AN unlikely war has broken out between SAS: Who Dares Wins and Strictly Come Dancing – over reality hunk Pete Wicks.
The Towie star filmed for the challenge show in July 2023 in New Zealand — his second shot at the gruelling SAS selection process after broken ribs forced him to quit the previous year.
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But Channel 4’s production schedule means the series won’t air until September, on the very same weekend that Pete begins his Strictly stint.
It’s the second time SAS: WDW has been gazumped.
In 2022, its star signing, shamed MP Matt Hancock, appeared on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity before his endurance adventure was broadcast the following year.
The latest clash involving Pete Wicks has left C4 execs “furious” as their promotion plans for the upcoming SAS: WDW are now in tatters.
A TV source said: “Channel 4 were fuming when Pete was revealed as part of this year’s Strictly cast.
“It’s the second time they’ve been screwed over by another reality show.
“After Pete was knocked unconscious and broke his ribs in 2022’s series, his return to try and pass selection was a big deal and the first time [ex-Special Forces lead instructor] Billy Billingham and the directing staff have allowed a celeb to try out twice.
“Bossed wanted his to be one of the main storylines on the show, a real redemption arc, but now they’ve been trumped by Strictly.
“All plans for Pete to give interviews for SAS: WDW will be overtaken by Strictly and bosses are furious — but there’s nothing they can do about it.”
SAS: WDW execs were thrilled when they landed Matt Hancock for his first reality stint post-Westminster.
He appeared in their 2023 series, which was filmed in the Vietnamese jungle in summer 2022.
But he ended up ITV’s I’m A Celeb in November 2022 with SAS: WDW airing the following September.
Who would have thought Anton Du Beke would end up beating Billy in a fight?
MEDICAL documentary series Emergency is back this week, following The London Major Trauma System as they help patients recover from serious injury.
The first episode, on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4, features a paragliding accident that leaves a dad in need of major surgery.
LUCIEN’S KING OF THE HILL
HE’S best known as Lily Collins’ love interest, Alfie, in Emily In Paris – but Lucien Laviscount first found fame closer to home on school drama Grange Hill.
And he feels like he is living a schoolboy’s dream thanks to his acting success.
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Ahead of the Netflix rom com’s new series landing this Thursday, he said: “I just feel so thankful.
“It’s kind of weird.
“My life is kind of dictated by a ten-year-old kid’s dream?
“I think if anyone asked a ten-year-old, ‘What should I do with my life?’, you’d be like, ‘That’s crazy’.
“But, yeah, I’m living that kid’s dream every day.”
Lucien also revealed he has David Beckham to thank for his career.
He was first scouted to appear in an ad for Golden Balls’ clothing range with M&S.
No wonder Lucien’s fast becoming TV execs’ hunk of choice.
GRAY ON C4? RUDE NOT TO
CHANNEL 4 will air an award-winning comedy show – despite its star having attracted 1,500 Ofcom complaints.
Trans comic Jordan Gray scooped the Comedians’ Choice gong at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe with her show Is It A Bird?, but outraged viewers when she stripped naked on C4’s Friday Night Live later that year.
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Now the broadcaster will air Is It A Bird? as a one-off show.
Gray said: “This silly show has changed my life forever.
“The fact it’s going on TV makes me so excited, I could cut the glass ceiling with my nipples.”
Co-producer Ben Timlett added: ‘We look forward to re-upsetting those 1,500 Ofcom complainers and really getting to know the C4 legal team.”
MEET JUDE’S CREW
JUDE LAW is the latest star to appear in a galaxy far, far away for the latest Star Wars series on Disney+.
Skeleton Crew sees the British actor take a major role as lone Jedi knight, Jod Na Nawood.
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The series – which has been described as a blend of Star Wars and Netflix’s Stranger Things – follows four children who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet and then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy.
It is there that they meet Jude’s solitary and enigmatic character – along with a whole host of androids and bizarre creatures, of course.
Skeleton Crew will drop on Disney+ on December 4.
CELEBRITY Race Across The World star Kelly Brook says the show – starting on Wed-nesday – was tougher than she expected.
She was partnered with hubby Jeremy Parisi, who took it way more seriously.
She said: “If Jeremy was doing the race alone, he’d have finished it in a week.”
WILL: MY GARETH REMATCH
WILL YOUNG wants to stage an unofficial Pop Idol reunion with his old rival Gareth Gates.
The idea came about after Will realised he had accidentally moved to the same town as Gareth.
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The duo fought for the talent show crown on ITV 23 years ago.
Will revealed on Magic Breakfast: “I recently moved to the countryside.
“It’s not a big town and I got the train down from London.
:I get in the taxi and the cabbie says to me, ‘Oh are you going to Gareth Gates’ house?’
“Gareth lives in the same town I’ve just moved to. What are the chances!
“I think we’re going to turn up at the local talent show and I’m going to take him on again and win – absolutely!”
Quick, call Simon Cowell.
MONTELL WONDER WOMAN
GLADIATORS star Fire has already made her debut in a Strictly ballgown – in the virtual universe, that is.
The former Team GB athlete – real name Montell Douglas – was confirmed as the 12th celebrity contestant for the new series of the BBC One show last week.
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But as part of her big reveal at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, she also made her debut on online platform Roblox in BBC’s virtual reality game The Wonder Chase, where her avatar wears a flowing Strictly-style dress.
The Roblox platform already features BBC stars Ncuti Gatwa, Gary Lineker and Louis Theroux and allows players to step into shows like Doctor Who, EastEnders and Match Of The Day via mini-games.
Discussing her Strictly unveiling last week, she said: “I feel like I belong here – I’m excited about the challenge.”