Former England cricketer Graeme Swann has been medically withdrawn from the intense Channel 4 series, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, after the show's doctor identified a serious issue with his arm.
Doctor's 'Worried' Diagnosis Forces Tough Call
The 46-year-old sports star was called in by the programme's chief medical officer, known as Doctor Laura, after he exhibited problems with his arm during the gruelling challenges. As she conducted a strength assessment, she quickly realised the situation was more severe than initially thought.
Doctor Laura pointed out the chronic damage from his cricketing career, specifically concerning his elbow and ulna nerve. "You can't really feel at all in that nerve down the side... and you can't grasp anymore," she told him. "I'm worried okay. I'm going to speak to the DS [directing staff]."
An Emotional Exit from the Course
Following the medical advice, Chief Instructor Billy Billingham delivered the final verdict. He officially removed Swann from the course on medical grounds, telling the emotional recruit, "Listen mate you've f****** done great. It's a personal journey to everybody."
Swann broke down in tears as his armband was cut off, symbolising the end of his SAS challenge. Reflecting on the moment, he told cameras, "If your body breaks and you can't do it, everything died in that moment." He also mused on his past career, stating, "I had a career that I never would have believed I was capable of, that's a part of my life that's gone. Maybe I am still desperately trying to find that fix."
Second Withdrawal in a Single Episode
This incident occurred during the episode broadcast on Sunday, 18 January 2026. Swann became the eighth recruit to leave the course, following the withdrawal of Neighbours star Ryan Moloney earlier in the same episode due to a mental health issue.
The back-to-back departures highlighted the extreme physical and psychological demands of the celebrity version of the SAS selection process, which spares no one from its rigorous tests.
