Saira Khan, Alexandra Burke and Wes Nelson have signed up for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins – making it the most diverse line-up ever, according to reports.
TV star Saira, 50, Love Island‘s Wes, 22, and singer Alexandra, 32, will reportedly join presenter Ore Oduba and footballer Kieron Dyer for the new series next year.
It means there will be more BAME contestants than white on the series for the first time ever, reports The Sun.
Exciting: Saira Khan, Alexandra Burke (pictured) and Wes Nelson have sign up for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins – making it the most diverse line-up ever, according to reports
An insider told the publication: ‘Channel 4 is making sure all of the shows it airs reflect modern Britain and SAS is no different.
‘They think they’ve cast one of the best series of SAS yet, as all the names are impressive and there is a real mix of characters.
‘Kieron, Jake, Wes and James are all very physically fit but, mentally, you have stars like Vicky who is a tough cookie and won’t crack easily under pressure.
Contestants: TV star Saira, 50, (right) Love Island’s Wes, 22, (left) and singer Alexandra, 32, will join presenter Ore Oduba and footballer Kieron Dyer for the new series next year.
‘They’re all currently in isolation in a hotel to ensure they’re totally Covid-safe before filming commences.’
Also reportedly joining this year’s line up are Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattinson, 32, James Cracknell, 48, Jake Quickenden, 32, and Ulrika Johnson, 53.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Saira, Wes, Alexandra, Ore, Kieron and Channel 4 for comment.
New challenge: Presenter Ore Oduba (right) and footballer Kieron Dyer (left) have been tipped for the new series which will air next year
On Wednesday it was revealed that former Geordie Shore star Vicky has reportedly vowed to impress fans with her resilience after surprising viewers with her determination on I’m A Celebrity in 2015.
A source told The Sun: ‘Vicky is so excited to take part in the show. She is nervous as she knows that it won’t be easy, but she is more than up for the challenge.
‘Vicky already showed her determination and strength on I’m A Celeb and will no doubt impress fans again on what is easily the toughest show on telly.’
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Vicky Pattison and Channel 4 for comment.
Hotly tipped: Also reportedly joining this year’s line up are Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattinson, 32, (pictured) James Cracknell, 48, Jake Quickenden, 32, and Ulrika Johnson, 53
The next challenge: On Tuesday it was reported Ulrika has become the next celebrity to sign up for SAS (pictured in 2019)
On Tuesday it was reported that Ulrika also signed up for SAS, which sees Ant Middleton and his team training the stars as military recruits.
A show insider said the former weather presenter is determined to ‘roll up her sleeves and really give it her all.’
MailOnline has contacted Ulrika’s representatives for comment.
Ulrika became known as a morning weather presenter and then moved on to present the show Gladiators.
Sportsman: At the weekend it was alleged Olympian James Cracknell (pictured in 2019) and former X Factor star Jake Quickenden would also be forming part of the line-up
Survival of the fittest: The Channel 4 military show sees Ant Middleton and his team training the stars as SAS recruits
Weather girl: Ulrika became known as a morning weather presenter and then moved on to present the show Gladiators (pictured in January)
In 2007 she starred on Dancing On Ice, coming ninth place in the competition overall.
Ulrika’s alleged signing came after it was also reported X Factor’s Jake and James will also star in the upcoming season of the military training show.
The Olympic gold medallist, 48, and Dreamboys star, 32, were said to be top picks for show bosses thanks to their athletic ability.
Up for the challenge: Show bosses are said to want James and Jake (pictured) because they ‘are keen to have people who won’t collapse at the first hurdle’
The pair have had previous experience with shows like SAS before, as James was in Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls in 2018, and Jake appeared in the 2014 edition of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
SAS: Who Dares Wins sees celebrities go through quasi-military training with an array of tough challenges throughout their time on the show, including an intense interrogation.
MailOnline has contacted Jake and James’ representatives, as well as Channel 4 for comment.
During lockdown, James broke the British indoor rowing marathon record, shaving two minutes off the existing record.
Past experience: Jake appeared in the 2014 edition of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Survival of the fittest: The pair have had previous experience with shows like SAS before, as James was in Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls in 2018
In an emotional post to his Instagram page, the double Olympic gold medalist thanked his followers for their support, admitting it also helped him cope with his personal struggles.
James wrote of his achievement: ‘Setting/achieving a goal & the support has given my self-confidence a lift after coping with divorce/family/work over the last 2 mths!’
Having worked with the charity Headway UK – the UK-wide organisation working to improve life after brain injury – James added: ‘I want to give a heartfelt thanks for people’s support of @headway_uk & me yesterday. Thank you & take care!’
James suffered a brain injury in 2010 when he was hit on the head from behind by a petrol tanker whilst on a bicycle during an attempt to cycle, row, run and swim from Los Angeles to New York within 18 days.
Jake, meanwhile, is expecting his first child with girlfriend Sophie Church, and the pair announced last month they were set to welcome the bundle of joy.
Mama! Jake, meanwhile, is expecting his first child with girlfriend Sophie Church, who is already mum to her little boy Freddie