SAS show welcomes women to reflect forces shake-up
The move means both sexes will be put through the elite force’s rigorous physical and psychological selection process. Execs decided to open up the show in its fifth series to reflect changes in the armed forces. A casting call has gone out for new applicants, saying: “All roles in the military are now opening up to women, so for the first time SAS: Who Dares Wins will be accepting applications from
Kids’ TV favourite Andy Day says working with children didn’t prepare him for having his own.
The CBeebies star, 43, welcomed his first child Ruby last month but tells how having a newborn was very different to his day job.
“Usually I deal with kids two and up but the role of the dad and the range of EVERYONE who meets the selection criteria.” But only the very best will be selected to meet chief instructor Ant Middleton and his team. The show returns as former soldier Ant and his team take 25 new civilians through the world’s toughest military selection process. Earlier this year, the host explained that women need to “earn their place” in the SAS – but said he would back any move for women to join the show. “The Royal Marine training process and the Parachute training process is now open for
emotions was all a lovely surprise,” he said. Andy – who’s engaged to CBeebies director Kat Woolfe – became a hit among children with shows like Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures and Andy’s Baby Animals.
And he’s also loved by the mums. “I’ve had fan mail women,” he said. “And that’s what the Special Forces recruit from, they recruit mainly from the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment, so I think it’s important they prove that they earn a place on selection.
“I think women would want that anyway. They wouldn’t want to dilute the course, they wouldn’t want to take the easy route, they’d want to earn their right to be on selection, which is a privilege in itself. I think they should go through the process and earn their right like anyone else. But if they can do it, then let’s do it.
“There’s definitely a place for women, we just need to take our time and get through the process and do it correctly.”
To apply for the show, email apply@ minnowfilms.co.uk