A contestant on Channel 4's gruelling Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins was forced into an immediate and emotional exit from the show following a serious health scare during filming.
Medical Emergency Forces Dramatic Exit
During Monday's episode (January 12), viewers saw Australian actor Axle Whitehead, 45, compelled to leave the competition after seeking urgent medical advice. The Home and Away star reported experiencing numbness in his arm, prompting an assessment from the show's chief medical officer, Dr. Laura.
After confirming he felt "pins and needles," Dr. Laura conducted a physical examination. She listed his symptoms: "Okay, so we've got neck pain. We've got numbness and tingling in this arm and you've got reduced power in [the other arm]." Her conclusion was definitive: "We can't keep you in, we're going to have to medically withdraw you."
The decision left Whitehead visibly upset and overcome with emotion, marking a sudden end to his time on the series which had initially divided celebrities into Team UK and Team Australia.
A Decade-Long Battle with Injury
Prior to his withdrawal, Axle had opened up about significant pre-existing health issues that made the SAS challenges particularly gruelling. He revealed a traumatic injury from a decade ago. "About 10 years ago I went for a Thai massage and ruptured a disc," he explained.
The consequences were severe, requiring three operations on his back and a long recovery. "It's been a long journey to get back to my former self," he shared. The actor spoke candidly about the impact of chronic pain, stating, "I had no idea what it's like to live with chronic pain until I went through it. It affects every part of your body. But the psychological aspect, that's probably toughest."
The injury had shattered his confidence, leaving him fearing he might never run again.
A 'Life Changing' Experience Despite Early Exit
Despite his premature departure, Axle Whitehead has described his stint on the show as profoundly positive. Speaking to Channel 4 ahead of the series airing, he called it a "life changing experience."
"It redefined my relationship with fear and resilience," he said. "I have never been pushed to those limits in my life. It gave me back my confidence that I'd lost over the last few years."
He also cherished the bonds formed, adding, "The sense of camaraderie and laughter within the group is something I'll treasure for the rest of my life. I'd do it again in a heart beat!"
His exit was part of a wave of early departures in the episode, which also saw social media stars Jack Joseph and Cole Anderson James from Team UK concede the challenges were too much. Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is available to stream now on Channel 4.
