Telly hardman Ant Middleton has hit back at his old bosses at Channel 4 as he launches a “tough” reality show Down Under.
The former SAS soldier is filming Who Dares Wins in Australia which he vowed will be “authentic” compared to the softer UK version.
It comes after Channel 4 said last month it will not work with Ant, 40, again due to his “personal conduct”.
The SAS: Who Dares Wins star was slammed last year over controversial comments about the Black Lives Matter protests and coronavirus.
But the ex-soldier claims he left the show because bosses started to water down the challenges on the programme and tried to soften his tough-guy performance.
(Image: antmiddleton/Instagram)
He said: “It’s unfortunate and disappointing but when something has run its course and you’re forced to change to someone you’re not, it’s time to move on.
“I’ve always said the moment I lose full control of my work, then it’s time for me to move on and that’s what it got to on the UK version.
“The way I do stuff is maybe a bit too tough for society these days, but, I stay true to my values and who I am.”
(Image: Channel 4)
The outspoken dad-of-five added of the Aussie version: “The beautiful thing is that we have full control of the course.
“It’s why it was so successful because you let the experts get on with their field of expertise.
“The experience is as authentic as it will ever be in Australia.”
After Channel 4 cut ties with Middleton, Australian network Channel Seven announced their plans to continue working with the former Royal Marine.
(Image: PA)
A representative confirmed the decision in a statement shared with Daily Mail Australia, promising series two would go ahead as planned.
They said: “Ant Middleton and his fellow DS (Directing Staff), Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham, Jason Fox, and Ollie Ollerton, will all be returning for the second season of SAS Australia which is currently in pre-production.”
Casting for the new series is already underway, with wannabe recruits signing up to undergo a rigorous military testing regime.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
