Why SAS Australia choose to cast controversial media personalities

While Ant Middleton is being joined by a brand-new troop of DS in 2023, one thing remains the same for SAS Australia — a cast of controversial celebrities.

The new season will premiere on October 10 on 7 and 7plus with the likes of ‘Cocaine Cassie’ and Craig McLachlan, both of whom have had contentious histories with the media and within their personal lives. 

Speaking to Mediaweek ahead of the launch, Middleton explained the value of having such celebrities go through the process.

"We all know trial by media is becoming worse and worse at the moment and people are sort of really pushing back against it," he said. "So, there's no better time than now to come on and tell your side of the story and give the true 'you'.

"And even if the media trial or the papers were right, it's like we want to find out who you are now. How have you changed, have you really changed? Have you got something to prove? And I suppose it's giving them a platform to tell their story."

SAS Australia 2023 recruits. Seven

Adding that a lot of celebrities want to apply for this very reason ("Because we don't judge"), the 43-year-old said that the real test is whether they're "lying" or not, something he will not tolerate and will happily call out.

"We know if they're lying. We will best ensure that it's in their best interest to be completely honest and open and hold themselves accountable, because if they don't, then they're in for a rude awakening. We will shred them to pieces and it will make them look worse.

"If they're going to lie to us, then they're lying to themselves and they're living a lie, then that needs also to be exposed. So it's wiping the slate clean, shall we say?"

Ant Middleton and "Cocaine Cassie". Seven

Why SAS Australia is a life-changing process

Given that the SAS selection process is about the physicality of the recruits, you'd be forgiven for thinking that being fit will get you through; however, Middleton says that it's the celebrities who can weather the mental storm that has the most impact.

"We look at growth and progression," he said. "There's a whole thing before you get to the growth and progression, there's a whole layer of of stripping you down to your bare bones. We're not worried about your strengths, you will play to your strengths. We are more concerned about your weaknesses, your insecurity, and your vulnerabilities so we can develop them and identify them."

Ant Middleton. SAS Australia. Seven

In fact, the former SAS soldier revealed that most who "VW" (voluntarily withdraw) leave the course "because they're not willing to face their true selves in the mirror."

Once you get past that process and then the rebuilding starts on the sort of the back end of the course, then that's when people really come into themselves."

SAS Australia 2023 premieres on Monday, October 9 at 7.30 pm on 7 and 7Plus.