Viewers of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins were left wondering the same thing after one contestant quit the show just minutes into the first episode. Actor John Barrowman arrived at the base camp but made a swift exit from the Channel 4 programme, lasting only 32 minutes.
The 57-year-old was part of a line-up that includes Rachel Johnson, sister of Boris, and Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete Wicks, all of whom are participating in SAS winter warfare training in New Zealand’s southern islands.
The gruelling challenges and emotional conversations often push celebrities to their limits, leaving them in tears and on the verge of giving up. However, Barrowman, who discussed the flashing allegations he faced in 2021 during his brief appearance, was seen vomiting after the first challenge and subsequently quit.
As the contestants were introduced to the base camp and donned their uniforms, Barrowman began to feel unwell and told his co-stars, “I’m out”. When Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham asked if he wanted to see a doctor, Barrowman declined, saying, “No… I’m done.”
He explained: “I just… it’s not for me, I know who I am and what I’m about, it’s not for me,” reports the Mirror.
The show’s narrator then confirmed, “After only 32 minutes on base, number 13 John is the first recruit to leave the course.”
Fans of the show quickly took to social media to question whether Barrowman would still receive payment for his appearance, given that he didn’t even complete the first day. One viewer complained: “#saswhodareswins hope they didn’t pay Barrowman for that pathetic excuse.”
Another expressed frustration: “#SASWhoDaresWins oh f*** off 32 minutes and jacked it, does he get paid for that and a free trip to New Zealand.”
A third suggested: “#SASWhoDaresWins Anyone who bails early doors should only get a percentage of their fee.”
One was in disbelief: “Can’t believe someone would get out that early. Get back up and give it another go. Been there 5 minutes #SASWhoDaresWins”.
Another remarked on the exit: “Fastest quit ever #SASWhoDaresWins”.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is available to stream on Channel4.com