Recap | SAS: AUS v ENG on Channel 7 crowns three female recruits in historic finale – Three determined women have conquered television’s toughest test, with Emily Seebohm, Dani Dyer and Gabby Allen passing selection in the emotional season finale of SAS: AUS v ENG.
After eight gruelling days battling extreme physical and psychological challenges in the unforgiving North African desert, the final five recruits entered the last phase of selection: interrogation.
Designed to test resilience, mental strength and determination, the interrogation exercise subjected recruits to severe sleep deprivation, sensory overload and intense psychological pressure as the Directing Staff searched for any sign of weakness.
As the final challenge unfolded, Australian Olympic swimmer Mack Horton and British rugby legend Ben Cohen MBE made the difficult decision to withdraw from the course, leaving Emily Seebohm, Dani Dyer and Gabby Allen as the final recruits standing.
Following the completion of the interrogation phase, the trio faced Chief Instructor Billy Billingham MBE and the Directing Staff for the final verdict.
“Eight days ago you came from both sides of the world. Fourteen arrived. Three stand before us. Just because you stand on the finish line doesn’t mean you’ve passed this course,” Billy told the recruits.
After a tense pause, he delivered the news all three had been hoping for.
“It’s a rare moment to say congratulations to all three of you. You’ve passed this course.”
For Emily Seebohm, the achievement was made even more meaningful by the support she drew from her family throughout the experience.
“I couldn’t have been prouder of the girls. We spent the whole time lifting each other up and reminding ourselves how strong we were. Every time I struggled, I pictured my son in his dinosaur pyjamas. I could see him so clearly, and it gave me strength,” she said.
Dani Dyer reflected on the demanding nature of the course and the pride she felt after hearing the result.
“Every single moment was horrendous. But to hear that I’d passed. It’s the best feeling in the world. If I can do this, I can do anything. I definitely am a lot stronger than what I think I am. I can’t believe I’ve actually been able to do it. I’m really proud of myself.”
Gabby Allen was equally emotional after learning she had passed selection.
“I can’t believe that out of fourteen people, it’s us. Well, I can, because we’re boss bitches,” she said.
“Standing there with two women at the end meant everything to me. Men are strong, but women show time and time again that we can do just as much. We were lifting the same weights and trying just as hard.”
Before the recruits departed the course, Billy offered one final lesson from their SAS journey.
“You’ll walk away knowing what’s important in life. It’s not followers, money or materials. It’s yourself, your health and the people who love you.”
The emotional finale ended with a laugh when Dani reminded everyone of one more thing she’d missed throughout the experience: “and showers.”
SAS: AUS v ENG is available to stream in full now on 7plus
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Recap | SAS: AUS v ENG on Channel 7 crowns three female recruits in historic finale
