SAS instructor Ant Middleton reveals why he’s so tough on celebrities

SAS Australia’s Chief Instructor Ant Middleton became well-known throughout season one for his harsh techniques in pushing celebrities to their limits during extreme physical and psychological tests.

With season two about to premiere on Channel Seven, the 40-year-old has now explained why he’s so tough on the show’s participants.

Ant, who served in the military from 1998 to 2012, told TV WEEK that he believes it’s his job to make the military-training series as realistic as possible for the celebrities.

“I have sworn to uphold the highest standards in order to give the recruits the most authentic experience,” he said.

RELATED

• SAS Australia winners reveal brutal reality of being on the show

• SAS Australia: What makes celebs go on the brutal reality show

• SAS star Sam Burgess brought to tears: ‘I lost respect for myself’

The former camp soldier went on to say that he tries to maintain a strong work ethic in all aspects of his life, including with his five children aged between four and 19.

“Professional at work, a professional father, a professional husband,” he detailed.

“I could say, ‘I’ve been at work all day – leave me alone’, which, unfortunately, most parents do. But to me, this is where your work starts. I have bad days, of course, but I have a mindset where everything I've chosen to do I give 110 per cent.”

The reality TV star also revealed that he is seriously considering making the move to Australia from the UK as he feels “more at home” when Down Under.

“I love the Aussies and their way of thinking,” he admitted.

”I wouldn't be surprised if we moved out here with the family next year. My wife always wants to come to Australia, I've got a brother here. For the children, it's great.”

Ant’s comments come shortly after reports that cast member Sam Burgess allegedly ‘choked out’ one of the instructors during filming.

According to Fox Sports, one of this season’s tasks sees Sam and seven other celebrities ‘kidnapped’ in the back of a car and driven at speeds of up to 100km/h.

While the essence of the exercise was to see who would step up and rescue the other ‘hostages’, Sam took it one step further.

“Sam took matters into his own hands, ordering [John] Steffensen to pull the handbrake,” Fox Sports reporter James Hooper claims.

“Burgess reached over and put the soldier in a headlock, choking him out, before climbing into the driver’s seat and taking the wheel.”

An ambulance was reportedly called while instructors and producers were left “dumbfounded”.

In a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle, a Channel 7 spokesperson says: “The new season of SAS Australia, coming soon to Channel 7 and 7plus, is the most gruelling course in the world to date. All participants will be pushed to their limits like never before.”

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.