Production of SAS Australia is under threat amid a heightened risk of avalanches and blizzards in the NSW Snowy Mountains
Channel Seven’s new military-style reality show SAS Australia began filming in the NSW Snowy Mountains earlier this week.
But production could be under threat after the Bureau of Meteorology advised locals and visitors to the region of a heightened risk of avalanches and blizzards over the next week.
A spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that recent rain in the area coupled with a heavy snow forecast has increased the risk of avalanches.
The show must go on? Production of Channel Seven’s SAS Australia is under threat amid a heightened risk of avalanches and blizzards in the Snowy Mountains. Pictured: Roxy Jacenko
‘While it continues to snow, the risk of avalanches remain,’ they said, noting that up to 1.5 meters of snow is expected to fall on top of frozen ice from the recent rainfall.
A severe weather warning had been issued for far western NSW and Thredbo Top on Wednesday, but it’s unclear if any avalanches have occurred as a result of the wild weather so far.
The Bureau of Meteorology website states: ‘Avalanche risk can be underestimated in Australia due to our relatively flat and dry landscape. But avalanches can and do occur in our alpine regions, sometimes with devastating consequences.’
Stay safe! On Wednesday, the Bureau of Meteorology advised locals and visitors to the region of a heightened risk of avalanches and blizzards over the next week
On set: Seven’s military-style reality show began filming in the Snowy Mountains this week
On Monday, the SAS Australia cast were put through their paces during a filming session. All 14 celebrities on set were wearing full Army camouflage.
The recruits officially announced for the program so far include ex-Bachelor Nick ‘The Honey Badger’ Cummins, 32; radio host and comedian Merrick Watts, 46; former Ironwoman-turned-WAG Candice Warner, 35; PR queen Roxy Jacenko, 40; and convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby, 43.
Some of the filming is taking place in the snow, as the hosts, all of whom are former Special Forces soldiers, shared a selfie from the mountain ranges this week.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
‘Australia they said!’ Some of the filming is taking place in the snow, as the hosts, all of whom are former Special Forces soldiers, shared a selfie from the mountain ranges this week
SAS Australia is a remake of the hit British TV show SAS: Who Dares Wins and will put stars through their paces as they attempt to pass the selection process to join the Australian Army’s elite Special Air Service.
The reality TV stars, models, athletes and radio presenters will receive no special treatment from their commanding officers.
Each celebrity will be referred to by a number on the show, and not by their name.
Format: SAS Australia is a remake of the hit British TV show SAS: Who Dares Wins and will put stars through their paces as they attempt to pass the selection process to join the Australian Army’s elite Special Air Service. Pictured: Candice Warner
No laughing matter: If the challenges get too much for the celebrities, they have the ability to quit by handing over their armband with their assigned number. Pictured: Merrick Watts
If the challenges ever get too much for the celebrities, they have the ability to quit by handing over their armband with their assigned number.
The former Special Forces instructors can also choose to dismiss a celebrity recruit at any time if they deem them incapable of continuing with a challenge.
Filming began earlier this year in Queenstown, New Zealand. However, production is now taking place in the Snowy Mountains due to international travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
SAS Australia premieres this October on Channel Seven
Coming soon: SAS Australia premieres in October on Channel Seven. Pictured: Nick Cummins