Reality TV star Dani Dyer was left with a bloody nose after being punched in the face during filming for the upcoming series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
A Gruelling Test of Nations
The brutal Channel 4 show returns for its eighth season in January 2026 with a new twist. This series will see a team of British celebrities compete directly against a group of Australian stars in a contest to determine which is the 'greater nation'. The endurance challenge, filmed before Dyer's stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, features 14 recruits facing extreme physical and mental tests.
Among the British contingent is Dani Dyer, the Love Island winner and mum-of-three, who joins fellow islander Gabby Allen. The first episode throws Dyer in at the deep end, resulting in her sporting a bleeding nose after a sparring session.
The Boxing Ring Showdown
Dyer faced off against Australian Married At First Sight star Jessika Power in a makeshift boxing ring. First-look photos show Dyer, wearing a head guard and padded gloves, brushing off blood from her nose after the match. Her performance caught the attention of the show's chief instructor, Mark 'Billy' Billingham.
He revealed that Dyer initially lacked confidence but found her strength. 'Little Dani Dyer surprised me,' Billingham said. 'She was very timid at the start... She was willing to give up, but found a second wind with support from myself, Chris Oliver, Rudy Reyes and Foxy [Jason Fox]. She never believed she could do it but she could.'
Dyer's Personal Challenge
Dyer, confirmed for the 2026 lineup earlier this month, admitted she is a long-time fan of the show and wanted to test herself. 'I’ve always watched it and wondered if I could do it. I want to put myself to the test. I’m nuts, but I think I will be good at it,' she said.
She acknowledged the mental battle would be her biggest hurdle. 'I’ll be completely out of my comfort zone. I just hope that I will be able to stop listening to the voices in my head... I think physically I’ve got this. Mentally is what I’ll struggle with,' Dyer added.
The full celebrity lineup for the new season includes:
- Cole Anderson-James
- Toby Olubi
- Dani Dyer
- Jack Joseph
- Gabby Allen
- Graeme Swann
- Ben Cohen
- Jessika Power
- Brad Hodge
- Emily Seebohm
- Axle Whitehead
- Ryan Moloney
- Natalie Bassingthwaighte
- Mack Horton
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins returns to Channel 4 in January 2026.
