Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins host Rudy Reyes has sent an inspirational message to Pete Wicks after he was forced to medically withdraw from the show after a serious injury.
The Only Way Is Essex star Pete, 33, was seen floating face down in the sea after jumping from a helicopter in a gruelling challenge in Sunday’s episode. Rescue swimmers raced to help the reality star and flipped him over in the water as concerned recruits were heard saying from the shoreline: “Someone’s struggling.”
After swimming to shore, Pete told a medic: “I winded myself and passed out, all my ribs are quite painful and my head is banging.” After medical examination, Pete was told it would be too dangerous to continue in the process as the challenges would become more physical, a decision which left him “truly gutted.”
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On Monday, Pete posted a lengthy statement regarding his departure on Instagram, where he described the show as “tough but magical.” He said: “Coming out of the course is a painful one for me not physically but mentally as I hate the idea of failing.
“Even after a couple of days, I felt I was starting to open up and understand myself more as a person. Regardless of what you think when you watch the show, it is not only tough but magical and despite my failure, it is an experience I will treasure for a long time.”
In response, the show's new drill sergeant Rudy Reyes – who replaced former chief instructor Ant Middleton – responded with a message of encouragement. He said: “Pete, though your time was cut short on the course, the end of one journey is the beginning of another.
“Don’t lose heart, but instead reflect and gain strength from where you have been and continue the pursuit forward. It was a pleasure and honour to experience a glimpse of your journey, I look forward to seeing where you go warrior.”
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins airs on Channel 4 on Sundays at 9pm.
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