit
The opening episode of the sixth series featured a group of celebrities embarking on intense military-style training in the picturesque yet demanding landscapes of New Zealand’s south islands. As contestants donned their uniforms and prepared for their accommodations, Barrowman began to show signs of distress. He was soon seen vomiting, a clear indication that the physical demands of the show were taking their toll.
When approached by ex-SAS Sergeant Major Mark "Billy" Billingham, Barrowman candidly expressed his decision to leave, stating, "No… I’m done." He elaborated, saying, "I just… it’s not for me, I know who I am and what I’m about, it’s not for me." His early departure marked him as the first recruit to exit the course, as noted by the program’s narrator.
A Controversial Figure
Barrowman’s exit from the show comes at a time when he has been under scrutiny for past allegations of inappropriate behavior during the production of Doctor Who and Torchwood. He has faced accusations of flashing, which he has characterized as "bawdy behaviour, silly behaviour." Despite these controversies, Barrowman remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his charismatic performances in various West End musicals.
The Remaining Contestants
With Barrowman’s departure, the competition continues with 14 other celebrities vying for the top spot in this challenging series. Among the remaining contestants are notable personalities such as Rachel Johnson, sister of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson; reality star Pete Wicks; former Olympic gymnast Ellie Downie; and comedian Tez Ilyas. The lineup also includes professional basketball player and Love Island star Ovie Soko, world heavyweight champion boxer Lani Daniels, and several other reality TV stars.
The opening episode also highlighted the personal struggles of some contestants, including Bobby Norris from The Only Way Is Essex, who spoke openly about his desire to confront his fears and the online abuse he has faced. Norris described some of the negative content created about him as "disturbing" and "dark," emphasizing the impact of online trolling on mental health.
Conclusion
John Barrowman’s swift exit from Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins has sparked discussions about the physical and mental challenges faced by contestants in reality television. While Barrowman may have stepped back from this particular challenge, the remaining celebrities are set to push their limits in the pursuit of victory. As the series unfolds, viewers can expect to see not only the physical trials but also the emotional journeys of the contestants as they navigate the pressures of competition and public scrutiny.