But one of the major difficulties contestants face on the Channel 4 reality show is self-inflicted, according to ex-star Jay Morton.
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Military veteran Jay, 39, made his debut on the programme in 2020 as a producer plant in the civilian series.
He then became a member of the directing staff, putting recruits through their paces alongside Ant Middleton, Jason Fox, Billy Billingham and Ollie Ollerton.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Jay explained why the recruits’ sleeping habits are often their downfall.
He said: “All the other recruits didn’t have a clue what they were doing, and so they were in dorms staying up until 10.30 – 11 o’clock at night.
“In my head, I’m thinking ‘guys, just go to bed. Switch the light off; you’re going to need all the sleep you can get this week to perform’. It was those nuances that were quite irritating.
“Trying to stay undercover; you’re then trying not telegraph yourself as someone who knows what they’re doing, so you’re trying to blend in a little bit, but at the same time thinking ‘go to bed, please’.”
While the ill-disciplined bed times drove him crazy, Jay enjoyed being around the recruits and watching them find an inner strength they didn’t realise they had.
Working alongside fellow military vets was also a major pull factor for taking part.
He said: “It was good to be back working with special forces lads. That’s a big highlight for me, being a part of the show is special because you see all of these people who come on and they go through their own personal journeys and so to be a part of that and to see the positive effect it has on people is special.”
We recently reported that the original civilian strand of the show is being rested in favour of the celebrity version, which will now boast a bigger budget.
Though he rarely watches TV anymore, Jay remains balanced on the move and wishes his former colleagues well.
He said: “I’m sure the producers have got their reasons. I personally don’t know what they are. I don’t watch the show anymore, but it’s a good show and I wish all the lads the best.”
And he insists the celebrity version is no less real than its counterpart.
He said: “I think once they start the show all that celebrity nonsense is stripped bare and they’re naked to start their journey on the show. Their might be a few jokes here and there but the show remained the same for the recruits. It’s still SAS: Who Dares Wins and they’ll be treated like anyone else.”
These days, Jay keeps himself busy leading mountain expeditions in the Himalayas and around the world, recently returning from Mt Everest.
He enjoys the responsibility of helping amateur climbers, who often shell out large sums of money, achieve their dreams and bucket list goals.
“I enjoy the fact I can be someone’s safety,” he said. “I can manage them and make sure they’re not getting sick or they’re doing the right thing. I enjoy that responsibility.”
The former paratrooper also revisited another talent of his recently when he carried out solo skydives in authentic World Ward II equipment to deliver copies of Sega’s new game Company of Heroes 3 – Console Edition to players.
Jay said: “As someone with 14 years of military service, including a decade within the UK Special Forces and four within the Parachute Regiment, I was delighted to help launch Company of Heroes 3 – Console Edition.
“I have completed many skydives during my career, but it was a new experience to deliver the game to fans, paying homage to our predecessors by wearing an authentic World War II British paratrooper’s uniform. It’s important we remain knowledgeable about World War II and that we don’t forget the harsh lessons that were learned.”
Company of Heroes 3 – Console Edition is available now on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Order here.
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