The gruelling reality challenge Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is set to return to Channel 4 tonight, Monday, 4th January 2026, with a brand new series and a fresh batch of famous recruits. This year introduces a competitive twist, pitting a team of British celebrities against a squad of Australian stars.
The 2026 Celebrity SAS Line-Up
The eighth celebrity edition of the show, which first aired in 2019, will feature fourteen participants. They will be subjected to brutal military-style training drills under the relentless scrutiny of former special forces instructors, all broadcast on national television.
The British team is comprised of seven well-known figures. Cole Anderson-James, the 28-year-old YouTube and impression star, joins the course seeking "a change" and new experiences. Former England cricketer Graeme Swann, 46, aims to step out of his comfort zone and inspire his children. Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen, 47, wants to rediscover parts of himself and be tested mentally.
They are joined by Dani Dyer, who hopes to conquer the negative voices in her head; Gladiators star and Olympian Toby Olubi, 38; social media personality Jack Joseph, who fears his military father's judgement; and former Love Island contestant Gabby Allen.
The Australian Challengers
Facing them is a team of seven Australian celebrities, led by former cricketer Brad Hodge, who will go head-to-head with Graeme Swann in a sporting rivalry renewal. Olympic swimming champion Emily Seebohm, 33, with seven Olympic medals, joined the show after missing elite competition.
The Australian contingent also includes actor and musician Axle Whitehead, 44; Neighbours stalwart Ryan Moloney, 46; singer and actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte, 50; reality TV personality Jessika Power, 33; and fellow Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Mack Horton, 29.
What the Celebrities Said
Each recruit has their own motivation for enduring the notoriously tough course. Dani Dyer admitted, "I think physically I’ve got this. Mentally is what I’ll struggle with." Ben Cohen highlighted the Anglo-Australian rivalry, noting, "Facing the Aussies is going to be very interesting."
For the Australians, it was about personal proof. Jessika Power stated she wanted to show she's "not a reality b****h," while Mack Horton sought to tap back into his "competitive instinct" after retiring from professional sport.
The series follows the success of the 2024 edition, which saw ex-footballer Troy Deeney, media personality Michaella McCollum, and X Factor's Lucy Spraggan all pass the demanding selection test.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins returns to Channel 4 tonight at 9pm.
