SAS Australia will not be returning to Channel Seven in 2024.
Despite the network’s announcement last year about the continuation of the series, the fifth season has not been commissioned, leaving fans in suspense.
However, Daily Mail Australia can reveal the bombshell reason why it’s very unlikely the show will be moving to rival network Channel Nine despite keen interest in taking over the series for the next year.
A well-placed source within the production team revealed, ‘I can’t see them doing the series without Ant Middleton. And he is pretty connected to the network given Dancing With The Stars.’
SAS instructor and host Ant Middleton, who has become synonymous with the gritty reality show, is also set to return to screens for Seven’s Dancing with the Stars.
SAS Australia will not be returning to Channel Seven in 2024. Despite the network’s announcement last year about the continuation of the series, the fifth season has not been commissioned, leaving fans in suspense. Pictured: Host Ant Middleton
Daily Mail Australia can reveal why it’s very unlikely the show will be moving to rival network Channel Nine despite keen interest in taking over the series for the next year
His strong connection with Channel Seven, bolstered by his upcoming appearance on DWTS, makes it highly improbable that he would jump ship to Channel Nine.
The insider continued, ‘Ant’s loyalty to Seven and his ongoing projects with the network mean that any potential switch to Channel Nine is extremely unlikely.’
‘His brand and identity are heavily tied to SAS Australia and Channel Seven, making a move to another network a difficult and complicated process.’
A well-placed source within the production team revealed, ‘I can’t see them doing the series without Ant Middleton. And he is pretty connected to the network given Dancing With The Stars.’ (Ant pictured at the Seven upfronts in October last year)
The previous season, filmed in the rugged landscapes of Jordan, followed the show’s tradition of challenging locations, including the Snowy Mountains, Capertee Valley, and Blue Mountains in NSW.
Given the scale of production, a new season would typically need to be well-advanced by now to make it to screens before the end of the year.
Sources at Screentime, the production company behind SAS Australia, disclosed that initial casting discussions took place for the upcoming series.
His strong connection with Channel Seven, bolstered by his upcoming appearance on DWTS, makes it highly improbable that he would jump ship to Channel Nine
However, negotiations between Channel Seven and Screentime fizzled out, leaving the show’s future uncertain.
The decision to axe the show comes as a shock to many, particularly given the strong performance of the 2023 finale, which drew in 1.85 million viewers across Australia and on Seven’s streaming apps.
The popularity of the show and its loyal fan base make the cancellation even more unexpected.
It is understood that Middleton surprised many with his competitive spirit in the dance contest, adding another layer to his dynamic television persona.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven and Nine for comment.
‘His brand and identity are heavily tied to SAS Australia and Channel Seven, making a move to another network a difficult and complicated process’
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