Billy Billingham Fears for Pete Wicks’ Life During Intense SAS Challenge in New Zealand
In a harrowing episode of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, ex-SAS leader Billy Billingham feared he might have killed Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks during a physically demanding challenge in the breathtaking mountains of New Zealand.
The Tense Moment
During the gripping third episode of the season, which airs on Sunday, viewers witnessed a shocking moment when Pete collapsed while tackling a strenuous task.
- The 36-year-old Towie star struggled to breathe and required immediate medical assistance.
- Billy, 59, expressed grave concern, fearing for Pete’s life as he struggled on the cold, snow-capped mountain.
“I thought he wasn’t going to make it,” said Billingham, his voice filled with urgency. “I was terrified he was going to die.”
Behind the Scenes: A Gruelling Challenge
This season, the celebrities, including Anthony Ogogo and Georgia Harrison, were tasked with ascending a treacherous mountain.
- The group was instructed to pair up, but Pete, perhaps feeling the pressure of returning for a second time, chose to push himself alone.
- This decision ultimately led to dire consequences, culminating in the dramatic arrival of a snowmobile to rescue him after his collapse.
Pressure to Perform
Marnie Simpson, a fellow recruit from Geordie Shore, highlighted the immense pressure Pete felt upon returning to the show.
- “He pushed himself way too far,” she revealed. “There was so much on his shoulders to do better than last time.”
Reflecting on the ordeal, Pete opened up to The Sun, stating, “That was a tough challenge. I collapsed because I just pushed myself to a limit. I was very dehydrated.”
He even joked about his unique situation: “I think I’m the only person that gets heat exhaustion in the f*****g snow!”
A Fearful Flashback
During this intense moment, Pete couldn’t help but think back to his previous experience on Celebrity SAS.
In 2022, he was forced to withdraw early due to a serious injury, which still haunted him during this challenge.
- “At least I pushed myself,” he said, admitting that the fear of another early exit was looming. “But of course, there was the fear of being pulled out again, you know, striking out twice.”
Billy Billingham: The Protector
Billy, who has been part of the Celebrity SAS team since its inception, has a reputation for being a protector.
Having joined the SAS in 1991, he later transitioned to becoming a bodyguard for numerous celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Hulk Hogan, and Kate Moss.
In this episode, his instincts kicked in as he rushed to assist Pete, showcasing his leadership even in dire circumstances.
The Celebrity SAS Experience
This isn’t the first time the Celebrity SAS experience has tested the limits of its contestants.
Earlier in this season, we saw John Barrowman quit following a grueling ice bath challenge, which pushed competitors to their limits.
Shazia Mirza, another participant, recounted how the ice bath ordeal led John to walk away, saying, “He just thought, ‘F*** this. I don’t need to do this.’”
Looking Ahead: The Impact on Pete Wicks
As Pete continues to navigate the challenges of both Celebrity SAS and his journey on Strictly Come Dancing, fans are left wondering how this experience will affect him moving forward.
With a score of 39 points across his first two dances, Pete has shown significant improvement since his initial appearance on Strictly. However, the pressure of competition, coupled with the physical challenges of Celebrity SAS, raises concerns about his well-being.
Conclusion: The Resilience of Celebrities
The latest episode of Celebrity SAS serves as a stark reminder of the resilience and determination required in extreme situations.
For contestants like Pete Wicks, pushing past their limits can come with serious risks.
As we gear up for the next episode, we can’t help but hope that Pete takes care of himself, ensuring that he stays safe both on the dance floor and in the mountains.
Learn More:
- Celebrity SAS: Celebrity SAS
- Pete Wicks: Pete Wicks
- Strictly Come Dancing: Strictly Come Dancing
- Billy Billingham: Billy Billingham
- Towie: Towie
