A contestant on the reality show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins was forced to leave the competition due to health concerns during the January 12, 2024, episode. Australian actor Axle Whitehead, known for his role in the soap opera Home and Away, experienced numbness in his arm, leading to his withdrawal from the show after consulting the on-site medical team.
The latest series of Celebrity SAS features 14 celebrities undergoing an adapted version of military-style training, divided into Team UK and Team Australia. Many contestants faced challenges early on, with several opting to exit the show after just four days. Alongside Whitehead, social media influencers Jack Joseph and Cole Anderson James also left the competition.
Whitehead, 45, sought medical advice after feeling concerning symptoms, which included neck pain and reduced strength in his arms. Show’s chief medical officer, Dr. Laura, conducted an assessment and ultimately determined that the risks were too great to allow him to continue. “We can’t keep you in; we’re going to have to medically withdraw you,” she stated.
The actor expressed his emotional response to the situation, visibly upset at having to leave the show. Prior to his departure, he shared insights into his health struggles, revealing a history of back issues stemming from a ruptured disc sustained during a massage ten years ago. “I had to have three operations on my back, and it’s been a long journey to get back to my former self,” he explained.
Whitehead also opened up about the psychological toll of living with chronic pain, stating, “It affects every part of your body. But the psychological aspect, that’s probably toughest.” His injury had previously left him apprehensive about his physical capabilities, significantly impacting his confidence.
Despite these challenges, Whitehead described his experience on Celebrity SAS as “life-changing.” He highlighted how the show helped him confront fear and build resilience, stating, “It gave me back my confidence that I’d lost over the last few years.” He praised the sense of camaraderie and shared experiences with fellow contestants, adding, “I’d do it again in a heartbeat!”
The show continues to air on Channel 4, offering viewers a glimpse into the intense physical and mental challenges faced by the celebrities involved.
